DEFORMATION SENSOR ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly for detecting a quantity of deformation in an object, comprising a first cup (16) having a first end, a second end, a cylindrical side wall extending between them, and an end wall (18) disposed at the first end of the first cup, and a deformation slice (22) disposed on one of an external and an internal surface (19) of the end wall. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2A [Fig. 1A] [Fig. 1B] [Fig. 2A] [Fig. 2B] [Fig. 2C] [Fig. 3A] [Fig. 3B] [Fig. 4A] [Fig. 4B] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 6A] [Fig. 6B]

Description

Title of the invention: TITLE DEFORMATION SENSOR ASSEMBLY PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 271,820 filed on October 26, 2021. FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to sensors, and more particularly to assemblies for measuring the amount of deformation in an object. CONTEXT OF THE INVENTION

[0003] When higher levels of automation are implemented, it becomes necessary for signals and inputs, normally processed by humans, to be processed by computers instead. This requires sensors to monitor components not currently monitored by instruments, such as brakes, tie rods, suspension arms, and the like. To measure the load generated in these structures during operation and send this signal to the computer, strain gauge (sensor) slices could be used. Some problems arising with these elements include their fragility, the difficulty of mounting them, their calibration, their protection, etc.

[0004] The present invention recognizes and addresses considerations of constructions and processes of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a strain sensor assembly for detecting a quantity of strain in an object, comprising a first cup having a first end, a second end, a cylindrical side wall extending between them, and an end wall disposed at the first end of the first cup, and a strain slice disposed on one of an external surface and an internal surface of the end wall.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a strain sensor assembly for detecting a quantity of strain in an object, having a first cup having a first end, a second end, a cylindrical side wall extending between them, and an end wall having an internal surface and an external surface disposed at the first end of the first cup, the end wall being either arch-shaped or domed and having a convex surface and a concave surface, and a slice of deformation arranged on one between an external surface and an internal surface of the end wall.

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form part of this description, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0008] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best means thereof, addressed to a person skilled in the art, is set forth in the description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which;

[0009] Figures IA and IB are perspective and cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a strain sensor assembly according to this disclosure;

[0010] Figures 2A, 2B and 2C are a perspective view, a top view and a cross-sectional view of the strain sensor assembly shown in Figure IA;

[0011] Figures 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of an alternative embodiment of a strain sensor assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0012] Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views of the strain sensor assembly shown in Figure IA and of an alternative embodiment, respectively; and

[0013] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a strain sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure inserted into a corresponding opening of an object in which the strain is to be measured; and

[0014] Figures 6A and 6B are graphical representations of the amount of strain as measured in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the strain sensor assembly and the axis perpendicular to the cylindrical axis of the strain sensor assembly.

[0015] The repeated use of reference characters in this description and drawings is intended to represent features or identical or analogous elements of the invention according to disclosure.

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT MODES

[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to currently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is given by way of explanation, not limitation, of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from its scope and spirit. For example, features illustrated or described in the The framework of one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to arrive at yet another embodiment. Thus, it is understood that the present invention covers such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0018] As used herein, terms referring to a direction or position relative to the orientation of the pusher assembly, such as, but not limited to, "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "above," or "below," refer to directions and positions relative to the orientation of the assembly in its intended normal operation, as shown in the Figures herein. Thus, for example, the terms "vertical" and "upper" refer to the vertical direction and the relative upper position in the perspectives of the Figures and should be understood in this context, even with respect to a pusher assembly that may be arranged in a different orientation.

[0019] Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure and the attached claims is intended to signify an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless otherwise stated, or clearly from the context, the phrase “X employs A or B” is intended to signify any of the natural inclusive permutations. In other words, the phrase “X employs A or B” is satisfied by any one of the following examples: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B. Moreover, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the attached claims should generally be interpreted as meaning “one or more” unless otherwise stated or clearly from the context as referring to a singular form.Throughout the description and claims, the following terms adopt at least the meanings explicitly associated with them herein, unless the context dictates otherwise. The meanings identified below do not necessarily limit the terms but merely provide illustrative examples. The meaning of "a," "an," and "the" may include plural references, and the meaning of "in" may include "in" and "on." The phrase "in an embodiment," as used herein, does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

[0020] Referring now to the Figures, specifically Figures 3A, 3B, and 5, this disclosure relates to a strain sensor assembly 10 using stamped cup technology to construct a strain (load) sensor assembly 10 that can be slidably inserted into an opening 12 defined in a corresponding object 14 to be monitored. Preferably, the strain measurement is taken on the end wall 18 of a cup 16, preferably a stamped cup. As shown in Figure 1B, the cup 16 used for The measure in this case is an inner cup 16, which is pressed within another cup 30, or outer cup, with the defined volume between the end walls of the cups filled with silicone 23 or analogues to create a robust housing once instrumented and wired.

[0021] Referring now to Figures IA and 4A, a strain sensor assembly 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a stamped cup 16 having a cylindrical side wall 17 and an end wall 18. The end wall 18 has an internal surface 19 and an external surface 21 which are configured to receive a strain slice 22 on them. As shown, the end wall 18 preferably has a pair of elongated slots 30, each having a side wall 32 which is parallel to the corresponding side wall 32 of the other slot 30. As such, the end wall 18 has a pair of parallel side walls 32 defined by the slots 30 to maximize the sensitivity of the strain sensor assembly to strain rates along the longitudinal central axis 34 of the end wall 18, as shown in Figure 4B.As evidenced by Figure 4A, each end slot 30 is formed by a substantially straight lateral edge 32 and a curved edge 33 which follows the contour of the cylindrical lateral wall, forming a half-moon geometry.

[0022] Alternative slot geometries 30a, such as those shown in the embodiment of Figure 4B, may be used. For example, the slots 30a shown in Figure 4B have each slot 30a having a pair of parallel side walls 32a, the slots 30a being parallel to each other. It should be noted that, in the embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the deformation slice 22 is bonded to the external surface 21 of the end wall 18. It should also be noted that, with further reference to Figure 3B, the portion of the end wall 18 may be arched or domed to increase sensitivity to stress measurements along the longitudinal central axis 34 of the end wall 18.As shown in Figure 3B, the deformation slice 22 can be bonded to the internal surface 19 of the end wall 18, rather than to the external surface 21, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. Moreover, as shown in Figures 1B and 2A to 2C, the end wall 18 can be arched inwards into the internal cup 16 so that the external surface 21 of the end wall 18 of the cup 16 is concave, rather than convex as shown in Figure 3B.

[0023] The cup face 18 can be stamped or formed with a variety of geometries to emphasize certain rates and directions of deformation, preferably along the longitudinal axis 34 of the end wall 18. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, sensors 40 could be arranged around the The cylindrical wall 17 of the cup 16 is used to detect torque within the corresponding object 14. Additional sensors 50 could be placed within the volume 51 defined between the inner cup 16 and the outer cup 30 to provide further information to the system, such as, but not limited to, temperature, acceleration, vibration, etc. Furthermore, the void can be filled with silicone, or a similar material, to help secure wiring, components, etc., providing a robust assembly. The amount of deformation can be measured in several ways, for example: by bonding deformation slices directly to the inside or outside of the end face, by directly measuring a change in the resistance of the cup and / or the cup face, and a change in the cup's magnetism (magnetic field detection).

[0024] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the strain sensor assemblies 10 of this disclosure are configured so that the emphasis is on measuring strain in the object 14 along the desired direction, which is along the longitudinal axis 34 of the strain slice 22.

[0025] Although one or more preferred embodiments of the invention are described above, it should be understood that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from its scope and spirit. It is understood that the present invention covers such modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Demands

1. A strain sensor assembly (10) for detecting a quantity of strain in an object, comprising: a first cup (16) having a first end, a second end, a cylindrical side wall (17) extending between them, and an end wall (18) having an internal surface (19) and an external surface (21), disposed at the first end of the first cup and formed by an arch having an internal surface and an external surface, one of which is convex and the other concave; and a strain slice (22) disposed on one of an external surface and an internal surface of the end wall.

2. Strain sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the end wall (18) of the first cup has a pair of parallel lateral edges, each lateral edge defining an opening with the lateral wall of the first cup.

3. Strain sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the external surface (21) of the end wall of the internal cup is the convex surface.

4. Strain sensor assembly according to claim 3, wherein the first cup (16) is received slidably in a cylindrical opening defined in the object.

5. Strain sensor assembly according to claim 4, wherein an external diameter of the first cup (16) is substantially the same as the diameter of the cylindrical opening.

6. Strain sensor assembly according to claim 3, further comprising a second cup having a cylindrical side wall defining a central bore, in which the first cup is slidably received in the central bore of the second cup.

7. Strain sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the end wall (18) of the first cup defines a pair of parallel slots (30), each slot comprising a pair of parallel side walls (32).

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