Torque Sensor Capacitive Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque sensors face challenges in manufacturing efficiency due to alignment issues between displacement and fixed electrodes, leading to decreased production efficiency and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A torque sensor design that includes a strain body with deformable bodies in the Z-axis direction, connected by capacitive elements, where the electrodes are aligned to detect changes in capacitance value, facilitating easier alignment and manufacturing by using a configuration where the force receiving body, strain body, and support body are disposed on an XY plane, with specific dimensions and orientations of connecting portions to enhance rigidity and reduce elastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the displacement electrode and fixed electrode are disposed with facing surfaces perpendicular to the XY plane, then the torque sensor can detect moment about the Z-axis, but the alignment of the electrodes becomes difficult and manufacturing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the electrode facing surfaces from perpendicular to the XY plane (vertical arrangement) to parallel to the XY plane (horizontal arrangement). This dimensional reorientation allows the electrodes to be aligned more easily during manufacturing while still enabling moment detection about the Z-axis through the strain body's elastic deformation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the strain body is made more rigid to reduce elastic deformation, then manufacturing precision improves, but the sensitivity of torque detection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the specific deformable body portions (where the electrodes are positioned) more rigid through optimized geometric design, while other parts of the strain body maintain appropriate flexibility. This localized rigidity enhancement improves manufacturing precision and electrode alignment without significantly reducing the overall torque detection sensitivity.
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 design improves manufacturing efficiency by simplifying electrode alignment and reducing elastic deformation, resulting in a more cost-effective and precise torque sensor capable of accurately detecting moment about the Z-axis.
Implementation Method 1
the detection element includes a capacitive element that detects a change in capacitance value by a displacement of the displacement portion of each of the deformable bodies in the Z-axis direction
Implementation Method 2
a strain body provided between the first structure and the second structure, the strain body connecting the first structure and the second structure, and producing elastic deformation by the action of the moment
Data Source
AI summary
A torque sensor according to the present invention includes a strain body, first structure Y-axis connecting portions, second structure X-axis connecting portions and a detection element. The first structure Y-axis connecting portions are disposed on a positive side and a negative side of a Y-axis relative to the strain body, and the second structure X-axis connecting portions are disposed on a positive side and a negative side of an X-axis relative to the second structure. The strain body includes four deformable bodies each including a displacement portion that is displaced in a Z-axis direction by elastic deformation. The deformable bodies are respectively disposed in a first quadrant, a second quadrant, a third quadrant, and a fourth quadrant. The detection element includes a capacitive element that detects a change in capacitance value by a displacement of the displacement portion of each of the deformable bodies in the Z-axis direction.