Electromagnetic Support Force Sensor for Movable Working Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support force measurement systems for movable working machines, such as cranes, face reliability issues due to single-pole connections that are prone to failure in wet conditions and cannot handle multi-pole connections, leading to inaccurate load distribution and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A support force measurement apparatus using a multi-core cable with adjustable sections that automatically return to their initial length, allowing for simultaneous energy supply and measurement acquisition, and incorporating a deformation body connected to a sensor that sends proportional signals to an analysis apparatus, along with electromagnetic interfaces for corrosion-resistant and moisture-insensitive signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a sliding contact connection is used to transmit signals from the force cell, then the connection can be implemented with a single pole, but the system becomes unreliable in wet conditions and cannot support multi-pole connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structureVSAvoidsignal transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical sliding contact connection with an electromagnetic coupling system. The force cell uses a magnetic field to transmit signals wirelessly or through non-contact means, eliminating the need for physical sliding contacts that fail in wet conditions. This substitution of mechanical connection with electromagnetic field-based connection resolves the reliability issue while maintaining implementation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If a single line connection is used for signal transmission, then the connection structure is simple, but it cannot handle multi-pole connections required by common techniques like Canbus or 4-20 mA

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structureVSAvoidmulti-pole connection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the force cell with a multi-functional connection system that can accommodate multiple signal lines and communication protocols simultaneously. The electromagnetic coupling interface is configured to support multi-pole connections, allowing the same device to work with various techniques such as Canbus, 4-20 mA, or other multi-wire protocols, thereby achieving universality without increasing structural complexity.

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

3Reliability

If the force cell is integrated into the movable support element, then the measurement system becomes more reliable, but the cable connection must withstand mechanical stress and environmental influences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement system reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical stress and environmental influence
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the vulnerable cable connection by replacing it with an electromagnetic field-based signal transmission system. The force cell transmits measurement signals through magnetic coupling or wireless communication, removing the physical cable that would otherwise be subjected to mechanical stress and environmental damage from moisture and corrosion. This substitution maintains measurement reliability while eliminating the weak link in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system provides reliable and accurate support force measurements, resistant to environmental influences and mechanical stress, enabling precise load distribution and improved safety by integrating the force cell into the support structure and using advanced signal transmission methods.

Implementation Method 1

at least one measurement element which is connected to a deformation body deformable with an effect of the support force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

the cable has its length changed following the relative position of the sections of the support element or the support structure and automatically returns to its initial length

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Implementation Method 3

incorporating a deformation body connected to a sensor that sends proportional signals to an analysis apparatus, along with electromagnetic interfaces for corrosion-resistant and moisture-insensitive signal transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3096119B1Measurement system for determining support force
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 TECSIS
  • EP3096119B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3096119B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3096119B1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

A support force measurement apparatus for determining a support force on a support element of a support structure of, specially, a movable working machine. The measurement apparatus comprises at least one measurement element (10) and a support leg (9). The measurement element (10) is connected to a deformation body capable of being deformed with an effect of the support force, so as to form a sensor and send a signal proportional to the support force. The support leg (9) comprises the sensor and is movably connected to the support element. The support element comprises a cable connection, and the cable connection is constructed in a manner of guiding electrical energy and is used for sending the signal proportional to the support force to an analysis apparatus (93) in a machine. The measurement apparatus is characterized in that the support element in the support leg (9) and the sensor are provided with electromagnetic interfaces (50, 51). The measurement element (10) supplies, by means of electromagnetic induction, electrical energy from the machine through the electromagnetic interfaces (50, 51), and is connected to a cable which transmits, by means of electromagnetic induction, the signal proportional to the support force from the measurement element (10) to the support element.