Abstract: A sensor for sensing stress in a ferromagnetic material includes a non-magnetic substrate. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A first coil is attached to or formed on the first surface of the substrate. The first coil is configured to induce a magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic material being driven by an alternating current (AC) signal. At least one second coil is attached to or formed on the first surface of the substrate. The at least one second coil is spaced from the first coil. In addition, the second coil is configured to detect changes in the magnetic flux induced in the ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: A temperature compensated torque sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a sensor head in electrical communication with a controller. The sensor head can contain a torque sensor including a core, a driving coil and a sensing coil. The sensor head can also include a temperature sensor coupled to the sensor head. The torque sensor can be configured to measure torque applied to a selected portion of a target based upon magnetic flux passing through the target, while the temperature sensor can be configured to concurrently measure the target temperature. The temperature sensor can be positioned for avoiding interference with sensed magnetic flux. The controller can adjust the determined torque using the temperature measurements to compensate for changes in magnetic properties of the target due to variation in target temperature. In this manner, the accuracy of the torque measurements can be increased.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, system and methods are provided, comprising an installed product including a drive shaft; a magnetostrictive sensor having a sensor probe comprising: a substrate; a drive coil operative to receive a drive current and to emit a magnetic field through the drive shaft, wherein the drive coil is mounted on the substrate; one or more sense coils operative to receive the magnetic field and to transmit a signal based on the received magnetic field, wherein the one or more sense coils are mounted on the substrate; and wherein the magnetic field is emitted from the drive coil in a transverse direction to a radius of the drive shaft. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus is configured to calibrate a magnetostrictive sensor. The magnetostrictive sensor is configured to measure an object and comprises a sensing element positioned adjacent to the object. The calibration apparatus comprises an estimation device and a calibrator. The estimation device is configured to estimate at least one of a gap between the sensing element and the object and a temperature of the object to obtain at least one of an estimated gap and an estimated temperature, based on geometric information, an excitation signal and an output signal of the magnetostrictive sensor, and geometric information of the object. The calibrator is configured to reduce an effect on the output signal of the magnetostrictive sensor imposed by variations in the at least one of the gap and the temperature, based on the at least one of the estimated gap and the estimated temperature, to obtain a calibrated output signal.

Abstract: A gap compensated torque sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a magnetostrictive torque sensor and at least one proximity sensor in communication with a controller. The proximity sensor can be substantially rigidly coupled to a sensor head of the torque sensor, either contained within the sensor head or mounted proximate to the sensor head using a bracket or other coupling mechanism. The torque sensor can sense magnetic flux passing through the target and the proximity sensor can measure a gap between itself and the target. The controller can estimate torque applied to the target from magnetic flux sensed by the torque sensor. The estimated torque can be modified by the gap measurement to compensate for changes in magnetic properties of the target due to variations in the gap. In this manner, the accuracy of the torque measurements can be increased.

Abstract: A gap compensated torque sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a sensor head in communication with a controller. The sensor head can contain a torque sensor and a proximity sensor coupled to the sensor head. The torque and proximity sensors can each sense magnetic fluxes passing through the target and a gap between the sensor head and the target. The controller can estimate torque applied to the target from magnetic fluxes sensed by the torque sensor. The controller can determine an improved gap measurement that is independent of electromagnetic properties of the target from magnetic fluxes sensed by the torque and proximity sensors. The estimated torque can be modified by the improved gap measurement to compensate for changes in magnetic properties of the target due to variations in the gap. In this manner, the accuracy of the torque measurements can be increased.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for determining stress in a conductive target are provided. The systems, devices, and methods facilitate detecting stress in the target using a sensor assembly. Raw stress signals, which can correspond to stress in the target, can be generated by detecting a first magnetic flux that travels through the target. The raw stress signals can be sensitive to a gap between the sensor assembly and the target. A proximity sensor element can be used to determine the size of the gap by generating a magnetic field which can couple with the target. If the size of the gap changes, the coupling can change. By determining an impedance of the proximity sensor element, a corresponding gap signal can be generated. The gap signal can be used to correct the raw stress signals, thereby creating corrected stress signals, which can correspond to values of stress within the target.

Abstract: A gap compensated torque sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a sensor head in communication with a controller. The sensor head can contain a torque sensor and a proximity sensor coupled to the sensor head. The torque and proximity sensors can each sense magnetic fluxes passing through the target and a gap between the sensor head and the target. The controller can estimate torque applied to the target from magnetic fluxes sensed by the torque sensor. The controller can determine an improved gap measurement that is independent of electromagnetic properties of the target from magnetic fluxes sensed by the torque and proximity sensors. The estimated torque can be modified by the improved gap measurement to compensate for changes in magnetic properties of the target due to variations in the gap. In this manner, the accuracy of the torque measurements can be increased.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing stress in a ferromagnetic material includes a non-magnetic substrate. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A first coil is attached to or formed on the first surface of the substrate. The first coil is configured to induce a magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic material being driven by an alternating current (AC) signal. At least one second coil is attached to or formed on the first surface of the substrate. The at least one second coil is spaced from the first coil. In addition, the second coil is configured to detect changes in the magnetic flux induced in the ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: A temperature compensated torque sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a sensor head in electrical communication with a controller. The sensor head can contain a torque sensor including a core, a driving coil and a sensing coil. The sensor head can also include a temperature sensor coupled to the sensor head. The torque sensor can be configured to measure torque applied to a selected portion of a target based upon magnetic flux passing through the target, while the temperature sensor can be configured to concurrently measure the target temperature. The temperature sensor can be positioned for avoiding interference with sensed magnetic flux. The controller can adjust the determined torque using the temperature measurements to compensate for changes in magnetic properties of the target due to variation in target temperature. In this manner, the accuracy of the torque measurements can be increased.

Abstract: A system includes a magnetostrictive sensor. The magnetostrictive sensor includes a driving coil configured to receive a first driving current and to emit a first magnetic flux portion through a target and a second magnetic flux portion. The magnetostrictive sensor also includes a first sensing coil configured to receive the first magnetic flux portion and to transmit a signal based at least in part on the received first magnetic flux portion. The received first magnetic flux portion is based at least in part on a force on the target. The magnetostrictive sensor includes a magnetic shield disposed between the driving coil and the first sensing coil. The magnetic shield is configured to reduce the second magnetic flux portion received by the first sensing coil. The magnetic shield includes a composite with a conductive material and an insulating material, a metamaterial, or a mesh structure, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing stress in a ferromagnetic material includes a non-magnetic substrate. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A first coil is attached to or formed on the first surface of the substrate. The first coil is configured to induce a magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic material being driven by an alternating current (AC) signal. At least one second coil is attached to or formed on the first surface of the substrate. The at least one second coil is spaced from the first coil. In addition, the second coil is configured to detect changes in the magnetic flux induced in the ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: A gap compensated torque sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a magnetostrictive torque sensor and at least one proximity sensor in communication with a controller. The proximity sensor can be substantially rigidly coupled to a sensor head of the torque sensor, either contained within the sensor head or mounted proximate to the sensor head using a bracket or other coupling mechanism. The torque sensor can sense magnetic flux passing through the target and the proximity sensor can measure a gap between itself and the target. The controller can estimate torque applied to the target from magnetic flux sensed by the torque sensor. The estimated torque can be modified by the gap measurement to compensate for changes in magnetic properties of the target due to variations in the gap. In this manner, the accuracy of the torque measurements can be increased.

Abstract: A temperature compensated torque sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a sensor head in electrical communication with a controller. The sensor head can contain a torque sensor including a core, a driving coil and a sensing coil. The sensor head can also include a temperature sensor coupled to the sensor head. The torque sensor can be configured to measure torque applied to a selected portion of a target based upon magnetic flux passing through the target, while the temperature sensor can be configured to concurrently measure the target temperature. The temperature sensor can be positioned for avoiding interference with sensed magnetic flux. The controller can adjust the determined torque using the temperature measurements to compensate for changes in magnetic properties of the target due to variation in target temperature. In this manner, the accuracy of the torque measurements can be increased.

Abstract: A gap compensated torque sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a sensor head in communication with a controller. The sensor head can contain a torque sensor and a proximity sensor coupled to the sensor head. The torque and proximity sensors can each sense magnetic fluxes passing through the target and a gap between the sensor head and the target. The controller can estimate torque applied to the target from magnetic fluxes sensed by the torque sensor. The controller can determine an improved gap measurement that is independent of electromagnetic properties of the target from magnetic fluxes sensed by the torque and proximity sensors. The estimated torque can be modified by the improved gap measurement to compensate for changes in magnetic properties of the target due to variations in the gap. In this manner, the accuracy of the torque measurements can be increased.

Abstract: A gap compensated torque sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a sensor head in communication with a controller. The sensor head can contain a torque sensor and a proximity sensor coupled to the sensor head. The torque and proximity sensors can each sense magnetic fluxes passing through the target and a gap between the sensor head and the target. The controller can estimate torque applied to the target from magnetic fluxes sensed by the torque sensor. The controller can determine an improved gap measurement that is independent of electromagnetic properties of the target from magnetic fluxes sensed by the torque and proximity sensors. The estimated torque can be modified by the improved gap measurement to compensate for changes in magnetic properties of the target due to variations in the gap. In this manner, the accuracy of the torque measurements can be increased.

Abstract: A gap compensated torque sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a sensor head in communication with a controller. The sensor head can contain a torque sensor and a proximity sensor coupled to the sensor head. The torque and proximity sensors can each sense magnetic fluxes passing through the target and a gap between the sensor head and the target. The controller can estimate torque applied to the target from magnetic fluxes sensed by the torque sensor. The controller can determine an improved gap measurement that is independent of electromagnetic properties of the target from magnetic fluxes sensed by the torque and proximity sensors. The estimated torque can be modified by the improved gap measurement to compensate for changes in magnetic properties of the target due to variations in the gap. In this manner, the accuracy of the torque measurements can be increased.

Abstract: A system includes a magnetostrictive sensor. The magnetostrictive sensor includes a driving coil configured to receive a first driving current and to emit a first magnetic flux portion through a target and a second magnetic flux portion. The magnetostrictive sensor also includes a first sensing coil configured to receive the first magnetic flux portion and to transmit a signal based at least in part on the received first magnetic flux portion. The received first magnetic flux portion is based at least in part on a force on the target. The magnetostrictive sensor includes a magnetic shield disposed between the driving coil and the first sensing coil. The magnetic shield is configured to reduce the second magnetic flux portion received by the first sensing coil. The magnetic shield includes a composite with a conductive material and an insulating material, a metamaterial, or a mesh structure, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A temperature compensated torque sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a sensor head in electrical communication with a controller. The sensor head can contain a torque sensor including a core, a driving coil and a sensing coil. The sensor head can also include a temperature sensor coupled to the sensor head. The torque sensor can be configured to measure torque applied to a selected portion of a target based upon magnetic flux passing through the target, while the temperature sensor can be configured to concurrently measure the target temperature. The temperature sensor can be positioned for avoiding interference with sensed magnetic flux. The controller can adjust the determined torque using the temperature measurements to compensate for changes in magnetic properties of the target due to variation in target temperature. In this manner, the accuracy of the torque measurements can be increased.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for determining stress in a conductive target are provided. The systems, devices, and methods facilitate detecting stress in the target using a sensor assembly. Raw stress signals, which can correspond to stress in the target, can be generated by detecting a first magnetic flux that travels through the target. The raw stress signals can be sensitive to a gap between the sensor assembly and the target. A proximity sensor element can be used to determine the size of the gap by generating a magnetic field which can couple with the target. If the size of the gap changes, the coupling can change. By determining an impedance of the proximity sensor element, a corresponding gap signal can be generated. The gap signal can be used to correct the raw stress signals, thereby creating corrected stress signals, which can correspond to values of stress within the target.