To accomplish the objective of adding measurement capabilities into a product, our methodology includes a comprehensive approach utilizing one of the following options:
INCORPORATING A STANDARD OEM TORQUE SENSOR
Using a standard sensor is usually the simplest approach to adding measuring capability to a product and may be the best option. However, this approach is not necessarily the cheapest or most efficient. Standard torque sensors come in fixed geometries and sizes requiring that fixtures or adapters be added to the system to mechanically interface the sensor to the rest of the product. Sensing Systems will recommend this approach if the costs, reliability, and accuracy requirements surpass those offered by the other two options. In some cases our standard units do not match the project requirements where this approach is preferred. When this occurs, we recommend sensors manufactured by other companies if they fit the application. One benefit of this approach is that no development program is usually required.
INCORPORATING A CUSTOM SENSOR OR MODIFYING AN EXISTING PART INTO A SENSOR
Sensing Systems' design and manufacturing capabilities result in sensors that can be incorporated into any shape or configuration. This is very important for the last two options mentioned above. The outside geometry of any sensor may be machined to any section or shape required by the application. Sensing Systems’ approach is to incorporate our standard sensing elements into a shape that fits the customer’s application. This allows us to deliver non-standard or custom torque sensors matched to the application within a short period of time.
MODIFYING EXISTING PARTS INTO OEM TORQUE SENSORS
This option may potentially yield the lowest production costs and has the main advantage that no additional parts have to be manufactured. In order to make a sensor out of an existing part, a careful analysis of the part and drawing must be made. Typically, a sensing element is added to the existing part and the material may be changed to a higher strength alternative. The resulting part is identical in form and function as the original but now includes measuring capability. This approach usually requires a development program to ensure that the required performance is obtained from the selected part. Sensing Systems performs all of the required activities from design of the sensing element, to testing and full production. Development of a new part from design to pre-production runs may be accomplished in as little as two weeks.
