Load sensor suitable for deepwater environment
By integrating a temperature-pressure composite core into the load sensor, pressure and temperature can be detected in real time, solving the problem of load detection accuracy in deep water environments, ensuring the safety of the robotic arm, and enabling it to adapt to complex environments.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520429655.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-12
AI Technical Summary
In deep-water environments, when a robotic arm picks up heavy objects, the existing load sensors may have reduced detection accuracy due to elastic strain caused by changes in environmental pressure and temperature, posing a risk of damage to the robotic arm.
It adopts a temperature-pressure composite core, integrating pressure-sensitive chips and temperature-sensitive chips, to detect environmental pressure and temperature in real time, perform elastic strain compensation, and improve detection accuracy.
It improves the detection accuracy of the load sensor, avoids damage to the robotic arm due to excessive load, has a compact structure for easy installation, and is suitable for complex deep-water environments.
Smart Images

Figure CN223940508U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of deep-water exploration load measurement technology, and in particular to a load sensor suitable for deep-water environments. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of deep-sea exploration, robotic arms are typically used to retrieve underwater cables, pipes, and other objects. However, excessive weight of the retrieved objects can damage the robotic arm, necessitating the use of load sensors to detect the load on the arm. However, as water depth changes, environmental pressure and temperature fluctuate, causing the elastic element within the load sensor to inevitably undergo elastic strain, thus affecting the accuracy of load detection for deep-sea operating devices such as robotic arms. Utility Model Content
[0003] In view of this, the present invention proposes a load sensor suitable for deep water environments, with the aim of improving the load detection accuracy of deep water operation devices.
[0004] The solution provided by this utility model includes:
[0005] A load sensor suitable for deep-water environments includes:
[0006] A housing, wherein a circuit assembly is provided inside the housing, and a watertight electrical connector is provided on the housing, the watertight electrical connector being electrically connected to the circuit assembly;
[0007] A load sensing component, comprising a diaphragm box and multiple strain gauges, wherein the diaphragm box is fixedly connected to the housing, the diaphragm box includes an elastic diaphragm capable of elastic deformation, and multiple strain gauges are disposed on the elastic diaphragm, the multiple strain gauges forming a full-bridge circuit and connected to the circuit component;
[0008] A temperature-pressure composite core is disposed on the housing. The temperature-pressure composite core includes a pressure-sensitive chip and a temperature-sensitive chip, both of which are electrically connected to the circuit assembly.
[0009] As a further optional solution, a housing is provided, wherein a circuit assembly is provided inside the housing, and a watertight electrical connector is provided on the housing, wherein the watertight electrical connector is electrically connected to the circuit assembly;
[0010] A load sensing component, comprising a diaphragm box and multiple strain gauges, wherein the diaphragm box is fixedly connected to the housing, the diaphragm box includes an elastic diaphragm capable of elastic deformation, and multiple strain gauges are disposed on the elastic diaphragm, the multiple strain gauges forming a full-bridge circuit and connected to the circuit component;
[0011] A temperature-pressure composite core is disposed on the housing. The temperature-pressure composite core includes a pressure-sensitive chip and a temperature-sensitive chip, both of which are electrically connected to the circuit assembly.
[0012] As a further optional solution, the temperature-pressure composite core also includes:
[0013] A tube base, one end of which is defined as a sensing end, and the sensing end is recessed with a mounting groove;
[0014] A corrugated diaphragm is disposed at the sensing end of the tube seat and covers the mounting groove, so that a sensing cavity is formed between the corrugated diaphragm and the tube seat; the sensing cavity is filled with silicone oil.
[0015] A ceramic body is disposed within the mounting groove. A first mounting cavity and a second mounting cavity are formed on the ceramic body. The first mounting cavity is connected to the sensing cavity, and the second mounting cavity is separated from the sensing cavity. A pressure-sensitive chip is disposed within the first mounting cavity, and a temperature-sensitive chip is disposed within the second mounting cavity.
[0016] The tube seat has a first wiring channel and a second wiring channel. The first wiring channel is connected to the first mounting cavity, and the second wiring channel is connected to the second mounting cavity. A pressure lead-out post is provided in the first wiring channel, and a temperature lead-out post is provided in the second wiring channel.
[0017] As a further optional solution, the housing is provided with a mounting hole, and the outer wall of the tube seat of the temperature-pressure composite core is recessed with a slot, and the tube seat is secured in the mounting hole through the slot; the sensing end of the tube seat faces outward from the housing.
[0018] As a further optional solution, a filter is provided on the mounting hole.
[0019] As a further optional solution, a pressure ring is fixedly provided on the sensing end of the tube seat, and the pressure ring fixes the corrugated diaphragm on the tube seat.
[0020] As a further optional solution, both the first and second wiring channels are filled with sealant.
[0021] As a further optional solution, an oil injection channel is provided on the tube seat and the ceramic body. The oil injection channel is connected to the sensing cavity. A steel ball is fixedly provided at the end of the oil injection channel away from the sensing cavity to block the oil injection channel.
[0022] As a further optional solution, the diaphragm box also includes a cylindrical box body, with the elastic diaphragm integrally connected to one end of the box body and the other end of the box body fixedly connected to the shell.
[0023] As a further alternative, multiple strain gauges are disposed at one end of the elastic diaphragm, and a connecting portion is disposed at the center of the other end of the elastic diaphragm.
[0024] As a further optional solution, the elastic membrane is also provided with an adapter terminal, the strain gauge is electrically connected to the adapter terminal, and the adapter terminal is electrically connected to the circuit assembly.
[0025] Compared with the prior art, the load sensor applicable to deep-water environments of this application has at least the following advantages:
[0026] 1. The pressure-sensitive chip in the thermo-pressure composite core can acquire the pressure value of the current water depth in real time, thereby accurately compensating for the elastic strain caused by the hydrostatic environment. Simultaneously, the temperature-sensitive chip can monitor changes in ambient temperature and compensate for elastic strain caused by temperature variations. This improves the detection accuracy of the load sensor in deep water environments, ensuring accurate measurement of the load on the robotic arm and effectively avoiding the risk of damage to the robotic arm due to excessive load.
[0027] 2. The thermo-pressure composite core integrates pressure and temperature detection functions into one compact structure with a small size. This compact size also makes the load sensor more flexible in deep-water exploration operations, adapting to the needs of various complex environments. The compact structural design also makes the load sensor easier to install and use, providing strong technical support for deep-water exploration operations. Attached Figure Description
[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a load sensor suitable for deep-water environments, according to one embodiment.
[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the load sensing component in one embodiment;
[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of multiple strain gauges on an elastic membrane in one embodiment;
[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature-pressure composite core in one embodiment;
[0032] Figure 5 Here is a schematic diagram of the tube seat in one embodiment:
[0033] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the pressure-sensitive chip and the temperature-sensitive chip on the ceramic body in one embodiment:
[0034] In the diagram: 1. Shell;
[0035] 2. Circuit components;
[0036] 3. Watertight electrical connector;
[0037] 4. Load sensing component; 41. Membrane box; 411. Elastic membrane; 412. Box body; 413. Connecting part; 42. Strain gauge; 43. Adapter terminal;
[0038] 5. Temperature-pressure composite core; 51. Tube seat; 511. Mounting groove; 512. First wiring channel; 513. Second wiring channel; 514. Oil injection channel; 515. Slot; 52. Pressure-sensitive chip; 521. Pressure lead post; 53. Temperature-sensitive chip; 531. Temperature lead post; 54. Corrugated diaphragm; 55. Ceramic body; 551. First mounting cavity; 552. Second mounting cavity; 56. Silicone oil; 57. Steel ball; 58. Pressure ring;
[0039] 6. Filter. Detailed Implementation
[0040] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit its scope.
[0041] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "vertical", "horizontal", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0042] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0043] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0044] Referring to 1-6, one embodiment of this utility model illustrates a load sensor suitable for deep-water environments, including a housing 1, a load sensing component 4, and a temperature-pressure composite core 5. The housing 1 contains a circuit component 2, and a watertight electrical connector 3 is provided on the housing 1, electrically connected to the circuit component 2. The load sensing component 4 includes a diaphragm 41 and multiple strain gauges 42. The diaphragm 41 is fixedly connected to the housing 1 and includes an elastic diaphragm 411 capable of elastic deformation. The multiple strain gauges 42 are disposed on the elastic diaphragm 411, forming a full-bridge circuit and connected to the circuit component 2. The temperature-pressure composite core 5 is disposed on the housing 1 and includes a pressure-sensitive chip 52 and a temperature-sensitive chip 53, both electrically connected to the circuit component 2.
[0045] Specifically, the load sensing component 4 is used to connect with deep-water operation devices such as robotic arms. When the deep-water operation device is subjected to a load, it will cause the elastic diaphragm 411 to deform. Then, the strain gauge 42 outputs a signal to the circuit component 2 based on the deformation of the elastic diaphragm 411. The circuit component 2 leads out the signal through the watertight electrical connector 3, thereby realizing load detection. At the same time, the temperature-pressure composite core 5 is used to detect the ambient pressure and temperature. The pressure-sensitive chip 52 in the temperature-pressure composite core 5 can detect the static pressure of the area, while the temperature-sensitive chip 53 can detect the temperature of the area. The temperature-pressure composite core 5 collects the ambient pressure and temperature data and sends them to the circuit component 2, thereby realizing pressure compensation and temperature compensation, making the final load detection accuracy higher.
[0046] The pressure compensation and temperature compensation techniques are existing technologies. Compensation is achieved based on the elastic strain of the elastic membrane 411 under different pressure and temperature conditions, and therefore will not be elaborated upon here. In this embodiment, the temperature-pressure composite core 5 integrates pressure and temperature detection functions into one compact structure with a small size. Its small size also makes the load sensor more flexible in deep-water exploration operations, adapting to the needs of various complex environments. The compact structural design also makes the load sensor easier to install and use, providing strong technical support for deep-water exploration operations.
[0047] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4-6 As shown, the temperature-pressure composite core 5 further includes a tube base 51, a corrugated diaphragm 54, and a ceramic body 55. One end of the tube base 51 is defined as a sensing end, and the sensing end is recessed with a mounting groove 511. The corrugated diaphragm 54 is disposed on the sensing end of the tube base 51 and covers the mounting groove 511, so that a sensing cavity (not marked in the figure) is formed between the corrugated diaphragm 54 and the tube base 51. The sensing cavity is filled with silicone oil 56. The ceramic body 55 is disposed in the mounting groove 511, and a first mounting cavity 551 and a second mounting cavity 552 are formed on the ceramic body 55. The first mounting cavity 551 is connected to the sensing cavity, and the second mounting cavity 552 is separated from the sensing cavity. The pressure-sensitive chip 52 is disposed in the first mounting cavity 551, and the temperature-sensitive chip 53 is disposed in the second mounting cavity 552.
[0048] Specifically, a corrugated diaphragm 54 covers the mounting groove 511 to form a closed sensing cavity, and silicone oil 56 is injected into the sensing cavity. In this way, the sensing cavity can be isolated from the external water, thereby protecting the pressure-sensitive chip 52. At the same time, the pressure of the external water will be transmitted to the pressure-sensitive chip 52 through the corrugated diaphragm 54 and silicone oil 56, so that the pressure-sensitive chip 52 can detect pressure data. In addition, the temperature-sensitive chip 53 is disposed in the second mounting cavity 552, which is not connected to the sensing cavity. This means that the temperature-sensitive chip 53 does not have to bear the pressure of the external water, and the temperature-sensitive chip 53 is located in the mounting groove 511 (i.e., in the sensing cavity), which is closer to the external water, so that it can detect the ambient temperature more accurately.
[0049] Among them, such as Figure 4-6As shown, the tube base 51 has a first wiring channel 512 and a second wiring channel 513. The first wiring channel 512 connects to the first mounting cavity 551, and the second wiring channel 513 connects to the second mounting cavity 552. A pressure lead-out post 521 is provided in the first wiring channel 512, and a temperature lead-out post 531 is provided in the second wiring channel 513. Thus, the pressure-sensitive chip 52 is electrically connected to the pressure lead-out post 521, and the pressure lead-out post 521 is electrically connected to the circuit assembly, enabling the pressure-sensitive chip 52 to transmit signals to the circuit assembly 2. Similarly, the temperature-sensitive chip 53 is electrically connected to the temperature lead-out post 531, and the temperature lead-out post 531 is electrically connected to the circuit assembly.
[0050] Specifically, to ensure the sealing of the first mounting cavity 551 and the second mounting cavity 552, the first wiring channel 512 and the second wiring channel 513 are both filled with sealant.
[0051] The above-mentioned solutions are specific, such as Figure 5 As shown, the housing 1 is provided with a mounting hole, and the outer wall of the tube seat 51 of the temperature-pressure composite core 5 is provided with a groove 515. The tube seat 51 is secured in the mounting hole through the groove 515. The sensing end of the tube seat 51 faces outward from the housing 1.
[0052] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, a filter 6 is provided on the mounting hole. The filter 6 is located outside the sensing end of the temperature-pressure composite core 5, so that water from the outside is filtered by the filter 6 before it comes into contact with the sensing end of the temperature-pressure composite core 5. This prevents foreign objects in the deep water environment from damaging the corrugated diaphragm 54 on the temperature-pressure composite core 5, and also reduces the detection error of environmental pressure and temperature.
[0053] In some embodiments, to facilitate fixing the corrugated diaphragm 54, such as Figure 4 As shown, a pressure ring 58 is fixedly provided on the sensing end of the tube seat 51. The pressure ring 58 can be welded and fixed to the tube seat 51, and the pressure ring 58 fixes the corrugated diaphragm 54 on the tube seat 51.
[0054] In some embodiments, to facilitate the injection of silicone oil 56 into the sensing cavity, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, an oil injection channel 514 is provided on the tube seat 51 and the ceramic body 55. The oil injection channel 514 is connected to the sensing cavity. A steel ball 57 is fixedly provided at one end of the oil injection channel 514 away from the sensing cavity to block the oil injection channel 514.
[0055] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1-3As shown, the membrane box 41 also includes a cylindrical box body 412, the elastic membrane 411 is integrally connected to one end of the box body 412, and the other end of the box body 412 is fixedly connected to the shell 1.
[0056] Specifically, in the above scheme, multiple strain gauges 42 are disposed at one end of the elastic diaphragm 411, and a connecting portion 413 is disposed at the center of the other end of the elastic diaphragm 411. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 413 is a stud for connecting with the deep-water operation device; in this embodiment, the box body 412, the elastic diaphragm 411, and the connecting portion 413 are an integral structure, and the elastic diaphragm 411 is not a soft membrane, but can be a rigid material.
[0057] Specifically, in the above scheme, the elastic diaphragm 411 is further provided with an adapter terminal 43, the strain gauge 42 is electrically connected to the adapter terminal 43, and the adapter terminal 43 is electrically connected to the circuit assembly 2. The full-bridge circuit composed of multiple strain gauges can refer to existing technology and will not be elaborated here.
[0058] In summary, this application provides a load sensor suitable for deep-water environments. This load sensor incorporates a thermo-pressure composite core 5. The pressure-sensitive chip 52 within the thermo-pressure composite core 5 can acquire the pressure value at the current water depth in real time, thereby accurately compensating for the elastic strain caused by the hydrostatic environment 58. Simultaneously, the temperature-sensitive chip 53 can monitor changes in ambient temperature and compensate for the elastic strain caused by temperature variations. This improves the detection accuracy of the load sensor in deep-water environments, ensuring accurate measurement of the load on the robotic arm and effectively avoiding the risk of damage to the robotic arm due to excessive load. The thermo-pressure composite core 5 integrates pressure and temperature detection functions into a single unit, resulting in a compact structure and small size. Its small size also makes the load sensor more flexible in deep-water exploration operations, adapting to the needs of various complex environments. The compact structural design also makes the load sensor easier to install and use, providing strong technical support for deep-water exploration operations.
[0059] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.
[0060] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present utility model, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A load sensor suitable for deep-water environments, characterized in that, include: A housing, wherein a circuit assembly is provided inside the housing, and a watertight electrical connector is provided on the housing, the watertight electrical connector being electrically connected to the circuit assembly; A load sensing component, comprising a diaphragm and multiple strain gauges, wherein the diaphragm is fixedly connected to the housing, the diaphragm includes an elastic diaphragm capable of elastic deformation, and the multiple strain gauges are disposed on the elastic diaphragm, the multiple strain gauges forming a full-bridge circuit and connected to the circuit assembly; A temperature-pressure composite core is disposed on the housing. The temperature-pressure composite core includes a pressure-sensitive chip and a temperature-sensitive chip, both of which are electrically connected to the circuit assembly.
2. The load sensor suitable for deep-water environments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature-pressure composite core also includes: A tube base, one end of which is defined as a sensing end, and the sensing end is recessed with a mounting groove; A corrugated diaphragm is disposed at the sensing end of the tube seat and covers the mounting groove, so that a sensing cavity is formed between the corrugated diaphragm and the tube seat; the sensing cavity is filled with silicone oil. A ceramic body is disposed within the mounting groove. A first mounting cavity and a second mounting cavity are formed on the ceramic body. The first mounting cavity is connected to the sensing cavity, and the second mounting cavity is separated from the sensing cavity. A pressure-sensitive chip is disposed within the first mounting cavity, and a temperature-sensitive chip is disposed within the second mounting cavity. The tube seat has a first wiring channel and a second wiring channel. The first wiring channel is connected to the first mounting cavity, and the second wiring channel is connected to the second mounting cavity. A pressure lead-out post is provided in the first wiring channel, and a temperature lead-out post is provided in the second wiring channel.
3. The load sensor suitable for deep-water environments according to claim 2, characterized in that: The housing is provided with a mounting hole, and the outer wall of the tube seat of the temperature-pressure composite core is recessed with a slot, and the tube seat is secured in the mounting hole through the slot; the sensing end of the tube seat faces outward from the housing.
4. The load sensor suitable for deep-water environments according to claim 3, characterized in that: A filter is installed on the mounting hole.
5. The load sensor suitable for deep-water environments according to claim 2, characterized in that: A pressure ring is fixedly provided on the sensing end of the tube seat, and the pressure ring fixes the corrugated diaphragm on the tube seat.
6. The load sensor suitable for deep-water environments according to claim 2, characterized in that: Both the first and second wiring channels are filled with sealant.
7. The load sensor suitable for deep-water environments according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tube seat and the ceramic body are provided with an oil injection channel, which is connected to the sensing cavity. A steel ball is fixedly installed at the end of the oil injection channel away from the sensing cavity to block the oil injection channel.
8. The load sensor suitable for deep-water environments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diaphragm box also includes a cylindrical box body, the elastic diaphragm is integrally connected to one end of the box body, and the other end of the box body is fixedly connected to the shell.
9. The load sensor suitable for deep-water environments according to claim 8, characterized in that: Multiple strain gauges are disposed at one end of the elastic diaphragm, and a connecting portion is disposed at the center of the other end of the elastic diaphragm.
10. The load sensor suitable for deep-water environments according to claim 8, characterized in that: The elastic diaphragm is also provided with an adapter terminal, the strain gauge is electrically connected to the adapter terminal, and the adapter terminal is electrically connected to the circuit assembly.