Patent ID: 8347739
Filing Date: 2013-01-08
Classification: G01L

Abstract:
1. A torque sensor, comprising: a first hub portion having a first plate member and a first plurality of tooth portions extending therefrom that define a first plurality of gaps therebetween, the first plate member having an aperture extending therethrough configured to receive an input shaft therein; a second hub portion having a second plate member and a second plurality of tooth portions extending therefrom that define a second plurality of gaps therebetween, the second plate member having an aperture extending therethrough configured to receive an output shaft therein; a first plurality of piezo-electric transducers coupled to a first plurality of side surfaces of the second plurality of tooth portions and being electrically coupled in series to one another; and the second hub portion being coupled to the first hub portion such that the second plurality of tooth portions are disposed in the first plurality of gaps in the first hub portion, and when the first hub portion is rotated in a first direction relative to the second hub portion the first plurality of piezo-electric transducers are compressed between the first and second plurality of tooth portions and generate a first output signal indicative of a first amount of torque being applied to the input shaft.