Torque Sensor Magnetic Shield Clearance Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Torque detecting apparatuses face issues with crack formation due to differential thermal expansion between the magnetic shield, magnetic flux collecting holder, and housing, causing stress concentration and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a design with an annular magnetic flux collecting ring and a magnetic shield attached to the magnetic flux collecting holder, where the housing portion includes a clearance between its outer wall and the magnetic shield's circumferential end, preventing direct contact and stress concentration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the magnetic shield is attached to the magnetic flux collecting holder, then the magnetic shield can reduce the influence of external magnetic fields, but differential thermal expansion causes stress concentration and crack formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic shield effectivenessVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A resin layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the magnetic shield and the magnetic flux collecting holder. This resin layer acts as a buffer that absorbs differential thermal expansion stress, preventing direct stress transmission to the magnetic flux collecting holder while maintaining the magnetic shield's attachment and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The resin layer is applied beforehand to the magnetic flux collecting holder's outer peripheral surface before attaching the magnetic shield. This pre-applied cushioning layer anticipates and prepares for the thermal expansion differences that will occur during operation, distributing stresses before they can concentrate and cause cracks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of manufacture

If the magnetic shield, magnetic flux collecting holder, and housing are tightly coupled, then assembly is simplified, but thermal expansion differences cause stress concentration at contact points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidstress concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The resin layer serves as a mediator between the magnetic flux collecting holder and the magnetic shield, enabling a simplified assembly process while simultaneously preventing stress concentration. The resin's compliant nature allows for easy attachment without requiring complex stress-absorbing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The resin layer changes the mechanical interaction parameters between the magnetic flux collecting holder and magnetic shield, transitioning from rigid-to-rigid contact to compliant-to-rigid contact. This parameter change allows tight coupling for ease of assembly while preventing stress concentration through the resin's elastic properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design effectively prevents crack formation in the magnetic flux collecting holder and housing by maintaining a clearance, thereby ensuring the structural integrity and reliability of the torque detecting apparatus across temperature changes.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic shield is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the magnetic flux collecting holder so as to reduce influence that an external magnetic field exerts on the magnetic flux collecting ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic shielding: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The magnetic flux collecting holder surrounds and holds the magnetic flux collecting ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux conduction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3324167B1Torque detecting apparatus and method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 JTEKT CORP
  • EP3324167B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3324167B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3324167B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A torque detecting apparatus includes an annular magnetic flux collecting ring, a magnetic flux collecting holder surrounding and holding the magnetic flux collecting ring, and a magnetic shield including a circumferential end and attached to the outer periphery of the magnetic flux collecting holder. The magnetic flux collecting holder includes a housing portion that houses in its inner space the circumferential end of the magnetic shield. The housing portion includes an outer wall radially inwardly facing an outer peripheral surface of the circumferential end of the magnetic shield such that a first clearance is provided between the housing portion and the outer peripheral surface of the circumferential end of the magnetic shield.