Elastic Bearing Element With Integrated Capacitive Force Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force measurement technologies using load cells and strain gauge sensors or air pressure measurements in elastic bearing elements are costly, require additional components, and can be inaccurate due to directional limitations and compressibility issues, leading to increased complexity and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
An elastic bearing element with an elastomer element and a sensor system featuring an elastic, non-conductive layer between electrodes, using capacitance to detect force changes, which is integrated directly into the bearing element, eliminating the need for external components and improving precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauge sensors or air pressure measurements are used for force detection, then force measurement capability is achieved, but additional components are required increasing device complexity and installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated directly into the elastomeric element itself, merging the sensing function with the structural component. The elastomeric element serves dual purposes: providing elastic mounting functionality and acting as the sensing element through its deformation under force, thereby eliminating the need for separate load cells or pressure sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical elasticity for vibration isolation, structural support for the mounting, and sensing capability for force measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated sensing components separate from the mounting structure
2Measurement precision
If multiple strain gauge sensors are used to detect forces in multiple directions, then measurement accuracy improves, but sensor complexity and electronic evaluation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detects forces in multiple directions by measuring changes in capacitance parameters resulting from elastomeric deformation in different directions. By monitoring capacitance variations along different axes, the system can resolve force components in multiple directions using a single integrated sensor structure, avoiding the need for multiple separate strain gauge sensors and their associated electronics
3Measurement precision
If air pressure measurements are used in air springs, then force measurement is achieved, but measurement accuracy decreases due to air compressibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces air pressure measurement with direct mechanical deformation measurement of the elastomeric element. Instead of measuring pressure in a compressible gas medium, the sensor directly measures the mechanical deformation of the solid elastomeric material itself, providing more accurate and reliable force measurements without the compressibility error
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
This solution enables precise, cost-effective force measurement within the elastic bearing element, robust against environmental influences, and allows for sensitive detection of forces without additional components, enhancing measurement accuracy and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic layer is elastic, i.e., it can change its shape under the influence of force and return to its original shape when the acting force is removed
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is designed and arranged to detect a force in the force flow between the first body and the second body... Using such a sensor, the distance between the two electrodes can be measured, for example, capacitively
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an elastic bearing element (1) having at least one first body (11), having at least one second body (12), and having at least one elastomer element (10), which is arranged in the direction of a force flow between the first body (11) and the second body (12), and also having at least one sensor (2), which is designed and arranged to detect a force in the force flow between the first body (11) and the second body (12) directly or indirectly. The elastic bearing element (1) is characterised in that the sensor (2) has at least one elastic layer (20), at least one first electrode (21), and at least one second electrode (22). The elastic layer (20) is arranged at least in some sections between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22). The sensor is arranged in the force flow between the first body (11) and the second body (12) in such a way that the distance between the two electrodes (21, 22) can be altered by the force, and in this manner the force can be determined at least partially. The elastic layer (20) comprises a rubber mixture comprising at least one silicone rubber as a sole rubber component and hollow microbeads.