Friction testing and torque sensing systems

DWPI Title: System for characterizing force e.g. friction, wear, and torque, has reference encoder that is coupled to drive input shaft, and is configured to provide first output signal
Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to systems for characterizing force (e.g., friction, wear, and/or torque). In one embodiment, the system allows for wear testing of samples in a high throughput manner. In another embodiment, the system allows for torque sensing in a non-contact manner.
Use: System for wear testing and/or torque sensing in non-contact manner. Uses include but are not limited to friction, wear and torque.
Advantage: The system allows for wear testing of samples in a high throughput manner, and allows for torque sensing in a non-contact manner.
Novelty: The system has a flexure (1203) that is mounted around an internal shaft. The flexure comprises a first end and a second end. A drive input shaft (1204) is coupled to the first end of the flexure. A drive output shaft (1208) is coupled to the second end of the flexure. A reference encoder (1201) is coupled to the drive input shaf. The reference encoder is configured to provide a first output signal. A measurement encoder (1202) is coupled to the drive output shaft. The reference encoder is configured to provide a second output signal. A first optical reader is coupled to the reference encoder. The first optical reader is configured to receive and/or transmit the first output signal. A second optical reader is coupled to the measurement encoder. The second optical reader is configured to receive and/or transmit the second output signal.
Filed: 8/11/2021
Application Number: US17399954A
Tech ID: SD 14278.2
This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention.
Data from Derwent World Patents Index, provided by Clarivate
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