With Noncontact Coupling (e.g., Rotary Transformer) Patents (Class 73/862.339)
  • Patent number: 11781928
    Abstract: A torque sensor includes a first structure, a second structure, a third structure provided between the first structure and the second structure, and at least two sensor units provided between the first structure and the second structure. A plurality of first contact portions having a structure integrated with the first structure is provided inside an outer peripheral portion of the first structure, first distal ends are arranged near the outer peripheral portion, and the first distal ends are in contact with a first attachment portion. A plurality of second contact portions having a structure integrated with the second structure is provided at a part of an inner peripheral portion of the second structure, second distal ends are arranged near the inner peripheral portion, and the second distal ends are in contact with a second attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: NIDEC COPAL ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Takada, Takatoshi Inoguchi, Takayuki Endo, Keiya Hoshino, Yoko Yasutomi, Subei Shun, Yuji Usui
  • Patent number: 11761835
    Abstract: The object is to provide a mounting structure for a torque sensor capable of improving a detection accuracy of a torque sensor. A torque sensor includes a first structure, a second structure, a third structure provided between the first structure and the second structure, and at least two sensor units provided between the first structure and the second structure. A plurality of contact portions are provided on one of the first structure and the first attachment portion and one of the second structure and the second attachment portion, and are in contact with another of the first structure and the first attachment portion and another of the second structure and the second attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: NIDEC COPAL ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayuki Endo, Keiya Hoshino, Yoko Yasutomi, Subei Shun, Yuji Usui
  • Patent number: 11486776
    Abstract: A torque sensor is provided. The torque sensor includes a shaft configured to receive an applied torque. The shaft includes a first region and a second region, both regions being magnetoelastic. The first region and the second region generate a first magnetic field and a second magnetic field in response to the applied torque. The shaft also includes a third region disposed between the first region and the second region. The third region generates a substantially negligible magnetic field in response to the applied torque. The torque sensor also includes a first sensor disposed adjacent to the first region, a second sensor disposed adjacent to the second region, and a third sensor disposed adjacent the third region. The first sensor senses the first magnetic field, the second sensor senses the second magnetic field, and the third sensor senses an ambient magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Kongsberg Inc.
    Inventor: Guillaume Simard
  • Patent number: 11448562
    Abstract: A solution for measuring torque and other parameters of a mechanical component is provided. At least two bands can be affixed to the mechanical component and at least two sensing assemblies can be operatively coupled to each band. Each sensing assembly generates signals indicative of relative movement between a respective band and the sensing assembly. A signal conditioner conditions the signals for a computing unit to determine the torque to the mechanical component. The computing unit can determine the torque from a twist of the mechanical component that can be correlated with the torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: International Electronic Machines Corp.
    Inventors: Zahid F. Mian, Bruce McKenney, Peter Hayes, Marc Pearlman
  • Patent number: 10378979
    Abstract: A power tool including: a motor; a shaft for delivering a torque to a joint or the like, the shaft being drivingly connected to the motor; and a housing that at least partly houses the motor and the shaft. The shaft includes a longitudinal cavity in which a torque transducer is arranged to measure a torque acting over a portion of the shaft, wherein the longitudinal cavity includes: a first contact surface for torque transferring contact with a first end portion of the torque transducer; and a second contact surface, separated from the first contact surface, for torque transferring contact with a second end portion of the torque transducer, the portion over which the torque is measured being located between the first and second contact surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO INDUSTRIAL TECHNIQUE AB
    Inventors: Karl Johan Lars Elsmark, Andris Danebergs
  • Patent number: 10001419
    Abstract: In a spring body for a force transducer built into a force-transmitting part, a force-input section is provided for receiving a force, a force-output section for transmitting the force, and an elastic deformation body arranged therebetween which couples the force-output section to the force-input section such that the force received by the force-input section is transmitted to the force-output section. The elastic deformation body performs a predetermined elastic deformation movement caused by the force to be transmitted at at least one point. A coding sampling section is provided at the at least one point of the deformation body and which follows deformation movements of the at least one point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSON AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Stefan Kolbenschlag, Rainer Oberheim
  • Patent number: 9086266
    Abstract: A wireless sensor including a resistive element, a modulating element located on a rotating component and at least one of a transmitting element and a receiving element, wirelessly coupled to the modulating element. The modulating element is configured to modulate the wireless coupling, between the at least one of a transmitting element and a receiving element, in response to a change in resistance in the resistive element. The modulation of the wireless coupling is indicative of a measurand on the rotating component. A method of detecting a measurand in a rotating component of a rotary machine includes wirelessly coupling at least one of a transmitting element and a receiving element to a modulating element; modulating the wireless coupling with the modulating element located on the rotating component; and calculating the measurand in the rotating component based on the modulation of the wireless coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ertugrul Berkcan, Emad Andarawis Andarawis
  • Patent number: 8912639
    Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for configuring a transformer embedded in a multi-layer integrated circuit package are provided. In this regard, a windings ratio of a transformer embedded in a multi-layer IC package bonded to an IC may be configured, via logic, circuitry, and/or code in the IC, based on signal levels at one or more terminals of the transformer. The transformer may comprise a plurality of inductive loops fabricated in transmission line media. The integrated circuit may be flip-chip bonded to the multi-layer package. The IC may comprise a signal strength indicator enabled to measure signal levels input to or output by the transformer. The windings ratio may be configured via one or more switches in the IC and/or in the multi-layer package. The IC and/or the multi-layer package may comprise ferromagnetic material which may improve magnetic coupling of the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8234937
    Abstract: A torque sensor includes an adjustable platform vertically adjustable to place a sensing module near a rotating target to obtain measurements there from with a sensing element. The apparatus can be configured to include a bottom channel mounted to a base and a PCB tray mounted to a top channel, the PCB tray and top channel vertically adjustable from the base by a rotating shaft. The top and bottom channels are coupled to side bars and side channels in pairs movably connected by joint pins with a rotatable shaft movably connecting said joint pins. The sensing module is movable with respect to the base via rotation of said rotatable shaft causing movement of said pair of side bars and side channels, placing said sensing element nearest a target to obtain rotational movement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Prem Anand Ramalingam
  • Patent number: 7395724
    Abstract: A torque sensor packaging system and method includes a torque member that includes one or more holes formed therein for receiving one or more respective fasteners associated with a sensing element. The sensing element can be connected to the torque member to the sensing element in order to transfer torque associated with the torque member to the sensing element for torque sensing operations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Scott L. Bunyer, Fred W. Hintz, Steven J. Magee, Randall J. Hasken, James Z T Liu, Gary R. O'Brien, James D. Cook, Richard M. Andrews, Stephen R. Shiffer
  • Patent number: 7389162
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring rotating shaft shafts and couplings in an aircraft propulsion system is described. The measurement system/method provides for accurate and precise monitoring of a rotating shaft flexible coupling in a fixed wing aircraft vehicle propulsion system. The measuring system/method provides for a high reliability short take off vertical landing fixed wing aircraft in which the vertical propulsion dynamically rotating drive shaft system and couplings are monitored in real time. The vehicular shaft coupling misalignment measuring system utilizes multiple positional sensors to provide highly reliable and precise determination of the dynamic characteristics of the rotating sensor target components of the propulsion system drive shaft. The relative position of the sensors is rigidly fixed externally from the rotating targets with a structural frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: Russell E. Altieri, James F. Kuhn, Mark R. Jolly, Steve C. Southward, Askari Badre-Alam, Leslie P. Fowler
  • Patent number: 7155985
    Abstract: A torque sensor for a vehicle steering system includes a voltage boosting circuit that boosts a voltage supplied from a power source, an oscillator, a current amplifier, an inverting current amplifier, first and second coils, first and second resistors, a differential amplifier, a sampling pulse generator that generates a sampling pulse, a synchronous wave detector that detects the AC voltage output from the first differential amplifier, a first sample-and-hold circuit section that samples and holds the voltage output from the first synchronous wave detector, and a voltage-current converter that converts the voltage output from the first sample-and-hold circuit section into current and outputs the current as a torque signal Ts, thereby stably supplying power to the torque sensor for a steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-Ho Paek
  • Patent number: 7021161
    Abstract: An improved conventional steering wheel position sensor including a housing, a main gear, an auxiliary gear enmeshed with the main gear and a ring shield at the auxiliary gear. A ring shield wall of the ring shield has a low rise portion adjacent the main gear and a high rise portion distally therefrom. A truncated plate is connected to the high rise portion, and the auxiliary gear is bearingly mounted to an axle of the truncated plate so as to be rotatable without contacting the ring shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario A. Recio, Juan C Lozano
  • Patent number: 6997065
    Abstract: Torque in a shaft is detected by means of non-contacting sensors sensing a torque-dependent magnetic field emanated by an integral transducer region of the shaft that is circumferentially or longitudinally magnetized. The shaft is driven by a motor and subject to a longitudinal magnetic field which acts on interference field. In one implementation of the invention coils are energized to provide a counteracting magnetic field to compensate the interference field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Abas, Incorporated
    Inventor: Lutz Axel May
  • Patent number: 6954685
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring rotating shaft shafts and couplings in an aircraft propulsion system is described. The measurement system/method provides for accurate and precise monitoring of a rotating shaft flexible coupling in a fixed wing aircraft vehicle propulsion system. The measuring system/method provides for a high reliability short take off vertical landing fixed wing aircraft in which the vertical propulsion dynamically rotating drive shaft system and couplings are monitored in real time. The vehicular shaft coupling misalignment measuring system utilizes multiple positional sensors to provide highly reliable and precise determination of the dynamic characteristics of the rotating sensor target components of the propulsion system drive shaft. The relative position of the sensors is rigidly fixed externally from the rotating targets with a structural frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: Russell E. Altieri, James F. Kuhn, Mark R. Jolly, Steve C. Southward, Askari Badre-Alam, Leslie P. Fowler
  • Patent number: 6871553
    Abstract: A torque sensing apparatus for picking up a magnetic field of a magnetostrictive material disposed on a shaft, the torque sensing apparatus having: a first integrating ring; a second integrating ring; a first fluxgate return strip and a second fluxgate return strip each being connected to the first integrating ring at one end and the second integrating ring at the other end; an excitation coil; and a feedback coil; wherein the first integrating ring and the second integrating ring are configured to be positioned to pick up flux signals along the entire periphery of the ends of the magnetostrictive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Malakondaiah Naidu, Joseph Pierre Heremans, Thomas Wolfgang Nehl, John R. Smith, Brian K Fuller
  • Patent number: 6826969
    Abstract: Torque in a shaft (61) is detected by means of non-contacting sensors (23, 24) sensing a torque-dependent magnetic field emanated by an integral transducer region (64, 32) of the shaft (61) that is circumferentially or longitudinally magnetized. The shaft (61) is driven by a motor (63) and subject to a longitudinal magnetic field (60) which acts on interference field. In one implementation of the invention coils (L1, L2: L3, L4) are energized to provide a counteracting magnetic field to compensate the interference field (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Abas, Incorporated
    Inventor: Lutz Axel May
  • Patent number: 6807871
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a torque detector. The torque includes a synchronous detector, a bridge circuit and a signal converter. The synchronous detector detects an AC voltage signal having a preset DC voltage level and a certain frequency, and generates a detection output signal. In the bridge circuit, a torque detection coil whose inductance varies with rotation of a steering wheel and a temperature compensation coil whose inductance varies with temperature variation are connected in series to each other. The detection output signal and the DC voltage are applied to both ends of the two connected coils, respectively. The bridge circuit allows a first detection voltage to be induced at a connecting point between the two coils by variation of the inductance of the two coils. The signal converter generates a torque detection signal having an amplitude corresponding to a difference between peak values of a preset reference voltage and the first detection voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Seung Ho Paek
  • Publication number: 20040020309
    Abstract: A first alternating signal of which phase changes according to changes in the rotation angle of a first shaft is output, and a second alternating signal of which phase changes according to changes in the rotation angle of a second shaft capable of rotating elastically with respect to the first shaft is output. A phase difference correspondence signal of which waveform changes according to changes in the phase difference between the first alternating signal and second alternating signal is output. A value corresponding to the torque transmitted by the first and second shafts is found from the phase difference correspondence signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeki Nagase, Masahiko Sakamaki, Katsutoshi Nishizaki, Shirou Nakano, Yoshikazu Kuroumaru, Ken Matsubara
  • Patent number: 6601462
    Abstract: A dielectric layer 32 variable in dielectric constant in dependence upon the strain is formed on at least a part of an outer peripheral surface of a bar 31 having a circular cross section. Interdigital electrodes are faced to the dielectric layer to thereby form a single capacitor. The interdigital electrodes have a plurality of linear electrodes 34a and 34b inclined at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to a center axis of the bar. Preferably, the dielectric layer is provided with a cylindrical insulator 33 faced thereto with a small gap kept therebetween, and the linear electrodes are formed on the peripheral surface of the cylindrical insulator. The linear electrodes may be formed directly on the surface of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: NEC Tokin Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Ueno, Naoki Wako, Tetsuo Yoshida