Force Measurement System Using Segmented Transducers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load transducers face limitations in terms of moment capacity, material efficiency, crosstalk between channels, temperature sensitivity, and accuracy variations due to load position, leading to increased costs and measurement inaccuracies when used with force plates of varying sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A force measurement system featuring independently displaceable force measurement assemblies with force transducers that can sense forces and moments, capable of correcting for crosstalk and temperature effects, and providing accurate load measurements regardless of load position, using a compact and universal load transducer design that minimizes material usage and allows for versatile transducer configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional load transducers are used with force plates of varying sizes and shapes, then custom transducers must be designed and fabricated for each plate, but this significantly increases material costs and fabrication complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a universal load transducer design that can be used with force plates of various sizes and shapes. The transducer incorporates a standardized mounting interface and sensing mechanism that adapts to different plate configurations without requiring custom fabrication, thereby reducing material costs and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining versatility across multiple force plate models.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional load transducers span the full length or width of the force plate, then they can cover the entire measurement area, but this results in elongate transducers that utilize excessive stock material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes segmenting the force plate surface into multiple zones, each equipped with its own compact load transducer. Rather than using a single elongate transducer spanning the full plate dimensions, multiple smaller transducers are distributed across the surface, reducing individual transducer material requirements while collectively covering the entire measurement area through strategic placement.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional load transducers are positioned to cover the full force plate area, then they provide comprehensive measurement coverage, but they result in elongate designs that increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes dividing the force measurement system into multiple independent, compact transducer units distributed across the force plate surface. Each unit has a simple, standardized geometry rather than a single complex elongate design, reducing individual component complexity while achieving comprehensive measurement coverage through the segmented arrangement.
4Reliability
If conventional load transducers are used, then they can measure forces and moments, but they exhibit crosstalk between channels and temperature sensitivity that reduce measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes implementing temperature compensation mechanisms that convert the harmful thermal effects into beneficial calibration data. By deliberately measuring and characterizing temperature-induced variations in the load transducer output, the system generates correction factors that are applied to eliminate temperature sensitivity and crosstalk errors, thereby improving measurement precision without sacrificing the ability to measure forces and moments.
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 achieves higher moment capacity, reduced material costs, improved accuracy, and enhanced versatility in measuring forces and moments across different force plate sizes and shapes, while correcting for environmental and positional factors that affect measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
The use of strain gages in load transducers to measure forces and moments is a known art. Each load channel measures one of the load components, and is comprised of one or more strain gages mounted to one or more elastic elements that deform under the applied load.
Data Source
AI summary
A force measurement system is disclosed herein. The force measurement system includes a plurality of force measurement assemblies, at least some of the plurality of force measurement assemblies configured to be independently displaceable from other ones of the plurality of force measurement assemblies such that one or more particular ones of the plurality of force measurement assemblies that are disposed underneath a subject varies over time. Each of the plurality of force measurement assemblies includes a top surface for receiving at least one portion of the body of the subject; and at least one force transducer, the at least one force transducer configured to sense one or more measured quantities and output one or more signals that are representative of forces and/or moments being applied to the top surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject.