Beam Load Cell Fastening in Thin-Walled Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rod-shaped load cells face challenges when attached to thin-walled bases or hollow profiles, as they can bend under force, requiring additional reinforcement to prevent deformation and ensuring secure fastening without weakening the structure or compromising design aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A rod load cell design featuring a fastening section with a movable clamping element and a movement device that creates a large clamping surface, adapted to the hollow profile's geometry, providing at least 40% of the inner circumference's area for secure attachment and increased stability, eliminating the need for additional reinforcement elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a load cell is attached to a thin-walled hollow profile by screwing, then secure fastening is achieved, but the thin-walled base bends and requires additional reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is divided into multiple clamping surfaces distributed along its length, allowing the fastening force to be distributed across multiple contact points with the hollow profile inner wall, reducing localized stress and preventing base bending
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism transitions from point-contact screw fastening to surface-contact clamping along the fastening element length. The clamping surfaces create a distributed contact area along the longitudinal dimension, transforming the fastening from a localized stress concentration to a distributed stress distribution
2Stability of the object's composition
If reinforcement elements are added to strengthen the attachment point, then base stability is improved, but device complexity and design aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is integrated directly into the load cell structure, merging the fastening function with the measurement device. This eliminates the need for separate reinforcement elements, as the fastening element itself provides both secure attachment and structural stability through its distributed clamping surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides secure mechanical fastening, distributes loads to prevent base bending, and maintains the aesthetic appearance by eliminating visible external reinforcements. The strain gauges on the fastening element also serve dual purposes for both fastening and measurement
3Reliability
If screw fastening is used, then reliable attachment is achieved, but visible screw heads negatively influence design appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is inserted into and nested within the hollow profile cavity, with its clamping surfaces contacting the inner wall. This nesting arrangement hides the fastening mechanism inside the profile, eliminating visible screw heads from the outer surface while maintaining secure attachment through internal clamping
4Reliability
If the clamping surface area is increased to at least 40% of the profile inner wall area, then fastening security and flexural rigidity are improved, but fastening element dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping surfaces are strategically positioned at specific locations along the fastening element length, concentrating the clamping action at critical stress points within the hollow profile. This localized quality approach maximizes fastening security and flexural rigidity enhancement without requiring the fastening element to span the entire profile length
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
This solution ensures a simple, secure, and stable attachment of the load cell within thin-walled hollow profiles, enhancing the buckling strength and flexural rigidity without compromising the profile's design or requiring visible screw heads, thus improving the overall structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
Using strain gauges, which are arranged on the double bending spring, strains are measured on this and converted into a force
Implementation Method 2
a movement device for pressing the fastening element against the inner wall of the hollow profile
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to a beam-type load cell (1), comprising a loading section (1a) for absorbing a force (F), a fastening section (1b) for fastening the beam-type load cell in a hollow profile (2), and at least one strain sensor (3) that is arranged between the loading section (1a) and the fastening section (1b), wherein the fastening portion (1b) has at least one movable fastening element (6) having a clamping surface (A) that can be brought into pressing contact with the inner wall of the hollow profile (2), a moving device (7) is arranged between the loading section (1a) and the fastening section (1b) for pressing the fastening element (6) onto the inner wall of the hollow profile (2), the clamping surface (A) is adapted to the geometry of the inner wall of the hollow profile (2), and the size of the clamping surface (A) is at least 40 % of the surface that is the product of the internal periphery of the hollow profile (2) at the clamping point and the length (L) of the fastening element (6).