Torque sensors are devices that measure and record the torque of a rotating system. A torque sensor works on the principle such that transducers are used to convert mechanical torque input into an electrical output signal.
A torque transducer converts torque of various types such as reaction, dynamic or rotary into an electrical signal that can be measured.
There are two different types of torque sensor, that are used to measure types of force. Rotary or angular force is measured using Dynamic Torque Sensor. While force at a distance is measured using Static Torque Sensor.
Dynamometers are used to measure mechanical force or power being transmitted by a rotating shaft. Since power is the product of torque (turning force) and angular speed, all power-measuring dynamometers are essentially torque-measuring instruments. Torque is measured in newton-meter as per the SI system.
What is a Torque transducer?
Torque Sensor (or Torque Transducers) measure torque in a variety of methods. The basic principle is via a mechanical process, where it measures the force required to turn an element. As the torque applied to the sensor increases, the electrical output signal changes proportionally.
Torque Sensor Applications: These are extensively used to test the torque in a wide range of situations such as tightening force of screws, rotating force of keys, opening and closing torque of bottle caps, twisting force of circuit boards, motor testing, steering wheel performance testing and many more.
Strain gauge based torque sensors are further classified as –
- Reaction Torque Sensors (Static Torque Transducers)
- Rotary Torque Sensor (Dynamic Torque Transducers)
These are suited for both clockwise and counter-clockwise torque measurements and a wide variety of static and dynamic measurement applications.
Reaction Torque Sensors (Static Torque Transducers)
Reaction torque sensors measure static torque. A reaction torque transducer measures torque transferred to the ground (or to any rigid structural member).
Reaction/Static Torque Transducers are well suited for industrial applications & fatigue torque testing. These sensors are used in applications where angular movement /motion are limited. These are pretty much reliable sensors in comparison to Rotary torque Sensors as they have non-moving parts.
Applications where Static Torque Sensors are utilized:
- Precision mechanics test structures
- Friction torque measurements
- Screw Cap torque testing
- To measure the torque applied to vehicle control parts
Rotary Torque Sensor (Dynamic Torque Transducers)
A Rotary torque transducer is a sensor that is used to measure the torque of a rotating system such as the tightening torque of a nut, bolt or bottle cap.
There are 2 types of Rotary (Dynamic) Torque transducers:
- Contact Type Rotary Torque Sensors
- Non-contact type rotary torque sensors
These sensors are suitable for laboratory applications as well as industrial environments because of their compact size and multiple mounting possibilities. The drive options for the models are mainly of 3 kinds: shaft to shaft type, Hex type and square drive type.
These transducers can also be called as Torque Angle Sensors; this is when they are equipped with an optional angle encoder. The rotary torque transducer can then be used to measure the angle which is also sometimes called as the steering angle. This sensor provides torque and angle measurement in a single package. These are used in various applications where the angle needs to be measured along with the Torque.
Contact type Rotary Torque Sensor
These are slip-ring based sensors which are designed to measure the rotating drive torque using a conventional shaft-to-shaft configuration with in-line placement and therefore are called inline rotating torque sensors. It is suitable for inline testing of automotive engines, drive trains, dynamometer, electric motor, gearboxes, transmission-propellers, pumps, driveline fans, crankshafts and other similar rotating devices. These are especially designed for medium speed applications.
Contact less Rotary Torque Sensors:
Non-contact type Rotary Torque sensor is highly accurate, low on noise, has good-overload capacity, ample range, good noise tolerance and wide temperature range. Non-contacting torque sensors use magnetic or inductive technology to provide accurate measurements at high rotational speeds; they offer long service and are maintenance free as they do not use any parts that are affected by wear like slip rings. State-of-the-art strain gauge, non-contact signal transfer and precise sensing makes these suitable for proper control, laboratory and production utility. They can be floated or foot mounted with an integral mounting base.
Conclusion:
SushmaTM Torque Sensors are extremely accurate and compact in design. They are ideally suited for clockwise as well as counter clockwise torque measurements. These can be used for a wide variety of static and dynamic measurement applications.
Our OEM torque sensor range has the capacity to provide solutions that integrate effectively with a wide variety of industrial applications.
If you are in need of a torque sensor or a customized torque sensor then we request you to contact us for the optimal solution.
We are available at marketing@sushmaindustries.com
