Climbing Hold Force Sensor Layout for Accurate 3D Load Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climbing wall technologies fail to effectively measure three-dimensional forces applied by athletes, suffer from sensor disconnection issues, and are not cost-effective for large-scale installations.
Innovation Solution
A force sensor device with a sensing element featuring an elongated body and at least one bend, equipped with six strain sensors, configured to measure six independent force components and reject bending or twisting moments, ensuring a planar and cost-effective installation on climbing walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional strain gauge configurations are used on climbing walls, then the sensor can be connected to the climbing wall, but the measurement of three-dimensional forces is inaccurate and bending or twisting moments cannot be rejected
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor body is divided into multiple segments with specific bends (first bend, second bend, third bend) that create distinct measurement zones. Each segment with its specific bend configuration measures different force components, allowing the system to separate and accurately measure three-dimensional forces while rejecting bending and twisting moments through the segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor introduces additional spatial dimensions through its bent configuration in three-dimensional space. The bends create orthogonal measurement planes that enable the sensor to distinguish between force components and moment components by measuring in multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously, transforming a planar measurement problem into a three-dimensional solution.
2Measurement precision
If complex sensor structures are used to improve force measurement, then measurement accuracy improves, but the sensor becomes difficult to connect and install on the climbing wall
Solution Approach 1:
A mounting plate serves as an intermediary element between the sensor body and the climbing wall. The mounting plate provides a simplified connection interface that can be easily attached to the climbing wall surface, while the sensor body with its complex bent configuration is mounted on this plate. This intermediary simplifies the installation process while maintaining the complex measurement capabilities of the sensor body.
3Reliability
If traditional sensor designs are used, then the sensor can be installed on the climbing wall, but the interface between sensor and climbing wall becomes discontinuous
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor employs a thin-film construction for its sensing elements and mounting structures. This thin-film approach allows the sensor to maintain continuous contact with the climbing wall surface while accommodating the complex bent geometry of the sensor body. The thin-film structures can flex and conform to the wall surface, ensuring continuous interface without discontinuities, thereby maintaining both reliability and surface continuity.
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
Provides accurate three-dimensional force measurement with a good signal level, maintains a seamless climbing wall interface, and allows for large-scale, cost-effective installations by using planar-geometry components.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing element with an elongated body and at least one bend, on which six strain sensors are applied, configured for measuring six respective independent components of said force
Data Source
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AI summary
A force sensor device (100) for a climbing wall (10), comprising: a mounting element (101) configured for being mechanically applied and constrained to a surface of the climbing wall (10); a connecting element (102) configured for mechanically connecting to a hold (11) of the climbing wall (10), the hold (11) being loadable by the force; a sensing element (103) comprising an elongated body (104) structurally connecting the mounting element (101) with the connecting element (102) and configured for measuring components of the force. The elongated body (104) comprises at least one bend (105) at least locally departing from an imaginary line (20) linking the mounting element (101) with the connecting element (102). The sensing element (103) comprises at least six strain sensors (200) configured for measuring six respective independent components of the force. The mounting element (101) and the connecting element (102) are planar and the at least one bend (105) lies on a plane which the mounting element (101), the connecting element (102) and the sensing element (103) all belong to. A climbing wall comprising a plurality of force sensor devices.