Force Sensor Integrating Scales on Elastic Connection Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing force sensors require a displacement direction conversion mechanism, increasing the number of components and complicating the assembly process, making size and cost reduction difficult.

Innovation Solution

A force sensor design that integrates scales and displacement detection elements on the elastic connection members, eliminating the need for a separate displacement conversion mechanism, allowing for size and cost reduction by detecting external forces and moments through the inclination of these elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a displacement direction conversion mechanism is provided to transform displacement direction, then force detection capability is improved, but the number of components increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce detection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the force receiving member and the displacement direction conversion mechanism into a single integrated structure. The force receiving member itself is designed to convert displacement in the force application direction into displacement in a different direction, eliminating the need for a separate conversion mechanism. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining the force detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The force receiving member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it receives external force, converts displacement direction, and serves as the detection target. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision.

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

2Measurement precision

If a displacement direction conversion mechanism and detection target object are added, then force detection capability is improved, but the size of the sensor increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the force receiving member and displacement direction conversion mechanism into one integrated component, the patent eliminates the need for separate conversion mechanisms and detection target objects. This integration significantly reduces the overall volume of the sensor while maintaining the capability to detect force through displacement conversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If more components are provided for displacement conversion, then force detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce detection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of multiple functions into the force receiving member reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This simplification of the component list directly reduces manufacturing costs while preserving the force detection capability through the inherent displacement conversion design of the force receiving member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

By designing the force receiving member to perform multiple functions (force reception, displacement conversion, and serving as detection target), the patent reduces the total component count required. Fewer components mean lower manufacturing costs, while the multi-functional design ensures that force detection capability is maintained.

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

4Measurement precision

If a displacement direction conversion mechanism is provided, then force detection capability is improved, but the assembling process becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce detection capabilityVSAvoidassembling process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the force receiving member and displacement direction conversion mechanism into a single pre-integrated component, the patent eliminates the need for separate assembly steps to connect these parts. The integrated structure comes pre-assembled, significantly simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining the force detection capability through the built-in conversion mechanism.

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 integration of scales and displacement detection elements on the elastic connection members simplifies assembly and reduces the size and cost of the force sensor while maintaining effective detection of external forces and moments.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic connection member is elastically deformed, and a displacement corresponding to the direction and magnitude of the external force with respect to the support member is generated in the force receiving member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a displacement detection element provided on the support member so as to face the detection target object detects the movement of the detection target object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical displacement detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3699568B1Force sensor
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 CANON KK
  • EP3699568B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3699568B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3699568B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a force sensor 100 that detects a force acting from the outside, and provides the force sensor 100 whose reduction in size and cost can be achieved. The force sensor 100 includes a support member 20, a force receiving member 4 that is displaced with respect to the support member 20 by the action of an external force, an elastic connection member 5 connecting the support member 20 and the force receiving member 4, scales 8a to 8d, which are detection target object bodies, disposed at the elastic connection member 5, displacement detection elements 9a to 9d that are mounted on the sensor substrate 7 composing the support member 20 so as to face the scales 8a to 8d in a one-to-one manner, and that detect movements of the scales 8a to 8d.