Bulk Metallic Glass Load Cell for Heavy Object Weight Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load cells using metals like aluminum and steel are inadequate for accurately measuring the weight of heavy objects due to aluminum's malleability and steel's stiffness, which limits their ability to detect small weight variations.
Innovation Solution
A load cell system utilizing bulk metallic glass (BMG) plugs with micro strain sensors that transmit weight measurements to a data collection device, enabling precise weight determination of heavy objects without the need for physical movement, incorporating BMG plugs that support a top plate and extend beyond the base plate to accommodate varying loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If aluminum is used as the spring element in load cells, then the load cell can support heavy objects, but the malleability of aluminum prevents accurate measurement of small weight variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional metals (aluminum, steel) to bulk metallic glass, which has different mechanical properties - specifically higher elastic limit and controlled strain characteristics that enable both heavy load support and small deformation detection for precise measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The load cell combines bulk metallic glass material with micro strain sensing technology to create a composite system that leverages the unique properties of BMG (high strength, elastic behavior) combined with precise strain measurement capability to resolve the contradiction between load capacity and measurement precision
2Strength
If steel is used as the spring element in load cells, then the load cell can support heavy objects, but the stiffness of steel prevents detection of small weight changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional steel to bulk metallic glass, which has different elastic modulus and strain characteristics - BMG provides sufficient strength for heavy loads while exhibiting measurable strain deformation that enables detection of small weight changes
3Strength
If conventional metals are used in load cells, then the structure can support heavy objects, but the measurement accuracy for small weight variations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite system combining bulk metallic glass material with micro strain sensor technology, where the BMG provides the structural strength for heavy object support while the micro strain sensor detects small deformations to achieve high measurement precision for weight variations
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
Facilitates accurate and rapid weight measurement of heavy objects, including railcars, by providing high sensitivity to small weight changes, allowing for real-time monitoring and notification of weight fluctuations without requiring the object to be moved to a scale.
Implementation Method 1
A bulk metallic glass (BMG) load cell relies on the unique properties of BMG to accurately determine the weight of large and heavy objects
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a load cell for determining a weight of a large object comprises a base plate comprising at least one recessed opening, a bulk metallic glass plug disposed in the at least one recessed opening of the base plate, and a top plate positioned above the base plate. A portion of the top plate is supported by the bulk metallic glass plug. The load cell further comprises a micro strain sensor coupled to the bulk metallic glass plug. The micro strain sensor is operable to determine a change in micro strain on the bulk metallic glass plug. The bulk metallic glass plug extends to a height where the top plate does not contact the base plate.