Non-contacting Torquemeter with Dynamic Target Teeth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-contacting torquemeters fail to accurately measure torque in rotating shafts with relative motion and lack self-calibration capabilities, resulting in low reliability and requiring extensive signal processing with multiple sensors.
Innovation Solution
A non-contacting torquemeter assembly featuring a torque wheel assembly with dynamic target teeth and a transducer assembly, including sensors, that measures the position and speed of the torque wheel and target teeth to determine torque applied, allowing for self-calibration and accurate measurements with a single transducer assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to measure timing of toothed target wheels, then torque measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from multiple sensors to a single transducer assembly. By using one transducer to measure both the position of the torque wheel and the deflection of dynamic target teeth, the system eliminates the need for multiple sensor arrays while maintaining measurement accuracy through differential measurement of relative positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single transducer assembly performs multiple measurement functions simultaneously. It measures both the rotational position of the torque wheel and the deflection of dynamic target teeth, enabling torque measurement, alignment measurement, and speed measurement with a single device rather than requiring separate sensor systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors arranged at multiple positions are used, then torque and alignment measurements are achieved, but signal processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges torque measurement and alignment measurement functions into a single transducer assembly. By measuring the relative positions of the torque wheel and dynamic target teeth with one transducer, the system simultaneously obtains both torque and alignment data, eliminating the need for extensive signal processing required by multiple separate sensor systems.
3Strength
If existing non-contacting torquemeters are used, then shaft dynamics impact is minimized, but measurement accuracy deteriorates with relative motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic target teeth that can deflect relative to the torque wheel in response to applied torque. This dynamic configuration allows the system to measure torque through the relative motion between the torque wheel and target teeth, maintaining accuracy even when there is relative motion between the shaft and transducer assembly, while still minimizing impact on shaft dynamics through non-contacting measurement.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If existing torquemeters are used, then non-contacting measurement is achieved, but self-calibration capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-calibration through the differential measurement capability of the single transducer. By continuously measuring the relative positions of the torque wheel and dynamic target teeth, the system can automatically detect and compensate for drift or offset errors, performing self-calibration without requiring external calibration equipment or manual intervention, while maintaining non-contacting measurement.
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
The solution provides improved accuracy, robustness, and reliability in measuring torque on rotating shafts with relative motion, enabling self-calibration and reducing the need for extensive signal processing and multiple sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer assembly including at least one sensor separated from the torque wheel assembly by a gap and configured to measure a position and speed of the torque wheel assembly and the plurality of dynamic target teeth
Data Source
AI summary
A non-contacting torquemeter capable of measuring torque in a rotating shaft with improved accuracy in the presence of relative motion between a rotating shaft and a transducer assembly is provided. The non-contacting torquemeter has improved robustness and reliability, and is able to self-calibrate. The non-contacting torquemeter is able to provide accurate torque measurements using a single transducer assembly positioned at a single azimuthal position on a rotating shaft.