Integrated Evaluation Device for Multifunctional Strain Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional strain sensors used in test stands for motor vehicles can only determine force and weight, lacking additional functionalities, and require separate evaluation devices and cabling for additional information, leading to space inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an evaluation device within the strain sensor to process and forward additional information such as slip signals and rotational speed, enabling a compact, multifunctional design with wireless or wired networking of sensor nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate evaluation devices and cabling are used for additional sensors, then additional information can be processed, but space efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing additional informationVSAvoidspace efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The evaluation device is integrated directly into the strain sensor housing, combining multiple functions (force measurement, temperature measurement, data processing) into a single compact unit. This eliminates the need for separate evaluation devices and reduces cabling requirements, directly resolving the space efficiency problem while maintaining the ability to process additional information from multiple sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The strain sensor is designed as a multifunctional device that can measure both force and temperature, and process data from multiple sensor types (strain gauges, temperature sensors, slip sensors, tachometers) through its integrated evaluation device. This universal approach allows a single device to perform multiple measurement and processing functions that previously required separate dedicated devices.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate sensors and evaluation devices are used, then comprehensive data can be collected, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of separate devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensor functions (strain measurement, temperature measurement) and the evaluation device are merged into a single integrated unit. The housing contains both sensor elements and the evaluation device, reducing the system from multiple separate devices to one consolidated device while maintaining comprehensive data collection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device is designed to handle multiple types of measurements and data processing through a single unified system. The evaluation device can process data from strain gauges, temperature sensors, and other sensors through common data inputs, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining versatility.

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

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 integrated evaluation device allows for a space-saving, multifunctional strain sensor that processes and transmits various types of data, reducing the need for additional cabling and enhancing user-friendliness while maintaining high measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor element for determining the forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain measurement: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3438630B1Test bench for motor vehicles with strain sensor
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 CARTESY
  • EP3438630B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a strain sensor comprising at least one sensor element for determining force- and/or weight-based data and an evaluation device for processing and/or transmitting the force- and/or weight-based data.