Container Strain Gauge Assembly for Axial Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying and assessing the sources of damage to containers during production and transportation processes is difficult due to the complexity of these processes, and detecting axial forces, particularly in small form factor containers, is challenging, which can lead to costly production disruptions and potential hazards.
Innovation Solution
Devices and methods for detecting axial forces applied to containers, including a device with a housing, container section, force measurement sensor, and processing section, which can measure and transmit force data, allowing for evaluation of production and transportation processes with minimal disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strain gauges are mounted on the outside surface of a container, then axial forces can be detected, but the container wall thickness must be increased to prevent buckling, adding weight and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The strain sensing element is nested within the container wall structure itself, with the strain gauge mounted on the inner surface and the backing layer positioned between the gauge and the container contents. This nesting eliminates the need for external mounting hardware and additional wall thickness, as the detection system is integrated into the existing wall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A backing layer is introduced as an intermediary element between the strain gauge and the container contents. This backing layer provides structural support to prevent buckling of the thin container wall, while allowing the strain gauge to detect axial forces without requiring increased wall thickness. The backing layer mediates between the detection requirement and the structural integrity requirement.
2Measurement precision
If strain gauges are mounted on the outside surface of a container, then axial forces can be detected, but the mounting process becomes complex requiring precise alignment and multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The strain gauge, backing layer, and adhesive layer are merged into a single integrated assembly that is applied to the container as one unit. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, external fixtures, and complex alignment procedures, while maintaining precise measurement capability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain gauge assembly is designed to be self-supporting through the backing layer, which provides its own structural integrity without requiring external mounting structures. The adhesive layer automatically bonds the assembly to the container surface, eliminating the need for complex mounting procedures and specialized installation equipment.
3Weight of stationary object
If the container wall is made thinner to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but the container becomes more susceptible to buckling under axial loads
Solution Approach 1:
The backing layer serves as an intermediary structural element that reinforces the thin container wall without requiring the wall itself to be thicker. It provides the necessary buckling resistance under axial loads while allowing the container wall to remain thin and lightweight, effectively decoupling the weight reduction goal from the strength requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural support function is segmented from the container wall itself and transferred to the separate backing layer. This allows the container wall to be optimized for minimal weight while the backing layer provides the necessary structural reinforcement, with each component performing its specialized function independently.
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 precise identification of damage sources, optimizing production and transportation processes by minimizing container damage and maximizing yield, while being suitable for small form factor containers.
Implementation Method 1
strain gauge mounted on an inner surface of the container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Devices and methods for detecting axial forces applied to a container are provided. The devices can include a device housing, a container section, a force measurement sensor, and a processing section. The device housing can extend between a first housing end and a second housing end along a longitudinal axis. The container section can be mounted to the housing proximate the first housing end. The container section can have an open first section end and a closed second section end spaced apart along the longitudinal axis and at least one sidewall extending therebetween. The container section can define a cavity bounded by the first section end, the second section end and the at least one sidewall. The force measurement sensor can be positioned to generate the force measurement data in response to an axial force applied at the first section end.