Impact Force Gauge Using Flexible Shell and Roller
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to monitor and visually or electronically indicate whether real-world objects have been subjected to excessive forces such as shocks or impacts during transit or handling, as existing methods lack effective means to ensure objects are handled with care across various settings like shipping, aeronautical, and manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
An impact force gauge comprising a track and shell that allow a roller to move along an axis, with varying heights and distances, and a flexible shell that changes position relative to the track in response to force thresholds, using RFID technology to provide visual and electronic indications of force exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical impact force gauge is used to monitor excessive forces on objects, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for track, shell, roller, and RFID components
Solution Approach 1:
The roller is nested within the shell, which contains the track. The RFID antenna is integrated into the base structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to coexist in a compact configuration, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the coordinated interaction of these nested elements
Solution Approach 2:
The shell serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the roller along the track, and flexes in response to impact forces to indicate excessive G-force exposure. The track simultaneously provides a mechanical pathway and serves as part of the sensing mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capabilities
2Measurement precision
If the shell is made flexible to detect force threshold exceedances, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential permanent deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is designed with dynamic flexibility to flex temporarily when impact forces exceed the threshold, allowing precise detection of excessive G-force events. After the impact event, the shell returns to its original position, maintaining its sensing capability for future events. This dynamic behavior enables reliable repeated use while achieving precise threshold detection
Solution Approach 2:
The shell's elastic properties are pre-engineered to absorb and dissipate impact energy through controlled flexing. This beforehand cushioning capability allows the shell to withstand repeated impact events without permanent deformation, maintaining both measurement precision and reliability over the device's operational lifetime
3Measurement precision
If the roller diameter is increased to improve detection sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to tighter clearance requirements in the track and shell
Solution Approach 1:
The track and shell are designed with localized clearance variations rather than uniform dimensions. The clearance between the roller and the track/shell is optimized at specific locations to provide sufficient play for roller movement while maintaining precise position detection. This local quality approach allows larger roller diameters to be used without uniformly tight clearance requirements throughout the entire device, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity
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 impact force gauge effectively indicates when forces exceed predefined thresholds, providing both visual and electronic signals to ensure objects have not been subjected to excessive handling, enhancing monitoring in shipping, aeronautical, and manufacturing environments.
Implementation Method 1
a base, including a Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) antenna
Implementation Method 2
a flexible shell that changes position relative to the track in response to force thresholds
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide for an impact force gauge that includes a track and a shell that is designed to flex from a first state to a second state when a force exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied along a given axis and that is designed to return to the first state when the force falls below the predetermined threshold along the given axis. A roller is located in the shell and has a diameter such the roller is allowed or blocked from moving to different locations in the impact force gauge based on the force applied thereto. Based on the presence or absence of the roller along different portions of the track, the force gauge wirelessly transmits an indication of whether the force gauge has been exposed to a force that exceeds the predetermined threshold.