^Title Torque Measurement Using Wireless Technology

The team designed a new differential assembly for the 2011 prototype. Theoretical calculations are always a good approach when designing from scratch, but validation and data acquisition are a must for its development.

The behaviour of the system needed to be monitored as there were a few concerns. Typical strain gauge installation for the measurement of the torque transmitted to the driveshaft was not an option because of rotation. The required wireless data transmission couldn’t even be be partly stationary (e.g. the receiving antenna) as the shaft is always moving. Finally, the shape and physical packaging of the rear of the car did not provide easy installation of a wireless data transmission system.

Strain gauges were installed on each driveshaft. These were connected to a strain gauge to radio telemetry T24-SA transmitter. A machined short cylinder, acting like a holder for the transmitter and the battery, was mounted on the driveshaft. The T24-AO1 wireless receivers were installed on a bracket near the transmitter for better signal transmission and were  connected to the car’s data acquisition system (Motec ACL). A calibration was required to convert the electric signal into a known torque so a lever supporting a known weight was used to apply the desired torque.