Multi-Directional Force Sensor Evaluation for Geometric Body Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining deformations of geometric bodies or measuring forces/moments on them often produce incorrect results due to imprecise knowledge of force orientation and direction, failing to distinguish between actual measurements and system errors, and do not adequately consider the symmetry of the body in evaluation.

Innovation Solution

A method using multiple force/deformation sensors arranged in groups to detect forces/deformations along independent spatial directions, with signal outputs correlated and evaluated in bridge circuits to account for vector components and symmetry, providing a more precise measurement by considering signals in multiple spatial directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single force or deformation sensor is used to measure forces or deformations along one spatial direction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because it cannot determine forces or deformations in multiple independent spatial directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement task is segmented into multiple independent spatial directions, with separate sensor groups assigned to each direction. This allows precise measurement of force/deformation components in each direction while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system transitions from one-dimensional measurement to multi-dimensional measurement by adding sensor groups that measure forces and deformations along multiple independent spatial directions, enabling comprehensive three-dimensional characterization of the measured object.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used to measure forces in different spatial directions, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple sensor groups and complex signal evaluation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensor groups measuring different spatial directions are merged into a unified evaluation system that processes signals from all sensors simultaneously. This integration enables comprehensive force and deformation analysis while sharing common evaluation resources, thereby managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The evaluation device is designed with multi-functionality to handle signals from multiple sensor groups, performing various measurement tasks including force component determination, deformation analysis, and symmetry evaluation across different spatial directions through a single unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If signal outputs from multiple sensors are evaluated without considering symmetry, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates because symmetry information is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The evaluation device incorporates symmetry feedback by comparing measured force and deformation distributions against expected symmetric patterns. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the evaluation to account for symmetry considerations, improving measurement precision without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The evaluation system performs self-service by automatically detecting and utilizing symmetry properties of the measured object. The system independently identifies symmetric patterns in the data and uses this information to enhance measurement accuracy without external guidance or complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach enables a more accurate determination of deformations and forces/moments, allowing for precise recognition of clamping issues and improved monitoring of machining processes, reducing quality losses and errors by providing a refined image of forces and moments across multiple dimensions.

Implementation Method 1

a first group of force or deformation measuring sensors (12) detects forces acting on the geometric body (10; 20) or deformations of the geometric body (10; 20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce or deformation measurement:

Implementation Method 2

at least four force or deformation sensors (12; 13) are connected with their signal outputs in an electrical bridge circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBridge circuit signal evaluation: Wheatstone Bridge

Data Source

PatentEP2829859B8Method and measuring system for determining deformations a geometric body by means of force or deformation measuring sensors
Publication Date: 2018.06.27 PRO MICRON

AI summary

A method for ascertaining deformations of a geometric body or for measuring forces or torques acting thereon using force measuring sensors or deformation measuring sensors. A plurality of such sensors are arranged on the geometric body in at least two groups. A first group of sensors registers forces acting on the geometric body or deformations of the geometric body in a first spatial direction with reference to a coordinate system fixed relative to the geometric body. A second group of sensors registers forces acting on the geometric body or deformations thereof in a second spatial direction with reference to the coordinate system fixed relative to the geometric body, which is independent of the first spatial direction. Signal outputs of the sensors are compared to one another for the purpose of registering and evaluating signals and for determining or assessing force components or deformation components acting in different spatial directions.