Mao Zhongyuan, Zhong Yuanchang, Zhao Xuehui, He Tengfei, Duan Sike
School of Electrical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
Micromachines (Basel). 2025 Jul 27;16(8):868. doi: 10.3390/mi16080868.
In rotating machinery, the demands for torque sensor resolution and range in various torque measurements are becoming increasingly stringent. This paper presents a novel variable stiffness torque sensor designed to meet the demands for high resolution or a large range under varying measurement conditions. Unlike traditional strain gauge-based torque sensors, this sensor combines the advantages of torsion springs and magnetorheological fluid (MRF) to achieve dynamic adjustments in both resolution and range. Specifically, the stiffness of the elastic element is adjusted by altering the shear stress of the MRF via an applied magnetic field while simultaneously harnessing the high sensitivity of the torsion spring. The stiffness model is established and validated for accuracy through finite element analysis. A screw modulation-based angle measurement method is proposed for the first time, offering high non-contact angle measurement accuracy and resolving eccentricity issues. The performance of the sensor prototype is evaluated using a self-developed power-closed torque test bench. The experimental results demonstrate that the sensor exhibits excellent linearity, hysteresis, and repeatability while effectively achieving dynamic continuous adjustment of resolution and range.
在旋转机械中，各种扭矩测量对扭矩传感器分辨率和量程的要求越来越严格。本文提出了一种新型可变刚度扭矩传感器，旨在满足不同测量条件下对高分辨率或大量程的要求。与传统的基于应变片的扭矩传感器不同，该传感器结合了扭力弹簧和磁流变液（MRF）的优点，以实现分辨率和量程的动态调整。具体而言，通过施加磁场改变MRF的剪应力来调整弹性元件的刚度，同时利用扭力弹簧的高灵敏度。通过有限元分析建立并验证了刚度模型的准确性。首次提出了一种基于螺杆调制的角度测量方法，具有高非接触角度测量精度并解决了偏心问题。使用自行开发的功率闭环扭矩测试台对传感器原型的性能进行了评估。实验结果表明，该传感器具有出色的线性度、滞后性和重复性，同时有效地实现了分辨率和量程的动态连续调整。
