Force Sensor Flexure Mechanism for Strain Gauge Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional strain-type force sensors face challenges in achieving sufficient sensitivity due to difficulties in precisely mounting strain gauges on the elastic beam, limiting their precision and effectiveness in force measurement.
Innovation Solution
The force sensor employs flexure mechanisms with a body, flexure hinges, and blocks to convert applied forces into single-axis forces, allowing strain gauges to be placed on the elastic portion for enhanced sensitivity, utilizing first and second flexure hinges as rotary joints to transmit forces and cause elastic strain, thereby improving measurement precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauge is mounted on the lateral side of the elastic beam, then the sensor can measure force according to electrical resistance variation, but it is difficult to precisely stick the strain gauge on the designate position resulting in insufficient sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flexure mechanisms as intermediary components between the elastic beam and the strain gauge. The flexure mechanisms include elastic portions that transmit force from the elastic beam to the strain gauge, allowing the strain gauge to be mounted on a more accessible surface while maintaining high sensitivity through the elastic portion's deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mounting dimension by using flexure mechanisms to redirect the force transmission path. Instead of mounting the strain gauge directly on the lateral side of the elastic beam, the force is transmitted through elastic portions of the flexure mechanisms to a surface where the strain gauge can be precisely mounted, effectively moving the measurement point to a more accessible dimension.
2Measurement precision
If flexure mechanisms are introduced to convert force into single axis force, then sensitivity of strain gauge is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the force transmission function and the strain measurement function into a single integrated structure. The flexure mechanisms are designed such that the elastic portions serve both as force transmission elements and as the measurement point for the strain gauge, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure mechanisms serve multiple functions: they convert multi-axis force into single-axis force, provide elastic deformation for strain measurement, and enable precise mounting of the strain gauge. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall sensor structure while maintaining high sensitivity.
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
This configuration enables higher sensitivity in force measurement by accurately detecting force variations through strain gauges placed on the elastic portion, enhancing the precision and reliability of force sensor readings.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic portion is connected to the fixed end and the first connection end respectively... configured to sense an elastic strain of the elastic portion when a force is applied
Implementation Method 2
strain gauge mounted on the elastic beam is deformed with the elastic beam and converts the force into a change in electrical resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A force sensor includes a sensing element, a forced element and strain gauges. There are flexure mechanisms on the sensing element, the forced element is coupled to a free end of each of the flexure mechanisms, and each of the strain gauges is placed on an elastic portion of each of the flexure mechanisms respectively. Each of the strain gauges is provided to detect an elastic strain of the elastic portion when a forced is applied to the forced element, transmitted to the free end via the forced element and transmitted to the elastic portion via a flexure hinge of each of the flexure mechanisms.