Modular Torque Sensor Structure for Independent Sensitivity and Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque sensors face challenges in independently setting sensitivity and allowable torque, as well as mechanical strength.
Innovation Solution
A torque sensor design that allows independent adjustment of sensitivity and allowable torque through varying thicknesses and lengths of structural components, including strain generation parts and beams, while using strain gauges to detect torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the strain generation parts are integrated with the first and second structures, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the sensitivity and allowable torque cannot be independently adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The torque sensor is divided into independent functional modules: the first structure, second structure, strain generation parts, and strain sensors are separated into distinct components that can be independently designed and adjusted. This segmentation allows the mechanical strength parameters to be optimized separately from the sensitivity and allowable torque parameters, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and measurement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a two-dimensional integrated structure to a three-dimensional modular configuration where strain generation parts are positioned at specific locations between the first and second structures. This spatial arrangement enables independent adjustment of sensitivity and allowable torque while maintaining mechanical strength through proper structural design.
2Measurement precision
If the strain generation parts are made thinner to increase sensitivity, then the sensitivity is improved, but the mechanical strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the torque sensor are assigned different thickness characteristics: the strain generation parts are made thinner at specific locations to increase sensitivity and strain detection capability, while other structural regions maintain adequate thickness to ensure mechanical strength. This localized differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both sensitivity and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure is segmented into regions with different functional requirements, allowing the strain generation parts to have optimized thin dimensions for sensitivity while other supporting structures maintain sufficient thickness for mechanical strength, thus resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and strength.
3Force
If the allowable torque is increased to handle higher loads, then the load capacity is improved, but the sensitivity for small torque detection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The design employs multiple strain generation parts with different geometric parameters and material properties, allowing the system to maintain high sensitivity for small torque detection while accommodating high allowable torque through the combined response of multiple parts with optimized parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque detection function is distributed across multiple strain generation parts, each optimized for different torque ranges. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve high sensitivity for small torques and high allowable torque capacity through the collective response of the segmented structure.
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 precise torque detection by offsetting thrust forces and temperature variations, improving mechanical strength and sensitivity, and facilitating easy manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of strain generation parts that connects the first structure and the second structure, and a strain sensor is disposed in these strain generation parts
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Provided is a torque sensor which enables the allowable torque and sensitivity of a strain sensor to be independently set, or for which the mechanical strength can be independently set. The torque sensor comprises a first region, a second region, and a plurality of third regions which connect 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 is provided between the first region 11 and the second region 12, and is equipped with a first resistor. A second strain generation part 15 is provided between the first region 11 and the second region 12 at a location separated from the first strain generation part, and is equipped with a second resistor.