Elastic Housing Force Measuring Unit for Chain Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring chain forces in underground mining applications lack accuracy and flexibility, particularly in determining forces at individual chain links of chain strands, and are not well-suited for real-time monitoring and adjustment of chain load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A force measuring unit with an elastically deformable housing that accommodates a distance measuring device, allowing relative movement between chain link legs, and a magnetic field sensor system to detect force-induced distance variations, enabling precise force measurement and real-time monitoring of chain load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic sensor units are provided to detect chain conditions, then chain wear and hanging chain detection is improved, but measurement precision of individual chain link force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The force measuring unit is divided into separate components: a housing that contacts the chain link legs, an elastically deformable element that absorbs and transmits force, and a distance measuring device that precisely measures the deformation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving both reliable chain condition detection and precise individual chain link force measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable element acts as an intermediary between the chain link legs and the distance measuring device. It transforms the complex force applied to the chain link into a measurable distance variation, enabling precise force measurement while isolating the sensitive measurement device from direct contact with the chain.
2Measurement precision
If distance measuring devices are installed in chain links, then force measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex electronic measurement system is extracted and replaced with a simple distance measuring device that detects the deformation of the elastically deformable element. This extraction reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement precision, as the elastic element passively transforms force into a directly measurable distance parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from direct force measurement to distance measurement of the elastically deformable element. This parameter transformation simplifies the measurement system, as distance can be measured more easily and accurately than force, while the elastic element provides a direct relationship between the two parameters.
3Reliability
If chain force monitoring is implemented, then chain load condition detection is improved, but response time for real-time adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The force measuring unit continuously monitors chain link force through the permanent presence of the distance measuring device and elastically deformable element. This continuous measurement eliminates detection delays, providing real-time data on chain load conditions that enables immediate response and adjustment, preventing hanging chains and excessive wear before they occur.
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 solution provides accurate and flexible force measurement capabilities, allowing for early detection of unusual chain load conditions such as hanging chains or excessive wear, enabling real-time adjustments to chain tension and operation of mining equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The housing is elastically deformable and arranged to be pressed in between the first and second chain link legs such that a distance variation between the first chain link leg and the second chain link leg is possible
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field sensor provided at the second unit part and configured to detect a magnetic field caused by the magnet
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a force measuring unit (200) for measuring a force applied to an individual chain link of a chain strand used in underground mining applications. The force measuring unit (200) may comprise a housing (240) having a first end configured to be contacted by a first chain link leg and a second end configured to be contacted by a second chain link leg, and a distance measuring device accommodated within the housing (240) and configured to measure an actual distance between the first chain link leg and the second chain link leg. The distance measuring device may include a first unit part (210) configured to be contacted by the first chain link leg and a second unit part (220) configured to be contacted by the second chain link leg (264).