Electronic Socket Strain Gauge Sensitivity via Recessed Groove
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic sockets with strain gauges for measuring torque in screw-driving tools have limited analytical sensitivity and usability due to the strain gauge's surface location, and they cannot provide proactive warning messages, leading to inconvenient operation and storage.
Innovation Solution
An electronic socket design featuring a body with a driving groove and passive groove connected through a channel, incorporating a strain gauge in a recessed groove within a containing space, along with an electronic control module and display unit, which allows for sensitive deformation detection and proactive warning messages through light, sound, or vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the strain gauge is located on the surface of the hand tool, then the device structure is simple, but the analytical sensitivity and usability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The strain gauge is nested within a recessed groove in the containing space, allowing the gauge to be positioned inside the body rather than on the external surface. This nesting arrangement increases measurement sensitivity while maintaining a compact structure by utilizing the internal cavity space.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain gauge is positioned in a recessed groove that extends into the containing space, moving the measurement location from the external surface to an internal three-dimensional position. This dimensional change allows the gauge to detect deformation more effectively while the containing space covers it, maintaining external simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the strain gauge is projected from outside the hand tool, then the measurement function is external, but the operation and storage become inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The strain gauge is nested within the containing space rather than protruding from the external surface. This integration allows the measurement function to remain internal and non-intrusive, maintaining ease of operation and storage while the gauge continues to perform its measurement function effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain gauge is merged with the containing space structure, integrating the measurement function into the body of the hand tool rather than keeping it as a separate external component. This merging eliminates the inconvenience of external projections while preserving measurement capability.
3Extent of automation
If the conventional electronic socket only shows and records data, then the device function is passive, but it cannot provide proactive warning messages
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control module continuously monitors data from the strain gauge and provides proactive feedback through the display unit when abnormal conditions are detected. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically issue warnings without requiring manual checking, increasing automation while managing complexity through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the strain gauge data in advance and triggers warning messages before actual damage occurs. This preliminary action allows the system to anticipate potential problems and alert the user proactively, enhancing automation while the control module manages the complexity of continuous monitoring and decision-making.
4Strength
If the channel has large radial length, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the inside thickness becomes too thick for sensitive deformation detection
Solution Approach 1:
The channel wall thickness is reduced locally at the position where the strain gauge is positioned, creating a thin-walled section that is sensitive to deformation. This local quality change allows the channel to maintain overall structural strength while providing a specific region with high deformation sensitivity for accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel structure is segmented into different thickness regions: thicker sections for structural strength and a thinner section at the measurement location for sensitivity. This segmentation allows the channel to simultaneously satisfy both structural requirements and measurement requirements by dividing the structure into functional zones.
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 design enhances the sensitivity of the strain gauge and usability by providing a thin profile and proactive warnings, improving operational convenience and storage, while maintaining a traditional shape for user familiarity.
Implementation Method 1
a slight deformation of the electronic socket can sensitively affect the strain gauge
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic socket is provided. The electronic socket includes a body, a strain gauge, an electronic control module, and a display unit. The body has a driving groove and a passive groove. The driving groove and the passive groove are connected to each other through a channel, wherein the body includes a containing space located on an outside and a recessed groove located in the containing space corresponding to the channel. The strain gauge is disposed in the recessed groove. The electronic control module and a display unit are disposed in the containing space, and the display unit is for showing a data sensed by the electronic control module which obtains from the strain gauge.