Transducer for Clamping Instruments Using Magnetic and Optical Coupling
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque transducers for clamping instruments face precision issues and reliability degradation under high-speed conditions and mechanical vibrations due to limitations in contact strength and durability of traditional brush-based and rotary transformer solutions.
Innovation Solution
A transducer design utilizing a rotary transformer for electrical energy transfer and an optical communication channel for signal transfer, eliminating the need for electromechanical contacts, with magnetic coupling for energy and optical coupling for digital signal transmission from the rotor to the stator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brush-based electrical contacts are used for signal and power transfer between stator and rotor, then electrical connection is established, but contact strength and durability are significantly degraded under high-speed rotation and mechanical vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical brush-based electrical contact system with a magnetic coupling system. Electrical signals and power are transferred wirelessly through magnetic fields between the stator and rotor, eliminating physical contact. This substitution of mechanical contact with magnetic field coupling resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable energy and signal transfer at high rotation speeds without the wear and contact strength degradation inherent in brush-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic coupling as an intermediary medium for transferring electrical energy and signals between the stator and rotor. Instead of direct electrical contact through brushes, the magnetic field acts as an intermediary that couples the two components, enabling power and signal transfer without mechanical contact. This intermediary approach maintains reliability while accommodating high-speed rotation and vibrations.
2Power
If rotary transformers are used for power and signal transfer, then amplitude modulation is achieved, but signal bandwidth is limited to tens of kilo bits per second
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transfer function into two separate channels: magnetic coupling for power transfer and optical coupling for signal transfer. By dividing the single rotary transformer approach into distinct power and communication pathways, the system achieves both high power transfer capability and high bandwidth digital signal transmission without the bandwidth limitations of amplitude modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical amplitude modulation system with an optical communication system for signal transfer. Digital signals are transmitted via optical coupling between the rotor and stator, substituting the electrical field-based amplitude modulation with light-based digital communication. This substitution dramatically increases signal bandwidth while maintaining power transfer capability through the magnetic coupling channel.
3Device complexity
If traditional transducer designs with electromechanical contacts are used, then结构简单性 is maintained, but measurement precision is affected by errors under high-speed and vibration conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical contact systems with magnetic and optical coupling systems to eliminate measurement errors caused by physical contact under high-speed and vibration conditions. Although this increases device complexity, it dramatically improves measurement precision by removing the source of contact-related measurement errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic and optical fields as intermediaries between the measurement system and the rotating component. These field-based intermediaries transmit measurement data without mechanical contact, eliminating errors associated with brush contact under vibration and high-speed conditions, thereby improving measurement accuracy despite increased system complexity.
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 solution provides reliable and precise measurement of torque and rotation parameters at high speeds and under vibrations, enhancing the durability and reliability of the transducer by ensuring stable and efficient data and power transfer.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic coupling means adapted to transfer electrical energy from the stator to the rotor
Implementation Method 2
optical coupling means adapted to transfer the electrical signal detected by said sensor means from the rotor to the stator
Data Source
AI summary
A transducer for measuring the characteristics of a clamping instrument includes a stator which has an annular support adapted to form a substantially cylindrical longitudinal cavity adapted to receive a rotor which is also substantially shaped cylindrical adapted to rotate inside this cavity of the stator around its longitudinal axis, this rotor being provided at one end with a seat for insertion into it of the head of an instrument of tightening which determines such rotation around the axis, and a sensor arranged on its body capable of detecting specific parameters of the tightening of the instrument, and generating corresponding electrical signals. The transducer includes a magnetic coupling device adapted to transfer electrical energy from the stator to the rotor and an optical coupling device adapted to transfer the electrical signals generated by said sensor means from the rotor to the stator.