中文版本

Opportunity

Torque and speed are the two most important quantities transmitted in vehicles. While speed has been well measured for a long time, there is few effective ways to monitor torque currently in the market. Most vehicles operate based on engine torque estimation methods that usually are not accurate and reliable. It has been widely recognized in the automotive industry that measuring torque is one of the best ways for effective control of engines and for optimal torque distributions. With rapid development of electric cars, intelligent vehicles and self-driving techniques, the need for an effective long-term torque measurement system becomes more and more pressing.

Technology

The present invention relates to automotive torque sensors, and more particularly, to a wireless torque monitoring system installed on flexplates within the powertrain, wherein said wireless system includes an energy harvester. This invention is made to address the issues existing in current torque sensors. It provides a cost-effective, easy-to-install, and reliable torque measurement system. Furthermore, the system is wireless, self-powered and capable of operating automatically for an ultra-long time.

Advantages

• The entire torque measurement system is self-powered where the energy harvester captures rotation, vibration and deformation energy and converts it to electricity. The energy conversion is achieved by the electromagnetic effect and/or piezoelectric effect and stored locally in the battery. No extra power source is required.
• The present invention provides a small size, light weight, long lifespan, and low cost torque measurement system. The torque measurement system has a much smaller volume and lighter weight compared with the flexplate.

Applications

•  Intelligent cars
• Self-driving technology