Torque sensor
AssigneeThe Gates Corporation
InventorsBrian Graichen, David Crowther, Nithin Reddy Karna
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A torque sensor is provided for detecting a torque applied to a rotating component. The torque sensor has a torsion disc that can have a radial dimension that is greater than an axial dimension to provide space for other components positioned around the rotating component. In some embodiments, the torsion disc has an inner portion engaged with a crankshaft of a bicycle and has an outer portion engaged with a drive wheel or another component engaged with the drive wheel. When a torque is applied to the crankshaft, the torsion disc deforms and the inner portion rotates relative to the outer portion. A combination of magnets and sensors detects this relative movement which is proportional to the torque applied to the crankshaft.
Claims20
A torque sensor for detecting a torque between a first component and a second component, comprising:
- a torsion disc having:
- an inner portion configured to be engaged with the first component;
- and
- an outer portion joined to the inner portion, and the outer portion is configured to be engaged with the second component;
- a first set of alternating magnets associated with the inner portion of the torsion disc;
- a second set of alternating magnets associated with the outer portion of the torsion disc;
- and
- at least one sensor configured to detect polarities of the first and second sets of alternating magnets, which is used to determine the torque between the first component and the second component.
A torque sensor for detecting a torque between a first component and a second component, comprising:
- an inner portion configured to be engaged with the first component;
- a first magnet associated with the inner portion;
- an outer portion joined to the inner portion, and the outer portion is configured to be engaged with the second component, wherein the outer portion comprises:
- a first arm partially extending about the inner portion;
- a second arm partially extending about the inner portion;
- and
- a third arm partially extending about the inner portion;
- a second magnet associated with the outer portion;
- and
- at least one sensor configured to detect polarities of the first and second magnets, which is used to determine the torque between the first and second components.
A transmission for an electric motor-assisted vehicle, comprising:
- a crankshaft rotatable about a rotational axis, wherein the crankshaft is configured to power a drive wheel to propel the electric motor-assisted vehicle;
- an electric motor configured to power the drive wheel to propel the electric motor-assisted vehicle;
- and
- a torque sensor having:
- an inner portion engaged with the crankshaft;
- an outer portion engaged with the drive wheel;
- and
- at least one sensor configured to detect a relative rotational offset between the inner and outer portions, wherein the relative rotational offset is proportional to a torque applied to the crankshaft, and the electric motor is configured to transmit power to the drive wheel based on the torque to propel the electric motor-assisted vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.