Torque Sensor Collector Assembly Flux Leakage Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional torque measurement devices for steering systems are large in size and suffer from significant flux leakage, which affects their accuracy and efficiency in measuring torque, particularly under high resistance conditions.

Innovation Solution

A torque measurement device featuring a stator with alternating annular rings and a ring-shaped magnet, along with a collector assembly that includes bent collector members to form an insertion space for a magnetic element, minimizing external size and preventing flux leakage through optimized flux transfer and concentration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a conventional torque measurement device is used, then torque measurement function is provided, but the device size is large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmeasurement performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic element is inserted into the insertion space formed by the bent collector members, nesting the detection component within the existing structure. The collector members themselves are bent to form the insertion space, creating a nested configuration that reduces overall device volume while maintaining the measurement function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The collector members are bent from flat or linear configurations into three-dimensional curved structures that form the insertion space. This dimensional transformation allows the magnetic element to be positioned within the existing structure rather than requiring additional external space, thereby minimizing device size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a conventional torque measurement device is used, then torque measurement function is provided, but flux leakage is significant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflux leakageVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bent collector members are designed to redirect and concentrate the magnetic flux that would otherwise leak into the surrounding space. By bending the collector members toward the space portion, the structure captures the stray flux and redirects it through the magnetic element, converting harmful flux leakage into useful measurement signal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic element acts as an intermediary between the magnet and the external environment. It is positioned in the insertion space formed by the collector members, which mediate the magnetic flux path. This intermediary configuration allows precise measurement while controlling flux distribution and minimizing leakage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively minimizes the device's size while maintaining performance and preventing flux leakage, enhancing the precision of torque measurement and stability of the steering system.

Implementation Method 1

the technique of measuring a magnetic field between the steering shaft and a magnet coupled to the steering shaft to detect a torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a collector assembly including a first collector member and a second collector member to form at least one insertion space in which a magnetic element is disposed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlux transfer: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2730902B1Torque measurement device
Publication Date: 2016.08.24 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP2730902B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2730902B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2730902B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Provided is a torque measurement device including a stator in which a space portion is formed by a first annular ring and a second annular ring having protrusion pieces, a ring-shaped magnet disposed in the space portion, and a collector assembly including a first collector member and a second collector member to form at least one insertion space in which a magnetic element is disposed, wherein the insertion space is formed by bending an end of the first collector member and an end of the second collector member toward the space portion.