Integration of proximity sensors with magnetostrictive torque sensors

US10684181B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Bently Nevada, LLC · US

Inventors

• Dan Tho Lu · Minden, US
• Lam Arthur Campbell · Tomball, US
• Brian F. Howard · Reno, US
• Pekka Tapani Sipila · Garching bei München, DE
• David Folkner · Greenville, US
• Lysle Turnbeaugh · Minden, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 8, 2018
• Grant date: Jun 16, 2020
• Expiry date: Aug 9, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D6/10
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

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.