Torque Meter Bearing Surface Deformation Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque meters, particularly hydraulic and torsion types, face issues with precision due to friction, leaks, sensitivity to temperature and viscosity changes, and inability to measure negative torque, requiring frequent maintenance and additional components like reference shafts.
Innovation Solution
A compact torque meter design utilizing a moving part that causes deformation of a bearing surface, measured by a proximity sensor or strain gauge, eliminating hydraulic elements and allowing for accurate, reliable, and low-maintenance measurements of torque, including negative values, with minimal temperature sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hydraulic torque meters are used, then torque measurement is achieved, but the device is sensitive to friction, leaks, and temperature variations requiring regular maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic measurement system with a direct mechanical deformation measurement system. A bearing surface deforms under axial thrust generated by torque, and this deformation is measured directly by strain gauges or deformation gauges, eliminating hydraulic fluid, seals, and pressure transmission components that cause friction, leaks, and temperature sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the hydraulic circuit components (fluid, seals, pressure chambers) from the torque measurement system, retaining only the essential mechanical deformation measurement function. This extraction removes the sources of friction, leaks, and maintenance requirements while preserving torque measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If hydraulic torque meters are used, then torque measurement is achieved, but hydraulic seals require aging management and are sensitive to oil viscosity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the hydraulic system with a direct mechanical deformation measurement system. The bearing surface deformation is measured directly by strain gauges, eliminating sensitivity to oil viscosity variations, seal aging, and temperature-induced hydraulic fluid property changes.
3Measurement precision
If torsional torque meters are used, then torque measurement is achieved, but the shaft length increases resulting in significant size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring torque through long shaft torsion (one-dimensional length extension) to measuring axial thrust through bearing surface deformation (two-dimensional deformation measurement). The bearing surface deformation occurs in the radial direction under axial load, allowing compact design without requiring long measurement shafts.
4Measurement precision
If torsional torque meters are used, then torque measurement is achieved, but a rotating reference shaft is required adding cost and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the rotating reference shaft from the torque measurement system. The bearing surface deformation measurement provides direct torque indication without requiring a separate reference shaft for comparison, simplifying the system and reducing weight while maintaining measurement accuracy.
5Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic torque meters are used, then torque measurement is achieved, but negative torque cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the measurement approach by measuring bearing surface deformation directly rather than relying on hydraulic pressure or torsional phase shift. The bearing surface deformation gauge can detect both compression and tension deformations, enabling measurement of both positive and negative torque directions, thereby expanding the measurement range while maintaining precision.
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 solution provides a precise, reliable, and low-maintenance torque measurement system that is not sensitive to temperature variations and can measure negative torque without the need for hydraulic circuits or reference shafts, enhancing the accuracy and stability of torque readings.
Implementation Method 1
a longitudinal displacement of the moving part causes a deformation of the bearing surface
Implementation Method 2
the means for measuring the deformation of the bearing surface comprising at least one deformation gauge, disposed on the bearing surface and adapted to measure a value representative of the deformation of the bearing surface
Data Source
Figure 1~3c
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a torque meter comprising a casing (12) in which a translationally movable part (14) may move in a longitudinal direction under the effect of an axial pressure representative of the torque to be measured. The torque meter is characterised in that it comprises: a bearing surface (22) connected to the casing (12) via at least one of its ends and lying at least partially in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, one longitudinal end of said movable part (14), which end is called the contact end (24), being suitable for being brought into contact with said bearing surface (22) so that a longitudinal movement of the movable part (14) leads to a deformation of the bearing surface (22); and means (26) for measuring the deformation of the bearing surface (22).