Dynamic Force Contactor for SI-Traceable Sensor Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional force sensors struggle with dynamic force calibration, as their calibration response changes depending on the application setting, and they are typically calibrated for static forces where the applied force remains constant over time, failing to accurately measure dynamic forces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic force contactor is introduced, comprising a magnet, an electrical conductor, and an armature that reciprocates within a magnetic field, generating a Lorentzian force. This device monitors alternating voltage, current, and reciprocation velocity to provide a dynamic force and calibrate force sensors traceably to the International System of Units (SI), enabling accurate dynamic force measurements even in changing environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional force sensors are calibrated for static forces, then calibration is simple and stable, but they cannot accurately measure dynamic forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transitioning from static calibration to dynamic calibration. The calibration device uses a dynamic force generator that produces time-varying forces through electromagnetic actuation, allowing the force sensor to be calibrated under dynamic conditions that match its actual operating environment. This resolves the contradiction by making the calibration process itself dynamic rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employsParameter changes by varying multiple parameters simultaneously during calibration: force magnitude, frequency, and waveform characteristics. The dynamic force generator can produce forces with different amplitudes, frequencies, and temporal profiles, allowing comprehensive calibration of the force sensor across its operational range. This enables accurate dynamic force measurement while maintaining broad adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If dynamic force calibration is performed in laboratory settings, then measurement precision is high, but portability and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent appliesUniversality by designing a self-contained calibration device that integrates the dynamic force generator, measurement system, and control electronics into a single portable unit. This multi-functional device can perform dynamic force calibration in various settings (laboratory, field, manufacturing environments) without requiring fixed infrastructure, thus maintaining measurement precision while significantly improving portability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration device incorporates self-service features through automated measurement and calculation systems. The device automatically generates dynamic forces, measures the force sensor response, calculates calibration parameters, and stores results without requiring complex manual operations. This automation maintains high measurement precision while making the device easy to operate and portable.
3Measurement precision
If force sensors are calibrated for high bandwidth dynamic forces, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent appliesMechanics substitution by replacing complex mechanical calibration mechanisms with electromagnetic actuation. The dynamic force generator uses electromagnetic fields to produce controlled dynamic forces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, actuators, and adjustment mechanisms. This substitution maintains high bandwidth measurement capability while significantly reducing device complexity and improving reliability.
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 dynamic force contactor provides accurate and portable dynamic force calibration, overcoming the limitations of conventional sensors by allowing traceable calibration of force sensors in dynamic settings, offering smaller uncertainty and higher bandwidth than traditional methods, and enabling measurement of dynamic forces up to high mechanical frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical conductor that provides a current perpendicular to the magnetic field, the current in the electrical conductor in combination with the magnetic field from the magnet providing a Lorentzian force
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic force contactor includes: a magnet that provides a magnetic field; an electrical conductor that provides an electric field perpendicular to the magnetic field, the electric field from the electrical conductor in combination with the magnetic field from the magnet providing a Lorentzian force; an armature disposed proximate to the magnet, the electrical conductor disposed on the armature such that the armature reciprocates in a reciprocating direction relative to the magnet in response to the Lorentzian force and that produces the dynamic force; and a dynamic force mediator in communication with the electrical conductor and the armature such that: the dynamic force mediator monitors an alternating voltage across the electrical conductor; the dynamic force mediator monitors an alternating current through the electrical conductor; and the dynamic force mediator monitors a reciprocation velocity of the armature.