Actuator Load Cell with Electromagnetic Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the field of aeronautics, existing load monitoring systems using strain gauges bonded to actuating devices fail to provide reliable information throughout the service life due to potential damage from stresses and require maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic sensor system, comprising a double transformer with torus-shaped windings and a radially extending armature, is integrated into the clevis of a rotolinear actuating device to measure and control micro-displacements, offering reliable load monitoring without maintenance and protection from damaging stresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauges are bonded to the annular region of the clevis to measure loads, then load measurement capability is provided, but reliability deteriorates over service life due to damage from stresses and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical strain gauge bonding system with an electromagnetic field-based measurement system. The electromagnetic sensor uses magnetic field interaction between windings and armature to detect micro-displacements, eliminating mechanical contact and bonding that cause reliability issues over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the load-bearing structure and the measurement system. The field frame and armature create a magnetic field that mediates the measurement of micro-displacements without requiring direct mechanical contact or bonding to the stressed region.
2Loss of information
If strain gauges are installed in the annular region to monitor loads, then load information is obtained, but maintenance requirements increase and protection from damaging stresses is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic sensor system replaces mechanical strain gauges that require maintenance with a non-contact field-based system. The electromagnetic components are positioned to measure displacements without being in the direct path of damaging stresses, eliminating maintenance needs while preserving continuous load information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the electromagnetic sensor components (field frame and armature) to be protected from damaging stresses by the structure of the clevis itself. The design anticipates potential damage paths and places the sensitive electromagnetic components in protected positions that cushion them from direct stress exposure throughout service life.
3Measurement precision
If strain gauges are bonded to the clevis to measure micro-displacements, then measurement capability is provided, but the system becomes vulnerable to damage from applied stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical strain gauges that are vulnerable to stress damage with an electromagnetic measurement system. The electromagnetic sensor uses magnetic field interaction that is not affected by the same mechanical stresses, providing continuous micro-displacement measurement capability without vulnerability to damaging stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic field serves as an intermediary that allows measurement of micro-displacements without direct mechanical coupling to the stressed region. The field frame and armature create a magnetic field that can detect displacements while being protected from the harmful mechanical stresses that would damage directly-coupled sensors.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The electromagnetic sensor system provides reliable load monitoring and control throughout the service life of the actuating device, ensuring accurate data transmission and resistance to damaging stresses without the need for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
said sensor comprising windings arranged in a field frame integrally attached to one of said concentric regions and a radially extending armature integrally attached to the other concentric region
Implementation Method 2
said windings being torus-shaped and arranged in grooves of the field frame, with said field frame being magnetically closed by said armature
Data Source
AI summary
The actuator is of the roto-linear type and comprises a sleeve, a clevis and an operating rod which transmits the load. An electromagnetic sensor that measures and controls the load is placed inside the actuator, at the shoulder of the clevis. This sensor is associated with measurement means for processing the signals from the said winding, which winding are torus-shaped and arranged inside a field frame which is magnetically closed by an armature.