Crankshaft Load Cell Structure for Radial and Axial Force Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current load cells for determining radial forces on crankshafts lack effective mechanisms to accurately measure and absorb both radial and axial forces, leading to inefficiencies in torque calculation and force distribution within gear arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A load cell design featuring a cylindrical receiving sleeve with a fastening ring connected via measuring areas, equipped with strain sensors and axial support areas, which absorb radial and axial forces through controlled deformation, allowing for precise measurement of radial forces and torque calculation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a load cell is designed to measure radial forces on a crankshaft, then measurement precision is improved, but the ability to accurately absorb and distribute both radial and axial forces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradial force measurementVSAvoidforce distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The load cell is segmented into distinct functional regions: measuring areas with strain sensors for radial force measurement, and axial support areas for axial force absorption. The radial slots separate these areas, allowing each to perform its specific function independently while contributing to overall reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the load cell have different structural properties optimized for their specific functions. The measuring areas have geometry optimized for radial force detection, while the axial support areas have geometry optimized for axial force absorption, ensuring both measurement precision and reliable force distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If measuring areas are designed to absorb radial forces through deformation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradial force measurementVSAvoidload cell structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The load cell merges the force absorption function and measurement function into a single integrated structure. The measuring areas serve both to absorb radial forces and to provide the deformation that strain sensors measure, eliminating the need for separate force absorption components and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring areas perform multiple functions: they absorb radial forces, provide controlled deformation for measurement, and contribute to the overall structural integrity of the load cell. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If axial support areas are separated from measuring areas by radial slots, then force distribution is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce distributionVSAvoidslot positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Radial slots segment the load cell structure to separate axial support areas from measuring areas, ensuring that axial forces do not interfere with radial force measurements. This segmentation improves force distribution reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radial slots create an asymmetric structure that naturally directs axial forces to the axial support areas while allowing radial forces to be measured by the strain sensors in the measuring areas, improving force distribution through geometric design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 load cell effectively measures and absorbs both radial and axial forces, enabling accurate torque calculation and improved force distribution, enhancing the performance of gear arrangements by providing reliable data for crankshaft analysis.

Implementation Method 1

Strain sensors, for example, adhesive strain gauges, are attached to at least two of the measuring areas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain gauge measurement: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

The measuring regions are provided for absorbing radial forces of the receiving sleeve, which are transmitted from the bearing ring to the measuring regions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the load cell has axial support areas provided on the mounting ring for axial support of the bearing's outer ring and for absorbing axial forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce absorption: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4325191A1Load cell for determining a radial force acting on a crankshaft
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 TQ SYST GMBH
  • EP4325191A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4325191A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4325191A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a harmonic pin-ring gear with teeth according to an epicycle construction, an inner gear, an outer gear and a method.