Rotating torque transducers

By Control Engineering Staff September 22, 2005
Rotating torque transducers from PCB Piezotronics, with a flange and splined-shaft design, conform to AND 10262 & 20002 (Army/Navy) standards.

Rotating torque transducers from the Force/Torque Division of PCB Piezotronics Inc. use non-contact, rotary transformers for sending excitation voltage to, and receiving measurement signals from, the strain gage instrumented rotating sensor element. Rotary transformer design eliminates the need for replacing worn brushes, as is the case with conventional slip ring type rotating torque sensors.

Applications include torque studies on cantilevered aerospace hydraulic motors and pumps, dynamometers for combustion engines, drive shafts, transmissions, fans, and electric motors. An optional pickup provides an output proportional to speed and an optional K-type thermocouple to monitor internal bearing temperature. The units are said to feature high torsional stiffness and low rotating inertia. Custom-designed units are available for different ranges and speeds.

—Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering, MHoske@cfemedia.com