Externally Wired Strain Sensing for Electric Actuator Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric actuators lack the ability to measure load weight accurately and are inconvenient to install or replace strain gauges, leading to potential deformation and damage from excessive loads.
Innovation Solution
An externally wired strain sensing device with a load body, strain gauges, and a cable connector, allowing easy installation and disassembly, and integration with a Wheatstone bridge for resistance value conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the strain gauge signal line is arranged inside the electric actuator, then the strain gauge can be protected, but the installation and disassembly becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The strain sensing device is divided into separate modular components: the load body with strain gauges mounted on detection surfaces, and external wiring connections. This segmentation allows the strain gauge assembly to be independently installed and removed from the electric actuator, improving maintenance convenience while keeping the strain gauges protected on their designated mounting surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable connector serves as an intermediary between the strain gauges and external wiring. The connector head is arranged on the mounting cover, allowing cables to be connected externally without penetrating inside the actuator body, thus protecting the strain gauges while enabling easy cable replacement and installation.
2Measurement precision
If strain gauges are installed inside the electric actuator, then the load measurement can be achieved, but the user cannot replace the strain gauge according to their needs
Solution Approach 1:
The strain sensing device is designed as a separate, removable module that can be detached from the electric actuator. The load body with mounted strain gauges forms an independent assembly that users can remove and replace according to their specific measurement needs, different actuator configurations, or when upgrading to different strain gauge types.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting cover and load body design with standardized detection surfaces and cable connector interfaces enable the strain sensing device to be universally applied to different electric actuator models. Users can replace strain gauges with different specifications or configurations while maintaining compatibility with the same mounting structure.
3Ease of operation
If the strain sensing device is made detachable, then the ease of installation is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable design segments the strain sensing device into distinct components (load body, mounting cover, cable connector) that connect through standardized interfaces. While this creates multiple parts, each component has a simple, dedicated function, and the overall assembly process is simplified by the modular nature, allowing easy attachment and detachment without complex alignment or fastening procedures.
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 easy assembly and disassembly of the strain sensing device, facilitating accurate load measurement and user flexibility in strain detection, preventing deformation and damage.
Implementation Method 1
each of the strain gauges is configured to detect a deformation of each of the detection surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A strain sensing device includes a load body, a pair of strain gauges, and a cable connector. The load body has a chamber, an opening, and a mounting cover. The chamber is communicated to outside of the load body through the opening. A pair of detection surfaces are arranged on opposite sides of the chamber. The opening and the mounting cover are located on opposite sides of the chamber. The cable connector includes a connector head arranged on the mounting cover, and a cable threading the connector head and electrically connected to the strain gauges. When the load body is affected by an external force, the strain gauges respectively detect a deformation of the detection surfaces. The strain sensing device is therefore using alone as a load cell or in conjunction with an actuator and easily installing, disassembling and connecting an external wire.