Load Change Detection via Heat Flow and Stress Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional load detectors face damage from impact loads and struggle to directly detect load changes, leading to potential malfunction and sensor damage.

Innovation Solution

A load change detection apparatus comprising a base member, an elastic member, a first plate, a fixing member, and heat flow sensors, where the elastic member deforms in response to load changes, generating heat that flows between the base member and the first plate, allowing the heat flow sensors to output signals corresponding to the load change without direct stress transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a strain gauge is used to detect load changes, then the load cell can detect the size of the load applied, but the strain gauge may be ripped off or broken when an impact is applied, causing damage to the load cell

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor durability under impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a first plate as an intermediary component positioned between the elastic member and the heat flow sensor. This plate blocks the direct transmission of stress from the elastic member to the sensor, preventing damage while still allowing heat flow detection. The plate serves as a mediator that separates the high-stress elastic member from the fragile sensor, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional strain gauge (mechanical/electrical system) with a heat flow sensor (thermal system). Instead of measuring strain directly through electrical resistance changes, the system detects load changes through heat flow generated by elastic deformation. This substitution eliminates the fragility of strain gauges under impact while maintaining load detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the heat flow sensors are placed directly between the elastic member and the base member to detect load changes, then the sensors can output signals corresponding to load changes, but the sensors may be damaged by significant impact loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload change detection accuracyVSAvoidimpact damage to sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first plate acts as a protective intermediary between the elastic member and the heat flow sensor. It blocks direct stress transmission to the sensor while allowing heat flow to pass through, thus protecting the sensor from impact damage without compromising detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements protective measures in advance by positioning the first plate and insulation sheet between the elastic member and the sensor before any impact occurs. This pre-positioned cushioning structure prevents direct stress transmission during impact events, protecting the sensor from damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 apparatus effectively detects load changes while preventing damage to the heat flow sensors from impact loads and ensuring accurate measurement of load changes applied to the receiving member.

Implementation Method 1

heat that is generated or absorbed when the elastic member deforms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat generation through elastic deformation: Mechanoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

heat flows between the first plate and the base member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat flow: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10054504B2Apparatus for detecting changes in a load applied there-to

Publication Date: 2018.08.21 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A load change detection apparatus is provided with a base member, an elastic member, a first plate, a fixing member and heat flow sensors. The elastic member deforms according to a changed load applied to the elastic member, received by the receiving member. The first plate supports a surface of the elastic member on a side of the base member. The fixing member fixes the lower plate and the elastic member to the base member. The heat flow sensors, provided between the base member and the lower plate, output signals according to heat flowing between the lower plate and the base member. The heat flows due to heat generated or heat absorbed when the elastic member changes the elasticity shape thereof. Stress occurring when the elastic member deforms, is shut off by the first plate, thus direct transmission of the stress to the heat flow sensors is avoided.