What is a torque sensor and what are the types of torque sensor

What does torque mean and is torque a force

Torque is the measurement of a force that causes an object to rotate. Rotation torque is the force acts on the object that’s not free to rotate, with rotational torque the object is free to rotate. Torque measurements are used for process control, torque measurement is an important factor in manufacturing. Torque monitoring must be done in order to maintain the performance of drive trains, electric and hydraulic motors, gear drives…

What is a torque sensor and how does a torque sensor work

Rotating torque sensors are used in industrial automation.

Torque sensors can be used to measure the torque in a rotation system, in industrial automation torque sensors are used. Torque is classified as dynamic and static torque, static torque can be measured quickly but the dynamic torque measurement won’t be that easy. There is a mechanical stop function for torque sensors, which would improve the overload capacity and also gives protection during the operation and installation.

Torque sensors or transducers use, strain gauges applied to a rotating shaft or axle. With this method, a means to power strain gauge bridge is required, as well as a means to receive the signal from the rotating shaft. This can be accomplished using slip rings, or rotary transformers. Nowadays torque sensors or transducers add conditioning electronics and an A/D converter to the rotating shaft.

What is a reaction torque sensor

Reaction torque sensor measures static torque with a stationary or non-rotating transducer. Reaction torque sensor has many applications like viscosity and lubrication studies, bearing friction, axle torsion test, starter testing, automotive brake testing. Reaction torque is the turning force or the movement, imposed upon the stationary portion of a device by the rotating portion. Reaction torque sensors can be used for the torque measurement applications of motors and pumps.

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What are the types of torque sensors

How does rotary torque transducer work

Rotary torque sensor

Mostly rotary sensors are mounted on the shaft, but it’s not always done because of space limitation. The strain gauge can be directly installed in the shaft. Because the shaft is rotating, the torque sensor can be connected to its power source and signal conditioning electronics with the help of a slip ring. This industrial rotary torque transformer is used to measure the response of rotating torque. These sensors have proper mechanical stops, these torque meter would increase the safety during the assembly and operation. The applications of rotary torque sensors are mostly in the automotive sector like clutch testing, Efficiency testing, engine dynamometer. It can also be used for motor and pump testing.

Magnetostrictive transducers

The ability of the shaft material to concentrate magnetic flux, magnetic permeability also varies with torque and it can be measured using a magnetostrictive sensor. When the shaft has no loading then the permeability is uniform. Permeability and the number of flux lines increase according to the torque, under torsion. This type of sensors can be mounted to the side of the shaft by using two primary and two secondary windings.

Proximity torque sensors

Proximity sensors can also detect torque by measuring the angular displacement between a shaft’s two ends. The angular displacement caused by the torque can be measured, by installing two identical toothed wheels to the shaft. Proximity sensors or photocells located at each toothed wheel produce output voltages whose phase difference increases as the torque twists the shaft.

What are the applications of torque sensor

  • It is used for power tool measurements
  • In controlling complex non-linear mechanical systems
  • In process testing, diagnostics, and monitoring applications
  • Torque meter can be used for measuring and recording the torque on a rotating system
  • It is used to measure mass and moments of mass inertia
  • It can determine the amount of power a motor or other rotating device generates or consumes
  • It is used in industrial automation
  • It is used in robotic tactile and manufacturing applications