Non-Contact Torque Sensor for Unmodified Composite Shafts and Non-Ferrous Metal Shafts

In addition to monitoring the performance of both motors and associated loads, accurate characterization of shaft torque and vibration provides critical information about fault conditions that can ultimately lead to catastrophic component failure, and provide valuable information about system efficiencies. Existing methods for torque measurement typically function through direct contact with the shaft – most often through attachment of strain gages to the shaft. Current non-contact optical methods require imparting a contrast pattern to the surface of the shaft. Whether through a laser etched blaze pattern, painted features, or the application of zebra tape, these methods require modifications to the shaft, and do not lend themselves to retrofit applications where shaft modifications are unacceptable. The Prime Photonics Non-Contact Torque Measurement System measures shaft torque without parasitically loading the shaft or incurring penalties for installation. The hardened optical Prime Photonics Optical Torque System (OTS) has the capability to measure torque using only native shaft surface features at reporting speeds exceeding 9.6 kHz.