Trw Limited

Other

Leonid V Bogdanov

Don Blandino

Philip H Berger

Lutz Axel May

Richard Wotherspoon

Leonard Zembrzuski

Maciej Kardas

A torque sensor ( ) for a power assist steering system ( ) for sensing applied torque between relatively rotatable input and output shafts ( ) which are connected by a torsion element ( ) comprises an input transformer (T ) and a rotary transmitter ( ) connected for rotation with the input shaft. The rotary transmitter ( ) has a plurality of transmitter pole segments ( ) defined by a plurality of slots ( ). The rotary transmitter ( ) includes a transmitter coil ( ) electrically connected with the input transformer (T ). The transmitter coil ( ) completely encircles each of the transmitter pole segments ( ) individually and has two sections disposed in each of the plurality of slots ( ). A rotary receiver ( ) is axially spaced from the rotary transmitter ( ) and is connected for rotation with the output shaft ( ). The rotary receiver ( ) includes a pair of one receiver coils ( ). Output transformers (T , T ) are respectively electrically connected with the receiver coils ( ).

Torque sensor for a power assist steering system

The present invention is directed to a torque sensing apparatus ( ) for sensing torque applied to an elongated shaft ( ) having a longitudinal axis ( ). An elongated magnetoelastic element ( ) is connected about a portion of the shaft ( ). The magnetoelastic element ( ) provides a magnetic field in response to a torque (T) applied to the shaft ( ). A magnetic member ( ) is positioned adjacent the magnetoelastic element ( ). An alternating power source ( ) drives the magnetic member ( ) into magnetic saturation. The magnetic member ( ) has a saturation condition responsive to the magnetic field of the magnetoelastic element ( ). A detector circuit ( ) detects the saturation condition of the magnetic member. The detector circuit ( ) provides a signal indicative of the applied torque in response to the saturation condition of the magnetic member ( ).

Torque sensing apparatus and method

A power steering mechanism ( ) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle comprises a rotatable input member ( ), a rotatable output member ( ), and a torsion bar ( ) connecting the input member and the output member. The torsion bar ( ) is fixedly connected to the output member ( ) and twists upon relative rotation between the input member ( ) and the output member. The torsion bar ( ) is made of a magnetoelastic material and has a defined surface area ( ) which carries a magnetic field, which magnetic field varies upon twisting of the torsion bar, magnetic field detector ( ) is located to sense variance in the magnetic field. The input member ( ) is interposed between the torsion bar ( ) and the magnetic field detector ( ) and is made of a non-magnetic material.

Power steering mechanism with magnetoelastic torsion bar

A shaft (,) experiences torsion about its axis (,) in response to an applied torque (T). A cylindrical magnetoelastic member (,) is secured coaxially about the shaft (,). The magnetoelastic member (,) has first and second spaced apart end portions (,). Each end portion (,) is chamfered at a predetermined angle (&THgr;,, &THgr;,) with respect to a plane (,) extending perpendicular to the shaft axis (,). The magnetoelastic member (,) provides a magnetic field in response to the torsion of the shaft (,). A detector (,) is positioned adjacent to the magnetoelastic member (,) for sensing the magnetic field and providing a signal indicative of the applied torque (T).

Torque sensing apparatus having a magnetoelastic member secured to a shaft

An electrodynamic motor drive system, for generating enhanced rotational output, is comprised of a pair of flywheel mechanisms that are integrally connected to an output shaft. Each flywheel mechanism is energized by its own motor and is operable to temporarily engage a weighted mass that travels a path defined by the housing of the system. A pair of mass accelerators rapidly advances each flywheel mechanism during the transfer of the masses from one flywheel mechanism to the other. A component of the force generated by the continuously rotating masses is transferred through each flywheel mechanism to an output system which, in turn, causes rotation of an output shaft.

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Troy, MI, United States of America

Leonid V Bogdanov