Concentric Magnetostrictive Load Sensor for Compact Accurate Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load sensors using magnetostrictive materials are large in size due to the arrangement of detection and reference shaft portions.
Innovation Solution
A load sensor design featuring a pressure-receiving core made of magnetostrictive material, concentrically arranged with non-pressure-receiving cores made of magnetic material, and separate detection and reference coils that generate distinct magnetic flux paths, with a yoke to separate magnetic fluxes and shield members to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detection shaft and reference shaft are aligned in axial direction or perpendicular direction, then load detection function is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional axial or perpendicular alignment of detection and reference shafts to a concentric radial arrangement. The detection shaft is positioned at the center while reference shafts are arranged radially around it, creating a compact circular configuration that reduces the overall sensor footprint while maintaining detection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the detection shaft is concentrically positioned within the reference shafts. The detection shaft occupies the central space while reference shafts are arranged in concentric circles around it, allowing multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping spatial zones and thereby minimizing the overall device volume
2Measurement precision
If multiple shafts are arranged to achieve load detection, then measurement function is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement where the detection shaft is positioned at the geometric center while reference shafts are distributed radially around it in an asymmetric pattern. This asymmetric concentric arrangement optimizes the magnetic flux distribution and load detection sensitivity while simplifying the overall structural configuration compared to symmetric multi-shaft arrangements
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
Enables a compact load sensor with improved accuracy and durability by minimizing magnetic flux interference and external magnetic influence.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure-receiving core (2) made of a magnetostrictive material on which a load F to be detected acts
Implementation Method 2
a detection coil (51, 52) that generates a magnetic flux phi1 that passes through the pressure-receiving core (2) by energizing
Implementation Method 3
a reference coil (71, 72) that, when energized, generates a magnetic flux phi2 that does not pass through the pressure-receiving core (2) but passes through the non-pressure-receiving core (3a, 3b)
Data Source
AI summary
A load sensor is provided with a pressure-receiving core made of a magnetostrictive material on which a load to be detected acts, a non-pressure-receiving core made of a magnetic material concentrically arranged with the pressure-receiving core and on which the load to be detected does not act, a detection coil that generates a magnetic flux that passes through the pressure-receiving core by energizing, and a reference coil that, when energized, generates a magnetic flux that does not pass through the pressure-receiving core but passes through the non-pressure-receiving core.