Bi-directional Force Sensor with L-Shaped Base and Cross-Talk Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bi-directional force sensors in tribology and friction testers suffer from low torsional stability, leading to measurement errors and cross-talk between normal load and friction force signals due to reduced cross-sections of deformable beams, which cause torsional deformation and instability.

Innovation Solution

A bi-directional force sensing device with an L-shaped mounting base and interconnected force sensitive elements, utilizing adapters with rollers and springs to isolate and translate forces independently, reducing cross-talk and enhancing mechanical stability and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If deformable beams with reduced cross-sections are used in force sensors, then the sensor can accommodate long holders and sample mounting, but torsional stability deteriorates and cross-talk between measurement signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of long holders and sample mountingVSAvoidtorsional stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The force sensor is divided into separate functional components: rigid mounting base, deformable force-sensitive elements, and rigid connecting members. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the mounting base provides stable support while the force-sensitive elements experience controlled deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rigid connecting members serve as intermediaries between the deformable force-sensitive elements and the rigid mounting base. These intermediaries transmit forces accurately while isolating the sensitive elements from unwanted torsional movements and vibrations in the mounting structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If deformable beams with reduced cross-sections are used, then sample mounting flexibility improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to torsional deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample mounting flexibilityVSAvoidforce measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the sensor have different mechanical properties: the mounting base is rigid for stability, the force-sensitive elements are deformable for measurement, and the connecting members are rigid for accurate force transmission. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the sensor to maintain measurement precision while accommodating flexible sample mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If deformable beams are used to transmit forces, then bi-directional force measurement is enabled, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and adapters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebi-directional force measurement capabilityVSAvoidnumber of sensors and adapters

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple force-sensitive elements are integrated into a single unified sensor structure mounted on one rigid base. The connecting members merge the force transmission paths, allowing two-directional force measurement to be achieved with a cohesive unit rather than separate independent sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution improves mechanical stability, reduces cross-talk, increases dynamic range, and enhances measurement accuracy by ensuring high rigidity in force transmission directions, minimizing torsional deformation and vibration, thereby stabilizing the measurement process.

Implementation Method 1

The adapter comprises a roller which is in contact with the upper portion of the probe holder. This allows for an unrestricted motion of the sensor cross-talk reducing member in the direction of the second force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRoller mechanism: Roller

Implementation Method 2

utilizing adapters with rollers and springs to isolate and translate forces independently

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9989428B2Bi-directional force sensing device with reduced cross-talk between the sensitive elements

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 VINOGRADOV NURENBERG MICHAEL

AI summary

The invention provides a method and a bi-directional force sensing device with reduced cross-talk between the sensitive elements. The device contains an L-shaped mounting base, which supports force sensitive elements positioned on mutually perpendicular mounting legs of the mounting base. These force sensitive elements are interconnected by a sensor cross-talk reducing member via respective adapters in such a way that one force is translated to the one force sensitive element without affecting or disturbing another force sensitive element, thus reducing the cross-talk between the first and the second force measurements.