US 12,405,179 B2
Torque monitoring system for flexible drives
Anthony C. Scoville, Sturgeon Bay, WI (US); and Stephen C. Mann, Sturgeon Bay, WI (US)
Assigned to SST Systems, Inc, Sturgeon Bay, WI (US)
Filed by SST Systems, Inc., Sturgeon Bay, WI (US)
Filed on Feb. 23, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/173,624.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/330,450, filed on Apr. 13, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0332966 A1, Oct. 19, 2023
Int. Cl. G01L 3/10 (2006.01)
CPC G01L 3/108 (2013.01) 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A self-monitoring flexible drive system comprising:
a drive motor having an output member coupled to a flexible drive means configured to move one or more work pieces by loading the flexible drive means in tension, wherein the drive motor is supported by a mount that fixes a position of the drive motor while allowing free rotation;
a torque sensor configured to measure torque applied to the flexible drive means by the drive motor through the output member, the torque sensor provided by a torque arm fixedly secured with respect to a housing of the drive motor, and a load measuring support arm supporting a distal portion of the torque arm against a stationary support structure; and
a controller configured to receive a variable, non-binary output signal from the torque sensor that indicates a value of the measured torque,
wherein, in response to the signal from the torque sensor, the controller is programmed to output a signal configured to modify an input drive signal controlling the output of the drive motor.