Measurement of very low torque values
US9804043B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 2016 |
| Grant date | Oct 31, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N19/02
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tangential force sensor is used instead of a coaxial strain gauge to measure the torque required to produce the rotation of a part. The force sensor is coupled tangentially to the rotating part through a non-slip contact produced by a force applied radially on the part. A progressively increasing tangential force produced by translating the force sensor in a direction normal to the axis of rotation of the part is then applied to initiate and maintain its rotation. The radial force applied to the part is judiciously selected and measured such that the part is engaged with enough friction to ensure a non-slip condition. By measuring the tangential force applied to the part, the torque characteristics of the rotatable part are determined. By sensing and controlling the radial force applied to the part, damage to the part or the mechanism supporting it is avoided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.