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，以解决机械系统中旋转和固定成员之间信息、逻辑数据和模拟信号传输的一般问题。特别适用于旋转轴转矩的精密测量。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，并且需要专门的设备来恢复扭矩信号。他们有一个实际的上限，轴的速度约25,000 RPM。本研究的目的是开发一种在机械系统中旋转和静止构件之间进行无接触信息传递的新技术。特别是，它将以更低的成本制造精密无接触扭矩传感器，适用于速度甚至高达100,000 RPM的目标。研究的方法是对产生模拟转矩信号的转轴进行处理，并将结果光通信到静止子系统。第一阶段研究的目标是建立一个测试装置来证明所提出概念的可行性。虽然本提案中的机会是在转轴扭矩传感器应用方面提出的，但所开发的技术将用于测量具有运动部件的机械系统中的其他物理变量，如力，温度，压力等。

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.