Torque Sensor Radial Strain Detection Compact Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque sensors, such as those described in Patent Literature 1, face challenges in size reduction and accurate torque detection due to the minute strain in cylindrical strain generation parts and the difficulty in detecting torque with high accuracy, especially with strain detection parts attached to thin support walls.
Innovation Solution
A torque sensor design featuring a strain generation part with first and second surfaces between rotating bodies, equipped with strain detection parts on both surfaces, and an encoder, allowing for axial rotation and precise torque transfer, enabling size reduction and high-accuracy torque detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cylindrical strain generation part with a strain gauge applied to its inner peripheral surface is used to detect torque, then torque detection is enabled, but the strain is minute and the axial length must be long to detect the strain, limiting size reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from detecting strain in the axial direction (requiring long length) to detecting strain in the radial direction (enabling short length). By attaching the strain detection part to the support wall and orienting it to detect radial strain, the patent achieves compact axial dimensions while maintaining torque detection capability through dimensional transformation of the detection approach.
2Length of moving object
If a strain detection part is attached to a thin support wall to enable compact design, then size reduction is achieved, but it is difficult to detect torque with high accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the detection parameter from axial strain to radial strain. By detecting radial strain in the support wall instead of axial strain in a long cylindrical part, the patent achieves both compact size (short axial length) and high measurement precision (accurate torque detection) simultaneously through parameter transformation.
3Measurement precision
If the longitudinal direction of the strain gauge extends along the axial direction to detect strain, then torque detection is possible, but the axial length must be long, limiting productivity and space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the strain detection from the axial dimension to the radial dimension. The strain detection part detects radial strain in the support wall, which allows the axial length to be minimized while maintaining full strain detection capability, thereby maximizing space utilization and productivity.
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 enables a compact torque sensor that accurately detects torque with improved sensitivity, reducing the overall size of the power control actuator and allowing for more efficient space utilization in applications like robot arms.
Implementation Method 1
configured to transfer rotation torque while generating a strain between the first rotating body and the second rotating body
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of strain detection parts provided on the first surface and the second surface, respectively, to detect a strain of the strain generation part
Data Source
AI summary
[Object] To provide a torque sensor and power control actuator that are reduced in size and are capable of detecting torque with high accuracy.[Solution] The torque sensor includes: a first rotating body capable of making axial rotation about an input axis; a second rotating body capable of making axial rotation about an output axis; a strain generation part provided between the first rotating body and the second rotating body, having a first surface facing one side in a first direction parallel to the input axis and a second surface facing the other side in the first direction, and configured to transfer rotation torque while generating a strain between the first rotating body and the second rotating body; and a plurality of strain detection parts provided on the first surface and the second surface, respectively, to detect a strain of the strain generation part.