In-line rotating capacitive torque sensor

Patent · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:867971

Kronberg, James W ^[1]

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1. P.O. Box 385, Beach Island, SC 29841

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.

• Research Organization: E I DUPONT DE NEMOURS & CO INC
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-76SR00001
• Assignee: Kronberg, James W. (P.O. Box 385, Beach Island, SC 29841)
• Patent Number(s): US 5046371
• OSTI ID: 867971
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

in-line
rotating
capacitive
torque
sensor
method
apparatus
measuring
torques
developed
mechanical
assembly
comprising
inner
portion
stationary
outer
electrically-conductive
flexing
section
fitted
coaxial
shafts
configuration
varies
radially
accordance
applied
comprises
plurality
conductive
plates
forming
surface
concentric
diameter
slightly
larger
capacitance
nonrotating
changes
radial
signal
output
approximately
linearly
nonlinearly
preferably
surrounded
shell
minimize
electrical
interference
external
sources
signal output
inner portion
rotating portion
stationary outer
outer portion
assembly comprising
external source
conductive plates
stationary portion
torque sensor
mechanical assembly
external sources
conductive plate
in-line rotating
approximately linear
/73/