Optical Transfer of Data Between Rotating and Stationary Subsystems

这个小型企业创新研究第一阶段项目提出了一个创新的解决方案，以转移信息，逻辑数据和模拟信号的通用问题，在机械系统中的旋转和固定构件之间。特别是将该解决方案应用于旋转轴扭矩的精密测量。市场上可用的精密扭矩传感器基于20多年前的技术，制造成本高，需要专门的设备来恢复扭矩信号。它们具有约25，000 RPM的轴速度的实际上限。本研究的目的是开发一种新的技术，用于机械系统中旋转和静止构件之间的非接触式信息传输。特别地，本发明将致力于以较低成本制造精确的非接触式扭矩传感器的目标，该扭矩传感器适用于甚至高达100，000RPM的速度。研究的方法是在旋转轴上处理产生的模拟扭矩信号，并将结果以光学方式传送到静止子系统。第一阶段研究的目标是建立一个测试装置，以证明所提出的概念的可行性。虽然本提案中的机会是在旋转轴扭矩传感器应用方面提出的，但所开发的技术将有助于测量其他物理变量，如力、温度、压力等，在具有运动部件的机械系统中。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes an innovative solution to the generic problem of transfer of information, logical data and analog signals, between rotating and stationary members in a mechanical system. In particular it applies the solution to precision measurement of torque in a rotating shaft. The precision torque transducers available in the market are based on more than 20 years old technology, are costly to make, and require specialized equipment to recover the torque signal. They have a practical upper limit to shaft speed of about 25,000 RPM. The objective of this research is to develop a new technology for contact-less transfer of information between rotating and stationary members in a mechanical system. In particular, it will be directed to the goal of making precision contact-less torque transducers at lower cost which are suitable for speeds even up to 100,000 RPM. The approach to research is to process the analog torque signal on the rotating shaft where it is generated, and to optically communicate the result to the stationary subsystem. The goal of Phase I research is to build a test set-up to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed concept. While the opportunity in this proposal is presented in terms of rotary shaft torque transducer application, the developed technology will be useful for measurement of other physical variables such as force, temperature, pressure, etc., in mechanical systems with moving parts.