Torque monitor makes no contact

By building a torque transducer into a mechanical coupling, Mayr Transmissions claims that it has produced a more economical alternative to traditional torque measurement systems that use separate transducers. The system is aimed at applications such as extruders, paper mills, and crushers where torque levels need to be monitored constantly.

The EAS-control-DS system receives its power and transmits its readings without needing any physical contact or wiring between the rotating coupling and a stationary control box. This is said to avoid possible problems of backlash and wear.

The system measures torque by using strain gauges to sense surface deformations. It can detect deformations of 400 µm/mm compared to the 2,000 µm/mm typical of conventional transducers.

The stationary part of the system is housed in an aluminium enclosure measuring 79mm by 59mm by 20mm. It produces a ±5V output and is said to have an accuracy of ±1%.