Systems and methods of use of slew drivers with sensor carriers
Disclosed herein are novel slew drive components and systems. In some cases, a slew drive system can comprise a sensor configured to measure deformation in a deformation element of a sensor carrier component, which can result from axial displacement of a worm gear of the slew drive system. In some cases, measured deformation of a deformation element can be used to determine torque applied to a worm gear by a slew drive worm wheel, as described herein.
1. A slew drive system comprising:
a worm gear shaft having an end wall;
a sensor carrier comprising a deformation element; and
one or more sensors coupled to the deformation element, wherein the one or more sensors comprise one or more sensors coupled to a frame of the sensor carrier;
wherein the sensor carrier is coupled to the end wall of the worm gear shaft.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more sensors are configured to measure a deformation of the deformation element.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the deformation element is a cantilevered deformation element.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the cantilevered deformation element decreases in width along its length.
5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a worm gear interface pin.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein an interface surface of the worm gear interface pin is configured to contact the deformation element.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the worm gear interface pin comprises a rounded interface surface.
8. The system of claim 5 , wherein the worm gear interface pin comprises one or more worm gear interface pin post flanges.
9. The system of claim 5 , wherein the worm gear interface pin comprises a worm gear interface pin post configured to engage a worm gear end surface hole.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more sensors comprises a strain gauge sensor or a force sensor.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more sensors comprise a plurality of linear strain gauge sensors.
12. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a temperature sensor.
13. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a controller in communication with at least one sensor of the one or more sensors.
14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the controller comprises a non-transitory memory.
15. The system of claim 13 , wherein the controller comprises a processor configured to determine a force applied to the deformation element based on one or more measurements from the one or more sensors.
16. The system of claim 13 , wherein the controller is configured to convert one or more analog measurements from the one or more sensors into one or more digital signals.
17. The system of claim 13 , further comprising a remote controller in wireless communication with the controller.
18. The system of claim 13 , further comprising a distal end cap coupled to the housing of the slew drive system, wherein the controller is coupled to the distal end cap.
19. The system of claim 18 , further comprising a seal disposed between the distal end cap and the housing of the slew drive system.
20. A slew drive system comprising:
a worm gear shaft having an end wall;
a sensor carrier comprising a deformation element, wherein the deformation element is a cantilevered deformation element; and
one or more sensors coupled to the deformation element;
wherein the sensor carrier is coupled to the end wall of the worm gear shaft.
21. A slew drive system comprising:
a worm gear shaft having an end wall;
a sensor carrier comprising a deformation element;
one or more sensors coupled to the deformation element;
a controller in communication with at least one sensor of the one or more sensors; and
a distal end cap coupled to the housing of the slew drive system, wherein the controller is coupled to the distal end cap;
wherein the sensor carrier is coupled to the end wall of the worm gear shaft.