Torque Measurement via Axial Thrust in Turbo Machine Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque measurement systems for turbo machines are complex, heavy, and less accurate due to the need for additional hardware like a reference torque shaft and sensors, which reduces efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A torque measurement system that includes a sensor disposed between the outer bearing race and a static structure, adjacent to the thrust load direction, which measures axial thrust load from the rotor assembly, eliminating the need for a torque shaft and reference tube, and using load cells, strain gauges, or piezoelectric materials for accurate torque determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reference torque shaft and additional sensors are used to measure torque, then torque measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque measurement function from a separate reference torque shaft and relocates it to the bearing assembly. By measuring axial thrust load at the bearing assembly instead of using a dedicated torque shaft, the system eliminates unnecessary components while maintaining measurement capability. This extraction principle resolves the contradiction by removing complexity-inducing elements while preserving the core measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing assembly is given a dual function: supporting rotor rotation and measuring torque through axial thrust load. Instead of requiring a separate torque measurement system, the existing bearing assembly performs both mechanical support and measurement functions. This multi-functionality principle reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant components while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If a reference torque shaft and additional hardware are installed, then torque measurement is enabled, but weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the weight of a separate reference torque shaft and its associated sensors by extracting the measurement function to the bearing assembly. The bearing assembly, which already exists to support rotation, is utilized for measurement purposes, thereby eliminating the need for additional heavy components while maintaining torque measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing assembly serves dual purposes: mechanical support and torque measurement. By making the bearing assembly multi-functional, the system avoids adding separate heavy hardware for torque measurement, thus reducing overall system weight while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors and a reference torque shaft are added, then torque measurement capability is provided, but the system becomes less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from a complex reference torque shaft system and relocates it to the simpler bearing assembly. This reduction in system complexity removes potential failure points associated with additional sensors and mechanical components, thereby improving reliability while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the bearing assembly multi-functional (support and measurement), the system eliminates redundant components that could fail. Fewer components mean fewer potential failure points, thus improving system reliability while maintaining the necessary torque measurement capability.
4Measurement precision
If a reference torque shaft and additional hardware are installed, then torque measurement is achieved, but the system requires more physical space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque measurement function from a separate reference torque shaft that would require additional physical space and integrates it into the existing bearing assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate measurement hardware and the physical space it would occupy, while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing assembly performs both mechanical support and torque measurement functions within the same physical location. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement hardware and reduces the physical space required for the system while maintaining full measurement capability.
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
This solution provides a simpler, lighter, and more accurate torque measurement system, reducing weight and complexity, thereby improving the efficiency and performance of turbo machines by directly correlating torque with axial thrust, enhancing reliability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the axial thrust load from the rotor assembly... measuring the axial thrust load generated from a gear mesh at the rotor assembly in response to the application of a torque thereto
Implementation Method 2
The sensor comprises a load cell... disposed between an outer bearing race and a static structure of a bearing assembly
Implementation Method 3
The sensor comprises a load cell, a strain gage... disposed adjacent along a thrust load direction to the outer bearing race
Implementation Method 4
The sensor comprises a load cell, a strain gage, a piezoelectric material... configured to determine a torque measurement based at least on an axial thrust load
Data Source
AI summary
A system for torque measurement is generally provided. The system includes a sensor disposed between an outer bearing race and a static structure of a bearing assembly. The sensor is disposed adjacent along a thrust load direction to the outer bearing race. The system further includes a rotor assembly rotatably coupled to the bearing assembly, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to store and execute operations. The operations include determining a torque measurement from the rotor assembly based at least on an axial thrust load from the rotor assembly.