Force Transducer Calibration for Off-Axis Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force transducers often provide incorrect responses to off-axes forces, leading to rippled outputs, particularly in applications like wheel force transducers, due to inadequate calibration methods.
Innovation Solution
A force transducer calibration apparatus featuring a base with end stanchions, force actuators, and reaction sensors arranged orthogonally to apply and measure forces and moments on a transducer holder, allowing for precise calibration and detection of off-axes responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods are used, then the transducer can be calibrated for on-axes forces, but the transducer provides incorrect responses to off-axes forces
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration apparatus segments the calibration process by separately calibrating on-axes and off-axes responses using distinct actuator configurations. Multiple force actuators are positioned at different locations and orientations to independently apply forces along principal axes and off-axes directions, allowing separate calibration of each response type.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system extends from one-dimensional on-axes calibration to three-dimensional off-axes calibration by adding force actuators positioned at multiple locations around the transducer. This enables application of forces in multiple spatial dimensions, including diagonal and angled directions, to fully characterize off-axes response.
2Measurement precision
If multiple force actuators and reaction sensors are arranged orthogonally, then accurate calibration of off-axes forces is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force actuators and reaction sensors are designed to serve multiple functions: they can apply and measure forces along principal axes for on-axes calibration, and simultaneously apply and measure off-axes forces for off-axes calibration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each calibration type.
Solution Approach 2:
A rigid structure or fixture serves as an intermediary between the force actuators and the transducer, providing precise positioning and force transmission. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by consolidating multiple positioning and force application functions into a single structured element.
Data Source
AI summary
An ideal multi-axis transducer will respond properly to forces and moments that are applied in intermediate directions. The transducer calibration apparatus described herein can detect transducers that have incorrect off-axes response. One calibration apparatus includes a base, a pair of end stanchions fixed on the base, force actuators mounted between the base, the pair of end stanchions, and a transducer holder, the force actuators arranged to exert forces and moments on a transducer mounted in the transducer holder, and force reaction sensors fixed between the base, the pair of end stanchions, and the transducer holder for measuring forces and moments experienced by the transducer holder.