Patent ID: 8423249
Filing Date: 2013-04-16
Classification: G01L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for measuring torque on a shaft relative to a member and for communicating the measured torque to a controller, the apparatus comprising: a receiver coupled to the member, the receiver having a sensing circuit and an outer surface, the outer surface having a docking port with a first electrical connector disposed in the docking port and in electronic communication with the sensing circuit, wherein the docking port is recessed within the outer surface; a transmitter coupled to the shaft; and a connector interfaced with the docking port and having a wire in electric communication with a second electrical connector, wherein the second electrical connector is in electric communication with the first electric connector and the wire is in electric communication with the controller, and wherein a current is supplied by the controller through the connector to the sensing circuit of the receiver thereby magnetizing the transmitter, and wherein as stress due to torque is applied to the shaft and therefore the transmitter the sensing circuit of the receiver detects a magnetic field and communicates a magnitude of the magnetic field through the connector to the controller to estimate the torque on the shaft.