Torque Sensing System Using Pivoting Shaft and Load Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical systems lack the ability to effectively monitor torque at specific locations within the system, relying on strain gauges that require slip rings, wireless telemetry, or rotary transformers, which do not provide a direct relation to torque.
Innovation Solution
A torque sensing system comprising an input shaft, gears, a pivot joint, and a load cell, where the torque causes the torque shaft to pivot and apply pressure to the load cell in proportion to the torque in the mechanical system, allowing for direct measurement of torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauges are applied to the surface of a rotating shaft to measure torque, then torque sensing capability is provided, but the system complexity increases due to the need for slip rings, wireless telemetry, or rotary transformers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque sensing function from the rotating shaft surface (where strain gauges would be applied) and relocates it to a stationary measurement point. The torque shaft is allowed to pivot freely, transferring the torque measurement to the load cell in a stationary position, eliminating the need for rotating electrical contacts or wireless telemetry systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The load cell serves as an intermediary element that indirectly measures torque without being subjected to the rotational forces directly. Instead of measuring strain on the rotating shaft, the load cell measures the force applied by the pivoting torque shaft, providing a simpler measurement mechanism that avoids the complexity of rotating electrical contacts.
2Measurement precision
If strain gauges are used on the rotating shaft surface, then torque measurement is possible, but the measurement does not provide a direct relation to torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical strain gauge measurement system with a purely mechanical leverage system. The torque shaft acts as a lever arm that converts rotational torque into linear force, which is then directly measured by the load cell. This mechanical substitution provides a more direct and intuitive relationship between the measured force and the actual torque.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque shaft serves as a mechanical intermediary that directly translates torque into a measurable force. By allowing the torque shaft to pivot freely and apply force to the load cell, the system creates a direct mechanical relationship where the load cell measurement is proportionally related to the applied torque, eliminating the indirect strain measurement approach.
3Measurement precision
If a torque sensing system is integrated into a mechanical system, then torque monitoring capability is added, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the torque sensing function with the existing mechanical components of the system. The torque shaft is integrated into the gear train, utilizing the existing rotational motion and torque transmission path. The load cell is positioned to receive force from the torque shaft, combining the measurement function with the mechanical power transmission elements rather than adding a separate sensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the torque measurement function from the complex rotating assembly and isolates it to a specific pivoting motion of the torque shaft. By separating the measurement function to this specific degree of freedom, the system achieves torque sensing without requiring complex instrumentation on the rotating shaft itself, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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
Enables precise and continuous monitoring of torque and horsepower in mechanical systems, improving control and efficiency by directly measuring torque through the deflection of the torque shaft onto a load cell.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell adapted to measure force applied thereto by the torque shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A torque sensing system can sense the torque that is flowing through a mechanical system. The torque sensing system allows for better control because the torque and horsepower of the mechanical system can be known at all times. The torque sensing system includes an input shaft and an output shaft that prompts a torque shaft to deflect onto a load cell, where the force of the deflection of the torque shaft onto the load cell may be used to determine the torque of the system.