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2007 Winner Entry
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Precision Torque Measurement/Transmitter |
Category: Machinery/Equipment |
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G. Paul Baker, Jr.
Safety Cycling Systems LLC
Denham Springs, LA US
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Entered: 09/13/2007
Patented or Patent Pending
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There are situations where a precise torque measurement would be an advantage. Torque sensors that rotate along with the power train and transmit their signal with slip rings can be problematic. Torsion measurements on a semi-flexible shaft can be satisfactory, but provide a somewhat sloppy mechanical connection and also have inherent issues with hysterisis. Using system mountings, (as in an engine mount), isn’t very accurate because the weight of the device obscures the force generated by the torque. All of these concerns can be bypassed by using a special application of the Angular Motion Translator (AMT) concept, Patent US06547689.
The first image is a conceptual sketch of the AMT used as a Torque Sensor, consisting of mirrored planetary gear sets with the planet gear carriages connected together. The input shaft drives the first sun gear while the output sun gear drives the output shaft. The input annulus ring gear is held fixed, while the output annulus is free to rotate slightly and compress a force sensor anchored to the first annulus gear. When power is applied to the input, the first Planetaries rotate against the fixed first Annulus Gear. The rotation of these Planetaries is delivered to the output Planetaries through their connected carriages. The output planetary gears work against the output annulus to drive the output sun gear connected to the output shaft. Any torque delivered through this system will attempt to cause the second annulus to rotate, but this motion will be checked by the force sensor. The slight compression of the force sensor will be directly proportional to the torque moving through the system. This measured force multiplied by the distance from the center of the output shaft to the center of the sensor equals the torque, with a completely mechanical coupling and no flexible parts.
The second image is an exploded view of a torque transmitter for a hand-held power tool. The third image shows the complete assembly.
Although illustrating a hand-held version, this concept can be scaled-up for any size system -- many thousands of horsepower -- using larger gears and sensors. A precision implementation of this concept could be expected to have accuracies of 0.1%. Precise measurements should be attainable no matter the system size or amount of torque.
Available sensors can respond to pulses of up to 400 Hz, allowing would allow use on an impact wrench. An electronic or digital control module would allow quick, real-time and accurate setting of the desired torque.
In summary, one application of the Angular Motion Transmitter patent can provide durable, reliable, repeatable and accurate measurement of torque in power transmission systems large, small and pulsing, and could be easily manufacturer from available components.
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Meet the Entrant, G. Paul Baker, Jr.
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Contact Email: gpaulbakerjr@cox.net |
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Association: Safety Cycling Systems LLC |
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Profession: Project Manager, Architect, Inventor |
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Number of times entering contest previously: 0
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Design Tools:
Pencil and Paper
Physical models
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Software used:
AutoCAD
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G. Paul's favorite design tool:
AutoCAD used in conjunction with Alibre Solid Modeler
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G. Paul's hobbies and activities:
Music, Reading, Drawing, Performing Arts, Dancing, Dining, Theology, Philosophy
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What role does G. Paul believe product design plays in creating a better future?
Good product design creates more efficient products, less costly to produce, more precise tools, easier to use, safer, more convenient, less frustrating, reduces risk of necessary activities, helps prevent accidents.
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