A Feasibility Study of a Noncontact Torque Sensor with Multiple Hall Sensors

Abstract

The feasibility of a noncontact sensor is investigated. This type of sensor can potentially be used for torque measurement in a speed-variable power transmission system. Torque can be read by examining the phase difference between two induction signals from respective magnetic sensors that detect the magnetic field intensity of permanent magnets mounted on the surface of a shaft in rotation. A real-time measuring algorithm that includes filtering and calibration is adopted to measure the torque magnitude. It is shown that this new torque sensor can perform well under rotation speeds ranging from 300 rpm to 500 rpm. As an interim report rather than a complete development, this work demonstrates the feasibility of noncontact torque measurement by monitoring a magnetic field. The result shows an error of less than 2% within the full test range, which is a sufficient competitive performance for commercial sensors. The price is very low compared to competitors in the marketplace, and the device does not require special handling of the shaft of the surface.