In-vehicle Torque Sensor Calibration via Drivetrain Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calibrating torque sensors in motor vehicle drive trains are complex and expensive, requiring a large assembly to be calibrated in a separate system, and involve dismantling and recalibration during repairs.
Innovation Solution
The method involves calibrating the torque sensor in its installed state within the motor vehicle by applying known torque values, such as zero and maximum torque, using the vehicle itself as part of the calibration system, eliminating the need for a separate calibration system for the drive shaft and torque sensor assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the torque sensor is calibrated in a separate calibration system before installation, then the calibration can be performed on the drive shaft and torque sensor assembly, but the calibration system becomes very large and heavy and the process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque sensor calibration from the complex separate calibration system and performs it in-situ within the vehicle. By removing the torque sensor assembly from the need for external calibration equipment, the system eliminates the requirement for large and heavy calibration systems while maintaining calibration accuracy through direct measurement within the actual application environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle itself serves as the calibration system by utilizing its own drivetrain components (engine, transmission, wheels) to apply known torque loads during normal operation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external calibration equipment, reducing system complexity and cost while enabling calibration to be performed in the actual operating conditions.
2Measurement precision
If the torque sensor is calibrated in a separate calibration system, then the drive shaft and torque sensor assembly can be calibrated together, but repairing a defective torque sensor requires disassembling and recalibrating the entire assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the torque sensor calibration from the drive shaft assembly by enabling independent in-situ calibration of the torque sensor within the vehicle. This extraction allows the torque sensor to be replaced and calibrated independently without requiring disassembly and recalibration of the entire drive shaft assembly, significantly improving repairability.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process is segmented into independent torque sensor calibration rather than requiring assembly-level calibration. This segmentation allows the torque sensor to be treated as an independent calibratable component, enabling easier replacement and calibration during repairs without affecting the entire drive shaft assembly.
3Measurement precision
If the torque sensor is calibrated in a separate calibration system, then the assembly can be calibrated before installation, but the calibration process becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle performs its own torque sensor calibration using its existing drivetrain components to generate known torque loads. This self-service calibration eliminates the need for expensive external calibration facilities and reduces calibration time by performing the calibration in-situ during vehicle operation or maintenance, significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration is performed in-situ within the vehicle before or during normal operation, eliminating the need for separate pre-installation calibration steps. This preliminary action within the actual operating environment ensures accuracy while improving efficiency by consolidating the calibration process into the vehicle's normal operational timeline.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for calibrating a torque sensor (1) arranged in the drivetrain (22) of a motor vehicle (21). In order to specify a method for calibrating a torque sensor which is arranged in the drivetrain of a motor vehicle, which method is less complex and therefore more cost-effective, firstly the uncalibrated torque sensor (1) is arranged in the completely finished drivetrain in the motor vehicle (21), and subsequently a first known value for a torque is applied to the drivetrain of the motor vehicle (21), and then a second known value for a torque is applied to the drivetrain of the motor vehicle (21), and the first output signal which is generated by the torque sensor (1) is assigned to the first known value for a torque, and the second output signal which is generated by the torque sensor (1) is assigned to the second known value for a torque, by which means the torque sensor (1) is calibrated in the completely finished drivetrain of the motor vehicle (21).