FEATURE SENSING TECHNOLOGY Measuring torque in large drives
Until now direct measurement of torque in large drives has not been possible. While it was possible to measure torque by analysing the motor current and angle of a large drive, the results always arrived with a delay. A new optoelectronic measuring principle developed by KONUX, a young sensor company based in Munich, provides a solution for this problem
B
y measuring the angle twice directly on the shaft of the large drive it is
possible to calculate the torsion which is again directly proportional to the torque applied. The torque can be presented without delay. And torque measurement in large drives is just one of the various use cases for this new measurement technology.
THE NEW OPTOELECTRONIC MEASURING PRINCIPLE Derived from optical measurements a new optoelectronic measuring principle has been developed. The aim was to increase precision and reduce susceptibility to environmental influences. The result was a patented converter. This converter is placed between a LED and a photodiode. External stimulation causes the converter to move and thereby alters the voltage emitted by the photodiode. This happens because the amount of light between the LED and the photodiode changes due to the structure of the converter moving in-between. With the output of the photodiode the change in whatever mechanical quantity is measured can be made visible. Another speciality of the new optoelectronic measurement is that there is no need for an artificial point of reference.
AN INNOVATIVE LINE OF OPTOELECTRONIC SENSORS With this basic principle nine different sensors have been developed. The following mechanical quantities are observable: torque, pressure, force, position, level, flow, angle, acceleration and tilt. Due to their contactless measurement, they are free of wear. Vibration resistance and immunity to electromagnetic waves further increase the possible areas of application. These sensors can be fitted with industry standard networking technology like Ethercat (wired) or Zigbee (wireless). With a reaction time within the two digit microsecond range it is possible to use the sensors where the realtime class 3
34 SEPTEMBER 2015 | ELECTRONICS
They process the signal coming from the photodiode and filter it. The result is a signal which can be sent over the network to be used in M2M communication or condition monitoring. The company also offers software solutions to be sold with their sensors. This connection of hard- and software is a rare appearance within the traditional sensor industry. The existence of smart sensors drives the development of the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT). The necessity of extensive monitoring
in the coming age of industrial operations is a fact. Individual production processes are growing. From the motorcycle shipped with different handlebars to the solar panels produced to fit the exact angle of a rooftop – the production of the future has to be extremely flexible. The delivery of parts within a factory
Figure 1: Konux converter
standard is required. Tests under different environmental influences resulted in continuous robust and precise signals, even when the diodes were exposed to dense dust. Precision with the new optoelectronic measuring principle is up to ten times higher than within traditional measurement technologies.
building, the status of a product or a machine at any given time and a lot more processes need to be monitored constantly to ensure flawless and efficient operation. The results are less rejects and the possibility to deliver exactly what a customer is asking for. Condition monitoring might even become mandatory for some applications in the future. It also enables predictive maintenance. The latter is of special interest to anyone who wants to save money by preventing machines from breaking down or by reducing downtime due to overly careful maintenance cycles.
Figure 2:
The new optoelectronic measuring principle developed by Konux
MOVING TO A SMARTER WORLD Because industrial processes are getting further digitised every day, sensors cannot stop evolving as well. In addition to being fast, precise, robust and versatile, Konux sensors are also smart.
POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS One of the most important fields of application is automation. But there are a lot more. Optoelectronic sensors can basically be used everywhere their mechanical measureds are from a certain importance. Possible areas are the aerospace industry, agricultural machines, robotics, automatic screwdrivers, rheometers or testimonies. And of course large drives are also a possible field of application, as mentioned in the beginning. The monitoring of large drives is especially important because they run under heavy load. Stopping them or having downtime due to repairs is expensive and possibly dangerous. The latter led insurance companies to discuss about mandatory condition monitoring for the large drives built into large ships. With these torque sensors one of the most important measurands for this condition monitoring can be collected.
KONUX
www.konux.de/en/products +1 415 802 2323
/ ELECTRONICS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60