Hall Effect Transducer Assembly for Compact Force Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional load measurement apparatuses and methods often have form factors, sizes, or configurations that render them ineffective for certain applications, particularly due to difficulties in positioning and attaching strain gauges in small spaces and high power requirements.

Innovation Solution

A transducer assembly comprising a mounting base, a collar with a bore, and a Hall effect sensor, where the Hall effect sensor is spaced longitudinally from a magnet to detect lateral deflection of the collar, allowing for precise force measurement through the use of magnets and Hall effect sensors, which are energy-efficient and easier to position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If strain gauges are used for force measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and difficulty of installation increase due to positioning requirements in small spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce measurement capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces strain gauges (mechanical/electrical sensing system) with a magnetic field-based sensing system comprising a magnet and Hall effect sensor. This substitution eliminates the need for complex strain gauge installation while maintaining force measurement capability through detection of collar deflection via magnetic field changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the force application and measurement system. The magnet attached to the collar and Hall effect sensor mounted on the bow create a magnetic field that translates mechanical deflection into measurable electrical signals, simplifying the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If conventional load measurement apparatus are used, then force measurement is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce measurement capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces power-intensive strain gauge systems with a magnetic field-based Hall effect sensing system that consumes significantly less power. The Hall effect sensor detects magnetic field changes passively, requiring minimal electrical power compared to traditional strain gauge measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If strain gauges are used for force measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but reliability decreases due to susceptibility to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce measurement capabilityVSAvoidsensor durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a magnetic field as an intermediary that is inherently more reliable than direct mechanical strain gauges. The magnetic field can penetrate materials and is not susceptible to physical damage, environmental factors, or installation errors that plague strain gauge systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables precise force measurement with a compact form factor, reduced power consumption, and improved reliability compared to traditional strain gauges, suitable for various applications including archery bows and other force measurement systems.

Implementation Method 1

The Hall effect sensor is spaced longitudinally from the magnet and is configured to detect lateral deflection of the distal end of the collar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11933679B2Transducer assemblies and methods
Publication Date: 2024.03.19 STRESS ENG SERVICES INC
  • US11933679B2 patent drawing
  • US11933679B2 patent drawing
  • US11933679B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A transducer assembly includes a mounting base, a collar, a magnet, and a Hall effect sensor. The collar defines a bore. One of the magnet and the Hall effect sensor is disposed within the bore and attached to the mounting base. The other of the magnet and the Hall effect sensor is attached to the collar. The Hall effect sensor is spaced from the magnet and is configured to detect movement of at least a portion of the collar relative to the mounting base.