Torque Sensor Strain Gage Stiffness Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional torque sensors face challenges in maintaining high detection accuracy while preventing size increase, as machining inaccuracies and strain gage arrangement variations lead to voltage output in unintended directions, causing deformation and reduced accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A torque sensor design featuring a first and second structure connected by third structures, with fourth structures having lower stiffness connection sections to prevent strain concentration in unintended force directions, ensuring high stiffness in the torque direction and low stiffness in torque-excepted directions, thus maintaining accuracy without enlarging the sensor's shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the structure is designed to be easily deformable in the torque direction and hardly deformable in the torque-excepted direction, then detection accuracy is improved, but the shape of the torque sensor is upsized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidshape size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform stiffness distribution within the fourth structure. Specifically, the connection sections (first and second connection sections) are designed with higher stiffness to resist deformation in torque-excepted directions, while the intermediate section maintains lower stiffness to allow controlled deformation in the torque direction. This localized differentiation of mechanical properties enables the structure to selectively respond to torque while rejecting other forces, achieving high detection accuracy without requiring overall structural enlargement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If machining accuracy deteriorates or strain gage arrangement varies, then the bridge circuit outputs voltage in the torque-excepted direction, but detection accuracy is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobustness to manufacturing variationVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary anti-action by designing the fourth structure with asymmetric stiffness characteristics that proactively counteract potential measurement errors before they occur. The connection sections are pre-engineered with higher stiffness to prevent deformation in torque-excepted directions, thereby preemptively eliminating the source of erroneous voltage output. This design approach compensates for machining inaccuracies and strain gage arrangement variations by making the structure inherently resistant to unwanted deformations, ensuring reliable and accurate torque detection despite manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Measurement precision

If the structure is made more rigid to prevent deformation in torque-excepted direction, then accuracy is improved, but the sensor becomes larger and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fourth structure into distinct functional sections: connection sections (first and second connection sections) with higher stiffness for structural support and error prevention, and an intermediate section with lower stiffness for controlled torque-induced deformation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without requiring the entire structure to be overly rigid or complex, achieving high detection accuracy through localized structural differentiation rather than universal reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 reduces strain on strain gages in unintended force directions, enhancing detection accuracy and preventing torque axis interference, while maintaining a compact sensor size.

Implementation Method 1

a strain sensor provided on the fourth structure... at least one fourth structure provided between the first structure and the second structure, and a strain sensor provided on the fourth structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11499879B2Torque sensor having a strain sensor
Publication Date: 2022.11.15 NIDEC COPAL ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
  • US11499879B2 patent drawing
  • US11499879B2 patent drawing
  • US11499879B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A highly accurate torque sensor is provided by reducing the size of the shape. A torque sensor comprises a fourth structure and a fifth structure provided between a first structure and a second structure, a first strain sensor provided on the fourth structure, and a second strain sensor provided on the fifth structure. Each of the fourth structure and the fifth structure comprises a first connection section connected to one end of the first strain sensor or the second strain sensor, a second connection section connected to the other end of the first strain sensor or the second strain sensor, and a third connection section and a fourth connection section provided between the first connection section and the second connection section and possessing stiffness lower than the first connection section and the second connection section.