Elastically Bendable Preload Device for Friction-Free Sensor Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pretensioning devices with force sensors require cumbersome screwing and can introduce disruptive frictional forces when inserted into recesses of varying shapes, limiting their flexibility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A pretensioning device with an elastically bendable section that allows insertion without friction, transitioning from a relaxed to an elastically tensioned state for secure clamping within the recess, eliminating the need for rigid clamping elements and screwing tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid clamping elements and screwing mechanisms are used to secure the pretensioning device in the recess, then the device can be firmly fixed, but the insertion process becomes cumbersome and introduces disruptive frictional forces on the force sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The pretensioning device incorporates an elastically bendable section that allows it to dynamically change its shape during insertion. The device is inserted in a bent state to navigate the recess, then elastically returns to its original shape to engage the clamping surfaces, providing firm fixation without rigid clamping elements during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes elastic deformation as a parameter change mechanism. The elastically bendable section changes its geometric parameters (curvature, length) during insertion, allowing the device to adapt to the recess shape, then returns to its original state to provide secure clamping through elastic recovery forces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pretensioning device is designed to fit variously shaped recesses, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pretensioning device incorporates an elastically bendable section that acts as a flexible element, allowing the device to conform to variously shaped recesses. This flexible section enables the device to adapt its shape during insertion without requiring multiple specialized designs for different recess geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional sections: force introduction plates, elastically bendable section, and clamping surfaces. This segmentation allows the elastically bendable section to independently deform and adapt to different recess shapes while the other sections maintain their structural integrity and clamping function.
3Ease of operation
If the device height is minimized for easy insertion, then the insertion process is simplified, but the clamping force and measurement accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes dynamic elastic deformation to resolve the height contradiction. During insertion, the elastically bendable section is compressed to minimize the device's effective height, allowing easy insertion. Once positioned, the elastic recovery generates sufficient clamping force to ensure accurate force measurement without compromising precision.
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 flexible and simplified fastening of the pretensioning device in variously shaped recesses without frictional forces on the force sensor, ensuring accurate force measurement without jamming or misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastically bendable area (101) is configured; bringing the pretensioning device (1) into an elastically braced insertion state with a minimized device height; bringing the pretensioning device (1) into an elastically tensioned installation state
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a preload device (1) having a receiving pocket (11) for receiving a force sensor, which preload device can be arranged in a recess in a machine part or between multiple machine parts or in a drum, and which preload device can flexibly and more simply be installed in recesses of different shapes and easily detachably fastened therein. This is achieved in that the preload device (1) has a tool engagement section (12) which is spaced apart from the receiving pocket (11) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L), and at least one elastically flexible section (101) is non-detachably arranged between the receiving pocket (11) and at least one of the force introduction plates (100), wherein, by means of elastic bending of the at least one elastically flexible section (101), the height of a relaxed state of the preload device (1) can be reduced to a height in an inserted state through the application of forces to at least one of the force introduction plates (100, 100') and to the tool engagement section (12) in respectively different directions parallel to the longitudinal axis (L).