TORQUE TRANSDUCER

摘要

A torque transducer comprising a rotating shaft having first and second substantially rigid torque input members, which are connected by a torsionally compliant coupling. The coupling thereby enabling angular deflection of the first torque input member relative to the second torque input member as a function of the magnitude of the torque in the shaft. A first grating element attached to or integral with the first torque input member and a second grating element attached to or integral with the second torque input member. The grating elements comprising surfaces composed of alternating regions of high and low reflectivity connected by a torsionally compliant coupling. These surfaces are illuminated by a source of electro-magnetic radiation (EMR), which generates patterns on one or more arrays of detectors sensitive to the EMR. The disposition of the patterns is a function of torque applied to the shaft, and the output of the one or more arrays can be processed to produce a measure of the torque applied to the shaft.