Sensors, Vol. 20, Pages 541: A Lever-Type Method of Strain Exposure for Disk F-Shaped Torque Sensor Design (Sensors)

Disk-shaped torque sensors are widely used in robotic joints and wheel driving. However, in terms of conventional spoke-type geometries, there is always a trade-off between sensitivity and stiffness, because their strain exposure depends upon a bending deformation mode which causes strain nonuniformity. This paper presents a lever-type method of strain exposure that performs a uniaxial tension and compression deformation mode to optimize the strain uniformity and improve the trade-off. Moreover, on the basis of this approach, the proposed disk F-shaped torque sensor enjoys has axial thinness, easy installation of strain gauges and flexible customization. The simulation and experimental results have validated the basic design idea.