Abstract:
A torque sensor includes an adjustable platform vertically adjustable to place a sensing module near a rotating target to obtain measurements there from with a sensing element. The apparatus can be configured to include a bottom channel mounted to a base and a PCB tray mounted to a top channel, the PCB tray and top channel vertically adjustable from the base by a rotating shaft. The top and bottom channels are coupled to side bars and side channels in pairs movably connected by joint pins with a rotatable shaft movably connecting said joint pins. The sensing module is movable with respect to the base via rotation of said rotatable shaft causing movement of said pair of side bars and side channels, placing said sensing element nearest a target to obtain rotational movement data.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    Embodiments are generally related to torque sensors. Embodiments are also related to digital telemetry torque systems. Embodiments are additionally related to adjustable platforms for use with torque sensors. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In systems that incorporate the use of rotating shafts, it is often desirable to generate data indicative of the torque and speed of such shafts in order to control the same or other devices associated with rotatable shafts. Accordingly, it is desirable to detect and measure torque in an accurate, reliable and inexpensive manner. The ability to detect and measure torque imposed on a rotating shaft, e.g., a drive shaft, may be useful in applications such as, for example, automotive vehicles. For example, it may be desirable to measure the torque on a rotating drive shaft of a vehicle&#39;s drivetrain, in a vehicle&#39;s engine (e.g., the crankshaft), or in an anti-locking braking system (ABS), 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0003]    The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the features unique to what is disclosed herein and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole. 
         [0004]    It is, therefore, one aspect of the disclosed embodiment to provide an improved torque sensor. 
         [0005]    It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiment to provide an adjustable platform and torque sensor. 
         [0006]    It is a further aspect of the disclosed embodiment to provide an improved vertical axis adjustable platform capable of providing enhanced sensitivity and infinite resolution for the interface of a torque sensor with a rotating mechanical system (e.g., a rotating shaft). 
         [0007]    The aforementioned aspects, features and advantages of the disclosed embodiment can now be achieved as described herein. A vertical axis torque sensor can include an adjustable platform. The apparatus can be configured to include a base member associated with an adjustable mechanism including a torque sensor mounted thereon to attain enhanced rotation detection sensitivity and resolution. The adjustable mechanism can be adjusted in order to permit a PCB tray to enable a torque sensor to engage a shaft in vertical axis movement relative to the base member. The adjustable mechanism can include two sets of side bars and a side channels that can each be rotatably held together using side pins. The side pins can each be configured to receive a lead screw (e.g., threaded metal shaft). The side channels can be coupled to a Top Channel. The side bars are coupled to a bottom channel. The top channel can be attached to the PCB tray utilizing one or more head cap screws. The bottom channels can be attached to a base utilizing one or more head cap screws. The lead screw can operate the adjustable mechanism in-between the set of side bars and side channels. As the screw is rotated, the side bars and side channel can move the top channel vertically with respect to the base. 
         [0008]    A pair of guide plates can be attached to both sides of the adjustable mechanism utilizing one or more joint pins and retaining rings mounted in association with the bottom and top channels. The adjustable mechanism in association with the metal screw and the guide plates can be employed to lift the PCB tray to a “stop” position. The sensor element held within the PCB tray can then be maintained at a particular height in order to attain enhanced sensitivity and performance. The bottom channel can be mounted on the base member and securely fastened to a platform cover. The sensor element(s) can be peripherally or centrally mounted on a target (e.g., rotating shaft) in order to create an input signal (e.g., torque measurement) before transmitting the input signal to a signal-processing module. 
         [0009]    The torque measurement can be transmitted via the PCB tray from the transmitter PCB associated with the rotating shaft, from the torque sensor. The adjustable platform apparatus is capable of adjusting the sensitivity associated with various shaft diameters for receiving a torque signal. Such a vertical axis adjustable platform associated with the torque sensor can provide complete torque measurement capabilities with standard analog, frequency and digital output signals. The adjustable platform can perform well under extreme conditions and can be utilized in a variety of applications while offering enhanced accuracy and durability. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the embodiments and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the embodiments disclosed herein. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a torque measuring system, which can be implemented in accordance with features of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a vertical axis adjustable platform apparatus, in accordance with features of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of the vertical axis adjustable platform apparatus, in accordance with features of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a PCB tray in association with a top channel, which can be implemented in accordance with features of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a vertical axis adjustable means, in accordance with features of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a metal screw in association with the vertical axis adjustable means, in accordance with features of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  illustrates an assembled view of the vertical axis adjustable platform apparatus, in accordance with features of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the vertical axis adjustable platform apparatus in association with a cover, in accordance with features of the present invention; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  illustrates a detailed flow chart of operations illustrating logical operational steps for a method of assembling the torque sensor adjustable platform, in accordance with features of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    Aspects and features of the invention discussed herein should not be construed in any limited sense. That is, it should be appreciated that such embodiments reveal details of the structure in preferred or alternative form necessary for a better understanding of the invention and may be subject to change by skilled persons within the scope of the invention and without departing from the concept thereof. The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate at least one embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope thereof. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a torque measurement system  100 , which can be capable of being implemented in accordance with features of the present invention. The torque measurement system  100  can be utilized in wide variety of applications, including, but not limited to, steering wheel effort measurements in electronic power steering systems, determining the transmission output torque for electronically controlled shifting, cam and crankshaft torque measurements used for engine misfire detection, antilock braking system wheel torque measurements and brake pedal torque measurements for electric breaking. Readings obtained using torque measurement systems  100  are capable of being processed in a digital domain, providing enhanced accuracy and versatility. 
         [0022]    The torque measurement system  100  generally includes an adjustable platform  110  supporting a sensor module. The adjustable platform, shown vertically adjustable in the drawing without intended limitation, can be adjusted (in all directions, depending on the application) to provide maximum resolutions and a high frequency response from the sensor module  115  when interfaced with a measured target (e.g., rotating shaft). The adjustable platform hardware  110  includes a SCB tray  111  that can be moved relative to a base  160 . Movement of the SCB tray  111  vertically enables the sensor module  115  to obtain accurate reading for the torque measuring system  100 . The sensor module  115  includes a sensor element  117  and supporting electronics  118  that can provide measurement signals to a remote signal processor  190  (e.g., external electronics, hardware, communications, software). The supporting electronics can include wiring, transmitters (optical, RF) supporting communication from the sensor to remote electronics. The supporting electronics  118  can include a signal processor configured to condition a measured signal and communicate with remote electronics (e.g., procssors). The remote signal processor  190  can receive a signal from the torque sensor  100 . The received signal can be scaled and filtered via a software system (not shown) in order to generate a variety of outputs, compatible with various data acquisition systems. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an adjustable platform  200 , in accordance with features of the present invention. Note that in  FIGS. 1-8  identical or similar blocks are generally indicated by identical reference numerals. The adjustable platform  200  can be capable of offering upgraded performance and network connectivity with respect to torque measurement system  100 . The adjustable platform  200  can be adjusted in order to effectively receive the transmitted output signals from the sensor element  117  associated with the electronics  118  that together can be functioning as a dynamic rotating transmitter PCB. The adjustable platform  200  in association with a rotary in-line and reaction torque sensor can effectively measure torque signals in a variety of applications. The vertical axis adjustable platform apparatus  200  can be configured to include a top covers  120 , an adjustable shaft  150  and a PCB tray  111  that will move vertically based on adjustment of the adjustable shaft  150  containing a sensor element  117 . 
         [0024]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of the adjustable platform  200 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The apparatus  200  can be configured to include a base member  160  associated with the adjustable shaft  150  for moving the SCB tray  111  and mounting the torque sensor  117  with a target in order to attain enhanced detection sensitivity and broad resolution for measurement obtained from the target. The mechanically adjustable platform hardware  110  of the invention can include a pair of guide plates  125 , a top channel  105  and a bottom channel  155 . It should be appreciated that only one guide plate  125  can also be used. The adjustable shaft  150  in association with the guide plates  125  can be employed to evenly lift the PCB tray  111  to a “stop” position when it is accurately and/or evenly interfaced with a target requiring measurement. The PCB tray  111  can then be maintained at a particular height in order to attain an enhanced sensitivity and performance. The adjustable platform hardware  110  can further include one or more head cap screws such as, for example, head cap screw  135  and  145  and a number of joint pins such as, a joint pin  140  associated with a retaining pin  130 . A connector  165  can be utilized to connect the adjustable platform apparatus  100  to the remote signal processor  190 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the PCB tray  111  in association with the top channel  105 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The top channel  105  can be attached to the PCB tray  111  utilizing the head cap screws  135 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the vertical axis adjustable mechanism  250 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The vertical axis adjustable mechanism  150  generally includes a side bar  220  and a side channel  210 . The side bar  220  and the side channel  210  can be attached to the adjustable shaft  150  (e.g., a thread screw) utilizing a side pin  240  and a retaining pin  230 . The side channel  210  can be configured from a material such as, for example, aluminum depending upon design considerations. 
         [0027]      FIG. 6  illustrates a closer perspective view of an adjustable shaft  150  in association with a vertical axis adjustable mechanism  250 . The vertical axis adjustable mechanism  250  can be inserted on both sides of the adjustable shaft  150 . The adjustable shaft  150  can be configured from material such as, for example, aluminum, steel, lead and composites, again depending upon design considerations. It can be appreciated that other types of hard materials, e.g., metals and composites, can be utilized in place of the suggested metal in accordance with alternative embodiments. 
         [0028]      FIG. 7  illustrates an assembled view of a vertical axis adjustable platform apparatus  200 , in accordance with additional features of the invention. The vertical axis adjustable mechanism hardware  110  in association with the adjustable shaft  150  can be mounted in between the top channel  105  and the bottom channel  155 . The guide plate(s)  125  can then be attached on at least one side of the vertical axis adjustable mechanism hardware  110  utilizing the joint pins  140  and the retaining rings  130 . It should again be appreciated that one guide plate  125 , instead of two, could also be used with similar results, in which case only one guide plate  125  is mounted on one side of the vertical axis mechanism hardware  110 . The bottom channel  155  can then be mounted on the base member  160 . The vertical axis adjustable mechanism hardware  110  in association with adjustable shaft  150  and the guide plate(s)  125  is capable of being adjusted in order to permit the PCB tray  110  and sensor element  117  to engage a target by vertical axis movement of the vertical axis adjustable platform apparatus  200 . The vertical axis adjustable mechanism hardware  110  can then be covered utilizing covers  120 , as depicted in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0029]    The retaining rings  130  can include a number of recesses on the side thereof facing away and uniformly distributed throughout the periphery and extend inwardly radially from the outer peripheral surface of the retaining rings  130 . Electronics  118  can be located within the PCB tray  111  in order to receive and condition the input signal before transmitting the signal to a remote signal processor  190 . It can be appreciated that the torque signal can be transmitted wirelessly via the PCB tray  111  from a radio frequency transmitter (not shown) connected to the sensor element  117  interfacing with a target (e.g., rotating shaft). The adjustable platform apparatus  100  is capable of adjusting the sensitivity associated with various shaft diameters. 
         [0030]      FIG. 9  illustrates a detailed flow chart  300  of operational steps for providing the torque sensor, in accordance with features of the present invention. A top channel  105  can be attached to the PCB tray  110  utilizing head cap screws  135 , as depicted at block  310 . Next, as illustrated at block  320 , a side bar  220  and a side channel  210  can be inserted on both ends of the adjustable shaft  150  and attached utilizing joint pins  140  and retaining rings  130 . The side bars  220  and side channels  210  in association with the adjustable shaft  150  coupled to the joint pins  140  can be mounted in between the top channel  105  and the bottom channel  155 , as indicated at block  330 . At least one guide plate  125  can then be attached to sides of the vertical axis adjustable mechanism  110  and, via ultimate connection to joint pins  140  and the retaining rings  130 , to the adjustable shaft  150 , as depicted at block  340 . The adjustable mechanism  250  in association with the guide plate(s)  125  can be adjusted vertically. 
         [0031]    Thereafter, as illustrated at block  350 , the bottom channel  155  can be mounted on the base member  160 . The vertical axis adjustable platform apparatus  100  can be covered as depicted at block  360 . The platform apparatus  100  in association with the signal receiver  240  is capable of adjusting the sensitivity associated with various shaft diameters for receiving a torque signal. Such an adjustable platform apparatus  100  associated with the torque sensor  210  provides complete torque measurement capabilities with standard analog, frequency and digital output signals. The adjustable platform apparatus  100  should perform well under extreme conditions and can be utilized in a variety of applications while offering enhanced accuracy, durability, and signal quality. 
         [0032]    It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.