Belt Tension Sensor Housing With Deflection-Based Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for sensing belt tension forces in vehicle securing straps lack simplicity and reliability in assembly and monitoring, particularly in ensuring that tension forces remain within permissible limits to prevent accidents during transport.
Innovation Solution
A compact device with a housing having opposing parts and a displacement element connected to sensor elements, allowing for easy assembly and continuous monitoring of belt tension forces, featuring a spring-loaded design to detect deflection and prevent tilting, with sensor elements like force sensors or load cells to measure tension accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a displacement element connected to sensor elements is used to detect belt tension force, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate housing parts (first housing part and second housing part) that can be assembled around the webbing. The support areas are formed on one housing part while the displacement element is arranged on the other, allowing modular assembly and simplified manufacturing while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the sensor element directly contact the webbing, the patent uses a displacement element that is deflected by the webbing tension and transfers this deflection to the sensor element. This indirect measurement approach allows for more accurate sensing while isolating the sensitive sensor from direct mechanical contact and environmental factors.
2Ease of manufacture
If the housing is designed with opposing parts and connecting means, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into two separate parts that can be manufactured independently using standard manufacturing processes. These parts are then connected using simple connecting means (screws, clips, or other fasteners), allowing for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while creating a compact structure suitable for webbing application.
3Reliability
If two support areas spaced apart in longitudinal direction are formed, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two support areas are formed integrally with the housing part, creating a unified support structure that provides stable webbing engagement. This integral formation ensures that both support areas move together as a single unit, maintaining proper spacing and alignment while simplifying the overall structure and reducing the number of separate components.
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 device ensures reliable and accurate monitoring of belt tension forces, preventing over-tightening or under-tightening, thus enhancing safety by providing real-time data on belt tension, which can be wirelessly transmitted for easy access and visualization.
Implementation Method 1
at least one displacement element movable transversely to the longitudinal direction of the webbing is arranged on the lower or upper part opposite the two support areas, which is operatively connected to at least one sensor element in order to detect the belt tension force of the webbing as a result of a deflection of the displacement element initiated by the belt tension force of the webbing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for sensing the belt tension of a belt strap (1), in particular of a clamping belt for securing cargo on vehicles, comprising a housing (2) having a lower part (2a) and an upper part (2b) opposite one another. The housing (2) has a joint (3) for pivoting the upper part (2b) relative to the lower part (2a) and has a closing mechanism (4) for closing the housing (2). The housing (2) also has a housing entry side (5a) and a housing exit side (5b) for feeding the belt strap (1) through the housing (2). Two contact regions (6a, 6b) for the belt strap (1) are formed on the upper or lower part (2b, 2a). At least one movement element (7) movable perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the belt strap (1) is arranged on the lower or upper part (2a, 2b) lying opposite the two contact regions (6a, 6b), which movement element is operatively connected to at least one sensor element (8a) in order to detect the belt tension of the belt strap (1) as a result of a deflection of the movement element (7) initiated by the belt tension of the belt strap (1).