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Title: In-line rotating capacitive torque sensor

Abstract

Disclosed are a method and apparatus for measuring torques developed along a rotating mechanical assembly comprising a rotating inner portion and a stationary outer portion. The rotating portion has an electrically-conductive flexing section fitted between two coaxial shafts in a configuration which varies radially in accordance with applied torque. The stationary portion comprises a plurality of conductive plates forming a surface concentric with and having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the rotating portion. The capacitance between the outer, nonrotating and inner, rotating portion varies with changes in the radial configuration of the rotating portion. Signal output varies approximately linearly with torque for small torques, nonlinearly for larger torques. The sensor is preferably surrounded by a conductive shell to minimize electrical interference from external sources. 18 figures.

Inventors:
Issue Date:
OSTI Identifier:
7274769
Patent Number(s):
5046371
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-461962
Assignee:
PTO; EDB-94-111668
DOE Contract Number:  
AC09-76SR00001
Resource Type:
Patent
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 8 Jan 1990
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION; MEASURING INSTRUMENTS; DESIGN; TORQUE; MEASURING METHODS; ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY; EQUIPMENT PROTECTION DEVICES; ROTATION; SHAFTS; ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES; MACHINE PARTS; MOTION; PHYSICAL PROPERTIES; 440800* - Miscellaneous Instrumentation- (1990-)

Citation Formats

Kronberg, J W. In-line rotating capacitive torque sensor. United States: N. p., 1991. Web.
Kronberg, J W. In-line rotating capacitive torque sensor. United States.
Kronberg, J W. Tue . "In-line rotating capacitive torque sensor". United States.
@article{osti_7274769,
title = {In-line rotating capacitive torque sensor},
author = {Kronberg, J W},
abstractNote = {Disclosed are a method and apparatus for measuring torques developed along a rotating mechanical assembly comprising a rotating inner portion and a stationary outer portion. The rotating portion has an electrically-conductive flexing section fitted between two coaxial shafts in a configuration which varies radially in accordance with applied torque. The stationary portion comprises a plurality of conductive plates forming a surface concentric with and having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the rotating portion. The capacitance between the outer, nonrotating and inner, rotating portion varies with changes in the radial configuration of the rotating portion. Signal output varies approximately linearly with torque for small torques, nonlinearly for larger torques. The sensor is preferably surrounded by a conductive shell to minimize electrical interference from external sources. 18 figures.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Sep 10 00:00:00 EDT 1991},
month = {Tue Sep 10 00:00:00 EDT 1991}
}

Patent:
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