A device (10) for monitoring strain of an elongate member (12) is deployed underwater. The device (10) comprises a first clamp (14) configured to embrace and couple to the elongate member (12) at a first axial location, a second clamp (16) configured to embrace and couple to the elongate member at a second axial location separated from the first axial location, and a sensor which is responsive to an angle between the first clamp and the second clamp.

A measuring device includes first and second component groups rotatable about an axis relative to each other. The first component group has a scanning component, having a first substrate, and the second component group has a scale component, having a second substrate and an angle scale. The measuring device can determine a relative angular position between the component groups. The measuring device has a passive sensor array having conductor track structures. The conductor track structures are applied on the first substrate by an additive process so that the sensor array determines a torsional load of the first substrate about the axis. Alternatively, the conductor track structures are applied on the second substrate by an additive process so that the sensor array determines a torsional load of the second substrate about the axis.

A sensor includes a structure and a detector. The detector is arranged to detect a deformation of the structure. The structure has at least four elastic sections. The at least four elastic sections are discretely disposed in an imaginary plane.

A rotary-type series elastic actuator (SEA) for use in robotic applications. The SEA including a motor, gear transmission assembly, spring assembly, and sensors. In one example, a robotic joint may include the SEA as well as two links coupled with each other at the joint assembly. The two links may be designated as input and output links. Each link may have a joint housing body which may be concentrically connected via a joint bearing so that they freely rotate against each other. The housing frame of the SEA may be fixed at the joint housing body of the input link while the output mount of the spring assembly of the SEA may be concentrically coupled with the joint housing body of the output link. The rotation of the motor rotor causes the rotation of the output link with respect to the input link plus spring deflection of the spring assembly. When an external force or torque are applied between the two links, a control action of a control loop may cause a rotation and motive force of the motor that lead to the deflection of the spring assembly to balance with the external force/torque and inertial force from body masses moving together with the links.

A bearing unit is provided with a strain element for torque detection. The strain element is provided with a first annular part attached to a rotation-side member, a second annular part attached to a load-side member, and a plurality of ribs serving as strained parts linking the first annular part and the second annular part together. One of an inner race and an outer race is integrally formed on the first annular part of the strain element. Deformation, which occurs in the ribs of the strain element due to torque exerted on the rotation-side member from the load-side member, is detected by a strain gauge, etc., and converted to torque. The strain element for torque detection can be incorporated into a motor, a reducer, or another rotary propulsion unit without the need for a dedicated installation space and without the need for fastening fittings, etc.

A torque sensor according to the present invention includes a strain body, first structure Y-axis connecting portions, second structure X-axis connecting portions and a detection element. The first structure Y-axis connecting portions are disposed on a positive side and a negative side of a Y-axis relative to the strain body, and the second structure X-axis connecting portions are disposed on a positive side and a negative side of an X-axis relative to the second structure. The strain body includes four deformable bodies each including a displacement portion that is displaced in a Z-axis direction by elastic deformation. The deformable bodies are respectively disposed in a first quadrant, a second quadrant, a third quadrant, and a fourth quadrant. The detection element includes a capacitive element that detects a change in capacitance value by a displacement of the displacement portion of each of the deformable bodies in the Z-axis direction.

A torque sensor system for a pedelec includes an annular gear (6), a planetary gear train (5), a sun gear output shaft (2), a pressure conversion device (9) and a signal processing component (8). The annular gear (6), the planetary gear train (5), and the sun gear output shaft (2) are engaged in turn. The annular gear (6) is driven by the planetary gear train (5), and an applied force signal is transmitted to the signal processing component (8) via the pressure conversion device (9) at an edge of the annular gear (6). The applied force signal is converted to an electric signal by the signal processing component (8) and transmitted to a controller, so as to realize a torque feedback. As a result, a problem that a speed sensor is not applicable to a pedelec when climbing is solved; and a user will feel real and comfortable when riding.

A displacement detection device and a torque sensor include a movable part that is connected to a first member and to a second member and that changes a gap along with displacement of the second member with respect to the first member in a prescribed direction; and a detection part (detection circuit) that, on the basis of the change in the gap detects displacement of the second member with respect to the first member in the prescribed direction, wherein the movable part is configured to make the amount of N change in the gap greater than the amount of displacement of the second member with respect to the first member in the prescribed direction.

A displacement detection device and a torque sensor include a movable part that is connected to a first member and to a second member and that changes a gap along with displacement of the second member with respect to the first member in a prescribed direction; and a detection part (detection circuit) that, on the basis of the change in the gap detects displacement of the second member with respect to the first member in the prescribed direction, wherein the movable part is configured to make the amount of N change in the gap greater than the amount of displacement of the second member with respect to the first member in the prescribed direction.

Methods and apparatus for pressure-based direct measurement of a final control element variable are disclosed. An example method includes receiving a signal from a first sensor mounted on a shaft of a valve, converting the signal to a pressure, routing the pressure to a second sensor of a controller operatively coupled to a pneumatic actuator, the pneumatic actuator operatively coupled to the shaft, and determining, by the controller, a first torque on the shaft based on the pressure.