SBIR Phase II: Optical Transfer of Data Between Rotating and Stationary Subsystems

这个小型企业创新研究第二阶段项目将探索一种创新的解决方案，以解决机械系统中旋转和静止部件之间的信息、逻辑数据和模拟信号的传输这一普遍问题。需要解决的特殊问题是旋转轴扭矩的精确测量。目前可用的精密扭矩传感器通常基于20年以上的技术，制造成本很高，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速约25,000转。对于10,000 RPM以上的速度，价格会随着速差的增加而迅速上涨。这项研究的目标是开发一种新的技术，用于机械系统中旋转和静止部件之间的非接触信息传递，目标是以低成本制造适用于高达100,000转/分的精密非接触式扭矩传感器。研究方法是对转轴上产生的模拟扭矩信号进行处理，并将处理结果光学地传递给固定的子系统。第二阶段研究的一个具体目标是建立一个真正的非接触式(无轴承)制造额定扭矩传感器的原型，额定扭矩为100到1000 NM。它将接受速度测试，速度高达每分钟50,000转。处理扭矩信号所需的功率将由旋转电力变压器提供，该变压器与传感器集成在一起。通过光学耦合传递到固定子系统的数字化扭矩信号将由传感器集成的微处理器处理，用于十进制显示和可选的RS232接口。与市场上提供的非接触式(带轴承)传感器不同，它不需要任何专用仪器来恢复扭矩信号。虽然该项目的机会在于旋转轴扭矩传感器的应用，但开发的技术将有助于在具有移动部件的机械系统中测量其他物理变量，如力、温度、压力等。如果成功，这项研究将带来一种在机械系统的旋转和静止部件之间传递信息的新技术。它将在飞机、汽车、重型机械和耐用品工业的产品开发设备中得到应用。它适用于舰船和飞机的机载应用。它具有在汽车上应用的潜力，特别是在电动汽车的转向控制方面。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will explore 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. The particular problem to be addressed is precision measurement of torque in a rotating shaft. Precision torque transducers currently available are typically based on technology over 20 years old, 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. For speeds above 10,000 RPM, the price increases rapidly with the speed differential. 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 with the goal of making precision contact-less torque transducers at low cost which are suitable for speeds up to 100,000 RPM. The research approach 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. A specific goal of Phase II research is to build a truly non-contact (no bearings) manufacturing prototype torque transducer rated at 100 to 1000 NM. It will be tested for speeds for speeds up to 50,000 RPM. The power needed for processing the torque signal will be supplied by a rotary power transformer, integral to the transducer. The digitized torque signal communicated by optical coupling to the stationary subsystem will be processed by a microprocessor, integral to the transducer, for decimal display and optional RS232 interface. Unlike the non-contact (with bearing ) transducers available in the market, it will not require any dedicated instruments to recover the torque signal. While the opportunity in this project 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. If successful, the research will lead to a new technology for transfer of information between rotating and stationary members of a mechanical system. It will find application in equipment used for product development in aircraft, automobiles, heavy machinery, and durable goods industries. It is suitable for on-board applications in ships and aircraft. It has potential for on-board application in automobiles, particularly in steering control of electric cars.