Torque Sensing Apparatus Non-Contact Induction Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional torque sensing apparatuses in athletic equipment suffer from reduced precision due to abrasion of adjustable contacting type variable resistors, which degrade performance with repeated use.

Innovation Solution

A torque sensing apparatus featuring a non-contact sensing assembly with an induction IC sensor and a magnetic component, where the regulating rod changes the distance between the sensor and the magnetic component, generating a signal for the controller to gauge torsional resistance without physical contact, thus preventing wear and enhancing precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an adjustable contacting type variable resistor is used to detect torsional resistance, then the torque sensing apparatus can gauge the torsional resistance value, but the variable resistor is abraded after repeated operation which decreases the precision of the apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of torque sensing apparatusVSAvoiddurability of variable resistor
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contacting type variable resistor with a non-contact sensing assembly that uses electromagnetic or optical fields to detect the position of the regulating seat. This substitution eliminates physical contact and abrasion while maintaining the ability to detect torsional resistance changes, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and component durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a non-contact sensing assembly as an intermediary between the regulating seat and the controller. This intermediary detects the position of the regulating seat through electromagnetic or optical fields without requiring physical contact, thus preventing abrasion of the variable resistor while enabling continuous precise measurement of torsional resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a non-contact sensing assembly is used instead of a contacting variable resistor, then abrasion is prevented and precision is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of torque sensing apparatusVSAvoidcomplexity of sensing assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sensing function from the mechanical variable resistor structure and implements it as a separate non-contact sensing assembly. This extraction allows the use of simpler electromagnetic or optical sensing components rather than complex mechanical contact systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 non-contact design maintains high precision by avoiding abrasion, allowing for accurate and reliable detection of torsional resistance values, improving user experience by providing precise adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

the first device is an induction IC sensor (21) and the second device is a magnetic component (22)... The induction IC sensor (21) is adapted to connect with a controller (5), and the controller (5) gauges a torsional value of the torque adjusting assembly (10) according to the signal generated by the induction IC sensor (21)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the first device is an induction IC sensor (21) and the second device is a magnetic component (22)... One of the first device and the second device detects a change of distance between the first device and the second device and then generates a signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2682163B1Torque Sensing Apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.11.02 TONIC FITNESS TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP2682163B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2682163B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2682163B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A torque sensing apparatus (1) has a torque adjusting assembly (10) and a non-contact sensing assembly (20). The torque adjusting assembly (10) has a fitting unit (11), a regulating rod (12) and a regulating seat (13). The non-contact sensing assembly (20) has a first device and a second device. The regulating rod (12) is rotatably mounted through the fitting unit (11). The regulating seat (13) is movably mounted on the regulating rod (12). The first device is mounted on the fixed plate (112) of the fitting unit (11). The second device is mounted on the regulating seat (13) and kept from contacting the first device. The non-contact sensing assembly (20) detects a change of the distance between the first device and the second device and then generates a signal to a controller. Therefore, the non-contact sensing assembly (20) is not abraded and increases the precision of the torque sensing apparatus (1).