Integrated optical absolute-value encoder and torque analyser

Absolutely measuring angle of rotation and measuring torque are of great importance in industry. So far, the acquisition of both variables is done separately. Within the scope of this thesis, a non-contact measurement method for the determination of the absolute rotation angle and torque is investigated. In order to detect the torque of a mechanical shaft contactless, two coded markings in the circumferential direction and corresponding distance are applied with a laser, which are red by means of an optical system. Both markings encode the absolute angle of rotation within 360°, so that when the two angles of rotation are detected, an angle difference and thus torque are inferred. Further development of existing codings as well as the detectability of the absolute rotation angles and the torque calculated therefrom are described in this work. In addition, the detection of the circularity and the effect of this on the angle measurement in the context of the scientific question is examined. For this purpose, both the model presentation and experimental measurement results are described in the work. The simultaneous detection of the circularity offers the possibility of determining the angle-dependent change in distance, so that an application in condition-based maintenance (e.g. of bearings) is conceivable. Furthermore, preliminary considerations for industrial applicability are included in order to enable a compact design and further optimize data processing. In experiments with an engine test bench, the implemented prototypical measuring system is investigated and discussed in industrial practice. At a speed of 500 min^-1, the general feasibility of optical torque measurement was demonstrated with an error of up to 11 %.

optical torque measuring system, rotation angle, coding, circularity, angle difference method