Input Apparatus Strain Gauge Base Portion Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional training tools face challenges in accurately detecting strain without damaging the strain gauge due to its placement on deformable parts, leading to potential damage and inaccurate readings.
Innovation Solution
An input apparatus with a strain gauge positioned on a base portion made of a harder material than the elastic member, which is elastically deformable, allowing for appropriate placement and reduced risk of damage, along with protective members and a tubular shape to secure the elastic member and strain gauge effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the strain gauge is provided on the elastic member to detect strain, then the measurement precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to the risk of damage from deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional parts: the elastic member that undergoes deformation and the base portion that remains stable. The strain gauge is assigned to the base portion rather than the elastic member, separating the measurement function from the deformation function to prevent damage while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion acts as an intermediary structure that transmits the deformation effects from the elastic member to the strain gauge without subjecting the gauge directly to damaging stresses. The harder material of the base portion protects the gauge while still allowing strain transmission.
2Reliability
If the base portion is made of a harder material than the elastic member, then the protection of the strain gauge is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to material selection constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The material hardness parameter is changed for the base portion to be harder than the elastic member. This parameter change provides protective functionality while the patent acknowledges this may affect manufacturing ease, representing a deliberate trade-off prioritized for reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the elastic member is held tightly by the base portion, then the measurement precision is improved through stable positioning, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted elastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The base portion applies different qualities to different regions: the inner portion provides tight constraint for stable strain gauge positioning and accurate measurement, while the outer portion allows sufficient freedom for the elastic member to deform. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between stability and operational freedom.
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 solution enables accurate strain detection on the base portion due to appropriate placement of the strain gauge, reducing the risk of damage and improving the durability and accuracy of strain measurement during user input.
Implementation Method 1
The strain gauge is on the base portion and configured to detect a strain generated on the base portion due to deformation of the elastic member in response to an input from the user
Implementation Method 2
The elastic member includes a first end portion and a second end portion, and at least a part of the elastic member is elastically deformable by a user
Data Source
AI summary
An example input apparatus includes an elastic member, a base portion and a strain gauge. The elastic member includes a first end portion and a second end portion, and at least a part of the elastic member is elastically deformable. The base portion holds the opposite end portions of the elastic member so that a ring is formed by the base portion and the elastic member. The strain gauge is provided on the base portion and detects a strain generated on the base portion due to deformation of the elastic member in response to an input from the user. Note that instead of the configuration where a ring is formed by the base portion and the elastic member, the input apparatus may be configured so that two elastic members are held by the base portion.