Composite power shaft with intrinsic parameter measurability
AssigneeSimmonds Precision Products, Inc.
InventorsHerbert F. Gee, James R. Parkinson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A composite torque transmitting power shaft is provided with built-in discrete sensible ferromagnetic elements. The composite shaft is formed of a non-ferromagnetic material so that the sensible elements, disposed interiorly of the shaft, can be sensed by a sensor element positioned outside of the shaft. Two groups of sensible elements are movable with respect to each other as the shaft twists under the application of torque. The elements can be sensed to provide an indication of the speed, torque or horsepower transmitted by the shaft. Further, the frequency and amplitude of torsional oscillations caused by pulsating power source or load characteristics can also be measured.
Claims38
A composite shaft comprising:
- means for transmitting torque and comprising a first non-ferromagnetic material;
- means for providing a twist measurement reference and comprising a second non-ferromagnetic material;
- and
- means for activating a sensor signal, said activating means comprising ferromagnetic material positioned interiorly said shaft and secured for movement together with said transmitting means and with said providing means whereby said sensor signal can be activated outside said shaft by said ferromagnetic material through said first non-ferromagnetic material.
A torque transmitting shaft comprising:
- a tubular, axially extending torque transmitting member comprising a first non-ferromagnetic material;
- an axially extending sleeve comprising a second non-ferromagnetic material, and means for securing said sleeve within the interior of said torque transmitting member;
- first ferromagnetic means mounted for movement together with said sleeve;
- and
- second ferromagnetic means mounted for movement together with said torque transmitting member and intermeshed with said first ferromagnetic means wherein said first and second ferromagnetic means comprise means for activating a sensor through the non-ferromagnetic material of said torque transmitting member.
A method of forming a torque transmitting element having intrinsic parameter measurability, said method comprising:
- forming an intact torque transmitting member of a non-ferromagnetic material;
- forming a reference member of a non-magnetic material;
- providing at least one ferromagnetic element at a defined location on each of the torque transmitting member and the reference member;
- and
- positioning the torque transmitting member and the reference member so that the ferromagnetic elements of the members are adjacently positioned interiorly the torque transmitting member and can be sensed through the non-ferromagnetic material thereof.
A method of sensing relative movement between spaced portions of a shaft having an internally disposed reference member, said method comprising:
- (a) disposing a sensor externally adjacent the shaft and the member;
- (b) providing inside the shaft sensible formations for movement with the shaft and member;
- and
- (c) using the sensor to detect relative movement between adjacently positioned portions of the shaft and of the member by detecting movement of the sensible formations through the material of the shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.