Torque Transducer U-Profile Web Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque transducers for calibration systems are costly, have inadequate dynamic behavior, and suffer from high manufacturing costs and measurement inaccuracies due to sensitivity to transverse forces and centering errors.

Innovation Solution

The torque transducer design features U-profiled webs with a 1:1.5 width-to-height ratio, different thicknesses, and an internal polygon for improved stability and force distribution, along with strain gauges on the U-profiles to measure deformation, and varying masses between the inner and outer bodies to enhance dynamic behavior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional straight webs are used to connect inner body to outer ring body, then manufacturing is simpler, but transverse forces cause measurement inaccuracies and require more webs to compensate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidweb structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The web structure is given different local qualities through the U-profile design, where the bent section provides enhanced stiffness specifically in the region most affected by transverse forces, while other sections maintain simpler geometry for ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The U-profile web acts as a composite structural element combining regions of different geometric properties - the bent section provides high rigidity against transverse forces while the straight sections maintain simplicity, creating a functionally graded structure within a single continuous element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If more webs are added to compensate for transverse forces, then measurement accuracy improves, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The U-profile geometry parameters (bend radius, leg lengths, thickness distribution) are optimized to achieve the required stiffness and measurement accuracy with fewer webs, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the inner body and outer ring body have the same mass, then manufacturing is easier, but dynamic behavior and measurement sensitivity are inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement sensitivityVSAvoidmass distribution complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mass distribution is made asymmetric between the inner body and outer ring body, with each having different masses optimized for their specific functional requirements - the inner body optimized for torque transmission and the outer ring for measurement stability, improving dynamic behavior and sensitivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 reduces the number of webs, lowers manufacturing costs, minimizes transverse force influence, and improves measurement accuracy and dynamic behavior, while maintaining high sensitivity and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

at least one measuring element on a web for detecting deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain measurement: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP2395335B1Torque transducer with U-profile bridge
Publication Date: 2016.03.02 EDUARD WILLE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2395335B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2395335B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP2395335B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to torque transducers (10). The torque transducer (10) comprises an inner body (12) and an outer ring body (14) that concentrically surrounds the inner body (12). Webs (16) connect the inner body (12) to the outer ring body (14) in a star-shaped configuration. Means for applying torque and at least one measuring element (32) on a web (16) for detecting deformation are provided.