Torque Sensor Sealing Membrane Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque sensors are sensitive to mechanical interference and prone to measuring errors due to fluid exposure and manufacturing tolerances, which affect the accuracy of torque measurements.
Innovation Solution
A compact torque sensor design featuring a rubber-elastic sealing membrane and a radially elastic material portion that decouples radial deformations, protecting measurement transducers from fluid and compensating for manufacturing deviations, while maintaining high torsional stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor portion is provided with axial through-openings for mechanical weakening, then the sensor can measure torque effectively, but fluid can pass through and cause measuring errors
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane is integrated into the sensor portion, covering the axial through-openings while allowing mechanical deformation for torque measurement. The membrane acts as a barrier to fluid penetration while maintaining the necessary mechanical flexibility for accurate torque sensing through strain gauge measurements.
2Strength
If the torque sensor uses a rigid structure for high stiffness, then mechanical strength is improved, but sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances and mechanical interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor portion is designed with a weakened mechanical structure featuring reduced wall thickness and strategic openings, transforming the structural parameters to achieve optimal balance between strength and tolerance sensitivity. This allows the sensor to maintain sufficient mechanical strength while reducing sensitivity to manufacturing variations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sealing membrane is made rigid for effective sealing, then fluid-tight sealing is improved, but the influence on deformation in the sensor portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing membrane is designed as a flexible component that can deform along with the sensor portion during torque measurement. This flexibility allows the membrane to maintain effective fluid sealing while accommodating the mechanical deformations necessary for accurate torque sensing, preventing interference with measurement precision.
4Volume of moving object
If the torque sensor is designed to be compact, then space requirements are reduced, but the construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing membrane is integrated directly into the sensor portion structure, merging the sealing function with the measurement structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate sealing components and complex assembly procedures, achieving compact design while maintaining construction simplicity.
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 enhances the sensor's resistance to mechanical interference, reduces measuring errors, and provides a compact, simple construction that is less sensitive to fluid exposure and manufacturing tolerances, ensuring accurate torque measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a rubber-elastic sealing membrane arranged axially between the outer flange and the inner flange covers the mechanically weakened sensor portion in a fluid-tight manner
Implementation Method 2
the second force application points are connected to the sensor portion by a radially elastic material portion. In this manner, a high degree of decoupling can be achieved in the radial direction, so that, for example, it is possible to compensate for roundness deviations at the second force application points
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a torque sensor (1000; 1100) having a base body (1001; 1101) which extends in a radial direction (Y) of the base body from an annular inner flange (1003; 1103) having first force application points (1005; 1105), via a mechanically weakened sensor portion (1007; 1107) equipped with measurement transducers (10, 20) which generate output signals, to an annular outer flange (1009; 1109) having second force application points (1011; 1111), wherein a rubber-elastic sealing membrane (1031; 1131) arranged axially between the outer flange (1009; 1109) and the inner flange (1003; 1103) covers the mechanically weakened sensor portion (1007; 1107) in a fluid-tight manner.