Abstract: A torque sensor has a contoured magnetoelastic element that generates a magnetic field having a shape that exhibits gradual changes rather than sharp peaks in the axial direction, making the torque sensor less sensitive to positional changes between the magnetoelastic element and a magnetometer in the sensor. The element is contoured in any desired shape to modify the magnetic field generated by the element when it is deformed through applied torque. In one embodiment, the element is a magnetic material coating applied to a contoured shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a deflecting force on a structural assembly where only one end of the assemblage is readily accessible to the application of the force. An inner torque bearing member is co-axially positioned within the outer torque bearing member and affixed at one end to the outer torque bearing member. A sense element is coupled to the structural assembly to measure the stress resulting from the force applied to the structural assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a torque sensor apparatus and method using variations in the microstructure of an optical waveguide affixed to the surface of a stress bearing member to measure the deflective force applied to the stress bearing member. A signal propagating through the optical waveguide is modified as a result of forces applied to the stress bearing member and to the optical waveguide. Induced changes in the index of refraction and alterations in the critical bending radius value of the optical waveguide result in modulation of the transmitted signal.

Abstract: A torque sensor has a contoured magnetoelastic element that generates a magnetic field having a shape that exhibits gradual changes rather than sharp peaks in the axial direction, making the torque sensor less sensitive to positional changes between the magnetoelastic element and a magnetometer in the sensor. The element is contoured in any desired shape to modify the magnetic field generated by the element when it is deformed through applied torque. In one embodiment, the element is a magnetic material coating applied to a contoured shaft.

Abstract: A magnetoelastic torque sensor for measuring the magnitude of torque applied to a member, comprising a magnetoelastic element which is disposed on and encircles the member, an outer flux guide extending across the magnetoelastic element in an axial direction and adjacent to the opposite end regions thereof, and an inner flux guide located between the first and second end regions, wherein the inner and outer flux guides provides a magnetic path to an axial component of the magnetic field produced by the magnetoelastic element in response to a non-zero value of torque. The inner flux guide is formed by cutting or etching an amorphous metal foil in a flat annular configuration with symmetrically projecting coil core tabs. The one-piece inner flux guide is supported by a support assembly comprising base and cover pieces. When assembled, the coil core tabs are sandwiched between two complementary semi-cylindrical mandrel portions projecting from the cover and base pieces, around which sense coil wires are wound.

Abstract: A magnetoelastic torque sensor for measuring the magnitude of torque applied to a member, comprising a magnetoelastic element which is disposed on and encircles the member, an outer flux guide extending across the magnetoelastic element in an axial direction and adjacent to the opposite end regions thereof, and an inner flux guide located between the first and second end regions, wherein the inner and outer flux guides provides a magnetic path to an axial component of the magnetic field produced by the magnetoelastic element in response to a non-zero value of torque. The inner flux guide is formed by cutting or etching an amorphous metal foil in a flat annular configuration with symmetrically projecting coil core tabs. The one-piece inner flux guide is supported by a support assembly comprising base and cover pieces. When assembled, the coil core tabs are sandwiched between two complementary semi-cylindrical mandrel portions projecting from the cover and base pieces, around which sense coil wires are wound.

Abstract: A magnetoelastic torque sensor for measuring the magnitude of torque applied to a member, comprising a magnetoelastic element which is disposed on and encircles the member, an outer flux guide extending across the magnetoelastic element in an axial direction and adjacent to the opposite end regions thereof, and an inner flux guide located between the first and second end regions, wherein the inner and outer flux guides provides a magnetic path to an axial component of the magnetic field produced by the magnetoelastic element in response to a non-zero value of torque. The inner flux guide is formed by cutting or etching an amorphous metal foil in a flat annular configuration with symmetrically projecting coil core tabs. The one-piece inner flux guide is supported by a support assembly comprising base and cover pieces. When assembled, the coil core tabs are sandwiched between two complementary semi-cylindrical mandrel portions projecting from the cover and base pieces, around which sense coil wires are wound.