Load Cell Segmentation for Force Detection Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load cells are prone to failure due to their sensitive and weaker components being load-carrying, which can lead to the entire system breaking if the load cell fails.
Innovation Solution
A load cell design with a robust configuration that separates sensitive force-detecting components from load-bearing components, using an upper and lower portion connected by a first intermediate portion with a measuring portion and a second intermediate portion that encloses the first, connected only via the upper and lower portions, allowing detection of small and large forces without compromising structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the load cell uses sensitive components for force detection, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates because these components are load-carrying and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell is divided into separate functional segments: a robust load-bearing structure (second intermediate portion) that carries the mechanical load, and a sensitive measuring portion (first intermediate portion) with strain gauges that detects force. These segments are connected only through rigid connection elements (upper and lower portions), creating a clear separation between load-carrying and measurement functions. This segmentation allows the sensitive measuring components to be protected from direct load exposure while maintaining accurate force detection capability.
2Reliability
If the load cell structure is made robust to protect sensitive components, then reliability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to reduced sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rigid connection elements (upper and lower portions) as intermediaries between the robust load-bearing structure (second intermediate portion) and the sensitive measuring portion (first intermediate portion). These intermediaries transmit the mechanical force from the load-bearing structure to the measuring portion without compromising the sensitivity of the strain gauges. The intermediaries act as a bridge that allows the sensitive components to detect force accurately while being protected from direct exposure to the full mechanical load by the robust enclosing structure.
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 design ensures the sensitive components are protected, enabling accurate force detection in various directions, including compression, tension, and torsion, while maintaining mechanical strength and enabling precise force calculation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one strain gauge is arranged on the measuring portion
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The invention relates to load cell (1) for detecting a force applied thereto by a first force applying element (12) and a second force applying element (13). The load cell (1) comprises an upper portion (2) connectable to the first force applying element (12), a lower portion (3) connectable the second force applying element (13), a first intermediate portion (4) connecting the upper portion (2) and the lower portion (3) along an axial axis of the load cell (1), the first intermediate portion (4) at least partly consisting of a measuring portion (7) where at least one strain gauge is arranged, and a second intermediate portion (8) connecting the upper portion (2) and the lower portion (3), the second intermediate portion (8) at least partly enclosing the first intermediate portion (4) and being directly exposed to the force applied by the first and second force applying elements (12, 13). The first intermediate portion (4) is connected to the second intermediate portion (8) only via the upper portion (2) and the lower portion (3) of the load cell (1). The invention also relates to a system (10) for handling a load and a method for calculating a size of a force by means of a load cell (1).