Torque Shaft and Reference Tube Assembly for Compact Torque Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque measurement systems in aircraft engines face challenges in integrating a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective solution that can accurately measure torque while considering volume constraints and assembly complexities, particularly in retrofitting electric engines into existing aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A torque measurement system comprising a torque shaft with a sun gear, a reference tube, a torque sensor, and epicyclic gearing, which allows for precise measurement of torque by calculating the distance between reference features, enabling efficient power transfer and reduced assembly length and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a torque measurement system is integrated into the drive assembly, then torque measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference tube is integrated into the drive assembly structure, serving dual purposes as both a structural component and a reference element for torque measurement. The sun gear is integrated to the torque shaft, combining power transmission and measurement reference functions in a single component arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference tube serves multiple functions: it provides a structural support element, defines a reference position for measurement, and works with the planetary gears to transmit power. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated measurement components.
2Volume of moving object
If the drive assembly is designed for compact size, then volume is reduced, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gears are arranged concentrically around the torque shaft, with the reference tube extending around the torque shaft. This nested arrangement allows multiple components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, achieving compact overall size while maintaining functional independence of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive assembly is divided into modular components including the torque shaft, reference tube, sun gear, planetary gears, and ring gear that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while facilitating assembly.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials and compact design are used, then weight is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reference features are defined by the geometry of existing structural components (the reference tube and torque shaft) rather than requiring separate precision-machined reference elements. This allows the measurement reference system to be self-defined by the assembly geometry, reducing additional precision requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing torque measurement systems are adapted for new contexts, then adaptability is improved, but reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The reference tube is positioned at a specific location in the drive assembly where it can provide stable reference features for torque measurement while accommodating the local structural and functional requirements of the epicyclic gearing system. This localized optimization maintains reliability in the specific application context.
Data Source
AI summary
The torque transfer assembly can have a torque shaft rotatable around a rotation axis, the torque shaft having a first end and a second end opposite the first end along the rotation axis, a first reference feature at an intermediary location between the first end and the second end, and a sun gear integrated to the torque shaft, at the first end, the second end has a first external diameter, and the sun gear having a second external diameter greater than the first external diameter; and a reference tube having a fixed end secured to the torque shaft adjacent the second end, a free end having a second reference feature adjacent the first reference feature, the reference tube extending around the torque shaft, the reference tube having an internal diameter, the internal diameter being between the first external diameter and the second external diameter.