Flexible Leaf Spring Gap Measuring Unit with Strain Gauge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gap measuring devices are limited in their ability to measure gaps with widths less than one millimeter and are inflexible, making them unsuitable for use in tight spaces or curved surfaces, and optical methods require precise alignment and are not applicable to all gap configurations.
Innovation Solution
A measuring unit utilizing leaf springs and strain gauges, designed for minimal displacement and flexibility, allowing insertion into narrow gaps and recesses, with a high ratio of measuring path to dimension, and featuring a reversible connection for easy removal and reconnection, enabling precise tactile measurement of gaps and recesses with widths between 0.5 mm and 15 mm, including those with curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical gap measuring devices with rigid arms are used, then measurement can be performed with simple structure, but the device cannot measure gaps less than one millimeter and cannot adapt to curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible arms with integrated strain gauges instead of rigid arms. These flexible arms can bend and conform to curved surfaces while maintaining measurement capability, enabling the device to measure gaps on non-planar surfaces and in tight spaces where rigid devices fail
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the measuring arms from rigid to flexible, allowing them to adapt their shape. The strain gauges detect dimensional changes in the flexible arms as they conform to different gap geometries, enabling versatile measurement across various configurations
2Measurement precision
If optical measuring methods are used for gaps less than one millimeter, then measurement precision is improved, but the device requires precise alignment and cannot be used with gaps of different heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measuring methods with a tactile mechanical system using flexible arms and strain gauges. This substitution eliminates the need for precise alignment and line-of-sight requirements of optical methods, allowing the device to measure gaps of varying heights and in positions that are difficult to access optically
3Measurement precision
If elastic elements with strain gauges are used to measure small gaps, then measurement capability for small gaps is improved, but the device becomes rigid along the longitudinal axis and cannot measure gaps between round bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible arms that can bend along their longitudinal axis while maintaining the strain gauge measurement capability. This flexibility allows the arms to conform to the curvature of round bodies and measure gaps between cylindrical or spherical components, overcoming the limitation of rigid previous designs
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 measurement of gaps and recesses with widths as low as less than 1 mm and diameters of less than 5 mm, providing increased application flexibility and adaptability to various gap configurations, including those with round cross-sections, without the need for complex alignment.
Implementation Method 1
Resistance elements, in particular strain gauges, are attached on both sides of this elastic element, the resistance of which changes proportionally to the deformation of the resistance element
Implementation Method 2
an elastic element that bends when it is introduced into a gap
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~12
AI summary
The unit (10) has a base element (12) that is arranged in a region of a tip (20) of the measuring unit. A sensor unit (14) is connectable with the base element. A strain gauge (26) is arranged in the unit and an electric line is connected to the strain gauge. The sensor unit comprises a convexly shaped leaf spring (16) in a relaxed state. The strain gauge is arranged partially on one of a set of sides of the leaf spring, where the measuring unit is arranged with a width of between 1 mm and 15 mm. An independent claim is also included for a measurement device.