Engine crankshaft torque sensor

摘要

In various embodiments, an engine crankshaft is disclosed. The engine crankshaft comprises a rear bearing journal. The rear bearing journal has an output end. The rear bearing journal defines a substantially cylindrical cavity extending from the output end into the rear bearing journal. The engine crankshaft may further comprise at least one torque sensor operatively coupled to the rear bearing journal. The at least one torque sensor is configured to generate a torque signal corresponding to a torque exerted on the rear bearing journal. The torque exerted on the rear bearing journal is indicative of a torque output of an engine.

主权项

1. An engine crankshaft comprising:
an output end comprising a rear bearing journal, wherein the rear bearing journal defines a substantially cylindrical cavity having a specific depth within the crankshaft extending from the output end into the rear bearing journal, wherein the cavity defines an inner diameter surface, and wherein the specific depth of the cylindrical cavity is selected to prevent weakening the rear bearing journal in the plane of a bending load; and at least one torque sensor operatively coupled to the inner diameter surface of the cavity defined by the rear bearing journal of the crankshaft, wherein the at least one torque sensor is configured to generate a torque signal corresponding to a torque exerted on cylindrical cavity within the rear bearing journal, and wherein the torque exerted on the cylindrical cavity is indicative of a torque output of an engine.