Compact Drive-Shaft Sensors
The drive-shaft torque sensor rides directly on the shaft itself, using a bearing grade plastic. The torque-sensor housing is axially constrained by locating it between two shoulders or alternatively using a groove in the sensor housing that interfaces with a shoulder on the shaft.
MagCanica offers two variations of drive-shaft torque sensors. The version shown is a small, lightweight unit, which features fully integrated electronics. Only DC power needs to be provided, and the output torque signal is returned over CAN along with additional diagnostic information. Rotation on the driveshaft is prevented through an anti-rotation feature (not shown) which tends to be installation dependent.
Specifications
- The total width of the sensor is ~20mm.
- While a raised ‘transducer’ region may be required on the driveshaft such that the maximum stress is within the material’s allowable limitation, this is only necessary in the immediate region where the sensor is located (“measurement zone”).
- The sensor itself only weighs ~50 grams.
- Optimized for small size and low weight, the compact sensor does not incorporate any magnetic shielding, and the materials used tend to be more sensitive to changes associated with temperature. This limits the in-vehicle accuracy under all operating conditions to ~±1%
- Dependent on the design, typical rated-capacities are 4000Nm acceleration to -2500Nm deceleration.
- The accuracy is specified over the operating temperature range of ambient temperature (20ᵒC) to 120ᵒC.
- The signal conditioning electronic circuit is typically integrated into the housing in which pigtails are provided with a 500mm loom length.
- The units are fully sealed and can be exposed to water.