Torque Sensor Encoder Air Gap Adjustment in Compact Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque determination systems face challenges in accurately and stably setting the air gap between encoder tracks and sensors, which is crucial for precise torque measurement, and this setting needs to be adjustable throughout the system's life, especially when the test body changes.
Innovation Solution
A torque determination system with a casing that houses a test body, encoders, and a torque determination device, featuring a subplate and setting screw to adjust the reading distance of sensor tracks, ensuring accurate and stable air gap setting without increasing axial bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the air gap between encoder tracks and sensors is set to be accurate and stable, then torque measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The support carrying the sensors is nested within the casing, and the subplate is integrated into the casing structure. The setting screw is housed within the casing, with its adjustment mechanism nested within the existing structural components. This nesting approach allows for air gap adjustment functionality without adding external bulk or increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The setting screw provides a manual adjustment mechanism that allows users to self-adjust the air gap between encoder tracks and sensors. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex automated adjustment systems, maintaining measurement precision while keeping the device simple and easy to maintain throughout its service life.
2Volume of moving object
If the setting mechanism for air gap is contained within the casing, then the axial bulk is reduced, but the ease of operation for adjustment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The setting screw acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates rotational motion into linear displacement for adjusting the support position. This mechanical intermediary allows for compact integration within the casing while maintaining ease of adjustment through simple rotational operation, bridging the gap between space constraints and operational simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the reading distance of sensor tracks is made adjustable, then the adaptability is improved for different test bodies, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support carrying the sensors is made dynamically adjustable through the setting screw mechanism. This allows the reading distance to be changed as needed for different test bodies or maintenance requirements, providing adaptability while using a simple mechanical adjustment rather than a complex variable system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables precise torque measurement by allowing adjustable and stable air gap setting, minimizing interference with the casing and maintaining compactness, thus enhancing the system's durability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
each of said encoders carrying a track capable of emitting a periodic signal representative of the rotational displacement of the corresponding ring
Implementation Method 2
each of the sensors comprising a pattern of sensitive elements arranged at a reading distance from the internal or external track to output a signal representative of the angular position of the corresponding encoder
Implementation Method 3
said rings being concentrically linked around the axis by a deformable structure which is arranged so as to transmit the torque between the members while enabling an angular displacement between said rings according to the torque applied between the members
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for determining a torque applied between two rotating members. The system includes a test body with a deformable structure arranged to transmit the torque while enabling an angular displacement according to the applied torque. The system includes two encoders each on a different rotating member and each capable of emitting a periodic signal representative of the rotational displacement of the corresponding member.