Torque Sensor Module Adhesive-Free Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional torque sensors in Electric Power Steering systems face issues with magnet detachment due to adhesive defects, leading to performance degradation.

Innovation Solution

A torque sensor module with a support coupling part that eliminates the use of adhesives, directly contacting the yoke member and magnet, and features protruding structures from the rotor holder for stable coupling, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and binding properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If adhesive is used to couple magnets to the yoke member, then assembly is simplified, but magnet detachment occurs due to adhesive defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidmagnet coupling stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the adhesive from the coupling system, replacing it with a mechanical interference fit structure where the magnet's outer peripheral surface directly contacts the yoke member's inner peripheral surface, removing the unreliable adhesive layer while maintaining assembly simplicity through direct structural integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) with a mechanical bonding mechanism (interference fit and direct contact), where the magnet and yoke member are coupled through precise dimensional design and geometric shape rather than chemical adhesion, thereby improving reliability without complicating assembly

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

2Ease of manufacture

If adhesive is used for coupling, then initial assembly is easier, but manufacturing defects and omissions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidcoupling consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the adhesive application step entirely from the manufacturing process, eliminating variables related to adhesive quality, application consistency, and curing conditions, thereby achieving uniform and reliable coupling results without the precision challenges of adhesive-based assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnet and yoke member are designed with self-aligning geometric features and interference fit dimensions that automatically ensure proper positioning and coupling during assembly, eliminating the need for adhesive application precision and enabling consistent manufacturing quality through self-constraining design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Prevents magnet detachment and improves sensor performance by ensuring a stable and adhesive-free coupling between the yoke member and magnets, thereby enhancing the reliability of the torque sensor.

Implementation Method 1

a support coupling part (140) contacting an upper side of the yoke member (120) and the first magnet (130)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical contact force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a rotor holder (110) having a hollowed center, and a yoke member (120) coupled to a periphery of the rotor holder (110)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical support: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3241721B1Torque sensor module and steering angle sensing device comprising same
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP3241721B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3241721B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3241721B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed are structures of a torque sensor and of an angle sensor for a vehicular steering angle sensing devise. An embodiment of the present invention provides a torque sensor module comprising: a rotor holder, which has a hollow interior; a yoke member coupled along the outer peripheral surface of the rotor holder; and a first magnet coupled so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the yoke member, wherein the torque sensor module comprises a supporting/coupling portion, which extends from the upper surface of the rotor holder, and which contacts the upper surfaces of the yoke member and of the first magnet, respectively.