Torque Sensor Radial Beam Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque sensors face challenges in independently setting sensitivity and allowable torque, as well as mechanical strength, which limits their effectiveness in applications such as robot arms.
Innovation Solution
A torque sensor design featuring a first and second structure connected by beams, with strain generation parts and a bridge circuit, allowing for independent adjustment of beam widths and thicknesses to set sensitivity and mechanical strength, and using strain gauges to detect torque while offsetting thrust force and temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the beam width and thickness are increased to improve mechanical strength, then the allowable torque increases, but the sensitivity of the strain sensor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque sensor is divided into multiple independent beams (first beam, second beam, third beam, fourth beam) that are arranged radially around the central axis. Each beam can be independently designed with optimized dimensions, allowing the mechanical strength to be increased through additional beams while the sensitivity of individual beams remains optimized for strain detection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the beams have different cross-sectional dimensions. The beams have a first cross-sectional dimension along the radial direction and a second cross-sectional dimension along the circumferential direction, with the ratio between these dimensions being 1:2 or less. This local variation in geometry allows optimization of both strength and sensitivity in different directions.
2Measurement precision
If the beam width is increased to improve sensitivity, then the strain detection capability increases, but the allowable torque decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque sensor uses multiple thin beams arranged radially instead of a single thick beam. This segmentation allows each beam to maintain high sensitivity while the collective arrangement of multiple beams provides the necessary mechanical strength and allowable torque capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The beams are arranged in a radial pattern around the central axis, utilizing the circumferential dimension to distribute the torque load across multiple elements. This spatial arrangement allows sensitivity optimization in the strain direction while maintaining overall structural strength through the multi-beam configuration.
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 independent setting of sensitivity and mechanical strength, enhancing torque detection accuracy and robustness, particularly in robot arm applications by effectively isolating torque measurements from thrust forces and temperature effects.
Implementation Method 1
a bridge circuit is formed by four strain gauges 21-1 to 21-4
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of beams 13 which radially connect the first structure 11 and the second structure 12, a first strain generation part 14 which connects a third portion 11c of the first structure 11 and a seventh portion 12c of the second structure 12
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6(b)
AI summary
Provided is a torque sensor capable of independently setting the allowable torque and sensitivity of a strain sensor, or the mechanical strength of the torque sensor. A torque sensor comprises a first region, a second region, and a plurality of third regions connecting the first and second regions, wherein the torque to be measured is transmitted between the first and second regions through the third regions. A first strain generation part 14 of which a first end 14a is provided on the first region 11, and of which a first intermediate portion 14c is provided on a second structure 12. A second strain generation part 15 of which a third end 15a is provided on the first region 11, of which a second intermediate portion 15c is provided on the second region 12, and of which a fourth end 15b is provided near a second end 14b of the first strain generation part 14. A strain body 16 provided with a resistor connects the second end 14b of the first strain generation part 14 and the fourth end 15b of the second strain generation part 15.