LOAD AND TORQUE SENSING SYSTEMS UTILIZING MAGNETIC KEY FOR MECHANICAL ENGAGEMENT

摘要

Two forms of load bearing or transmitting structures are disclosed wherein each uses magnetism to hold a key in one of two bodies to prevent movement therebetween. One embodiment is a clevis, wherein the clevis pin is instrumented as a load cell and a magnetic key resides in a slot in a portion of the clevis pin which protrudes outside of one of the clevis legs. In another embodiment, torque is transmitted between a shaft and a coupling by means of keys that are held in keyways by magnetism thereby to provide a torque coupling between the shaft and coupling members.

主权项

1. Apparatus for bearing and/or transmitting load and torque in a mechanical system comprising:
a first body defining a key receiving surface; a second body proximate said first body by complemental fit; and a key magnetically attached to said first body in a location to prevent relative movement between the first and second bodies along or around at least one axis.