Force Measuring Sleeve with Recesses for Radial Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force-measuring devices are limited in determining the angular position and magnitude of radially acting forces, requiring recalibration when the force direction changes, and are not suitable for applications where a sleeve needs to be slid onto an axle or shaft, as they are designed as closed central bodies.
Innovation Solution
A force-measuring sleeve with recesses on its outer lateral surface and concentrically arranged supports on the inner surface for direct force transmission, allowing for optimal force determination and centering, along with an angle sensor to record the sleeve's angular position, enabling measurement of force direction and magnitude with changing force curves and loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a force-measuring device is designed as a closed central body (axle), then it provides structural stability, but it cannot be slid onto an existing shaft and limits accessibility for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The closed central body is segmented into an open C-shaped structure with two legs that can be separated. This allows the force-measuring device to be installed by sliding the legs around an existing shaft and then closing them, combining the ease of installation with structural stability when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The C-shaped structure allows the force-measuring device to be nested around an existing shaft during installation, then closed to form a complete measuring assembly, enabling retrofittable installation without dismantling existing structures.
2Measurement precision
If strain gauges are arranged in circumferential grooves on a closed body, then force measurement is possible, but the device requires recalibration when force direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple strain gauge arrangements are provided at different angular positions around the C-shaped structure. Each arrangement is optimized for measuring forces from specific directions. By selecting and activating the appropriate arrangement based on the expected force direction, the device maintains high measurement precision without requiring recalibration when force directions change.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-measuring device incorporates multiple strain gauge arrangements that can measure forces from different directions. This multi-functional capability allows the same device to adapt to varying force directions by activating the appropriate measurement arrangement, eliminating the need for recalibration.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple force-measuring sleeves are used on a common axle, then comprehensive force monitoring is achieved, but the radial forces from neighboring forces may mutually influence each other
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission path is extracted and isolated for each force-measuring sleeve through individual support elements and bearing surfaces. This separation ensures that radial forces from neighboring sleeves do not mutually influence each other, as each sleeve independently transmits and measures its own force components.
4Measurement precision
If recesses are worked into the outer lateral surface for force transmission, then optimal force determination is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recesses are designed with standardized dimensions and geometries that optimize force transmission while considering manufacturing capabilities. By carefully selecting recess parameters (depth, width, shape) that balance measurement accuracy requirements with manufacturing ease, the design achieves optimal force determination without excessive manufacturing complexity.
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 precise measurement and calculation of radially acting forces, including their direction and magnitude, regardless of the application, allowing multiple sleeves to be used on a common axle without interference, and determining the angle of wrap on deflection wheels.
Implementation Method 1
at least one strain gauge (6) is fastened to the bottom of the recess (5), which accordingly forms a measuring point (7) together with the recess (5)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2a
AI summary
The sleeve (1) has an inner casing and an outer casing (3) that are arranged concentrically to a longitudinal axis (4) of the sleeve. Recesses (5) are formed in the outer casing, and comprise symmetric axes running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A support is formed at the inner casing, and a force transmission surface is formed with ring-segments, where symmetry (9) of the support is arranged at the symmetric axis of one of the recesses. A strain gauge (6) is fastened to a base and/or a wall of the recesses, and forms a measuring point (7) together with the recesses. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a cylindrical force measuring-body comprising grooves formed adjacent to each other (2) a measuring and calculating method for determining radially-acting force by using a force measurement sleeve.