Portable Load Deflection Device with Multi-DOF Support Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load determining devices are limited by their bulkiness, inability to operate at different orientations, and restricted load ranges, making them unsuitable for measuring load and deflection across various materials and orientations effectively.

Innovation Solution

A portable load deflection system with a support arm providing multiple degrees of freedom, a uniaxial load cell, and a processing system that calculates normal force versus deflection data, allowing for non-normal compression force applications and orientation determination, enabling accurate measurements across different materials and orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a device is designed for specific materials and orientations, then measurement accuracy is improved, but adaptability to different materials and orientations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to different materials and orientations

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs a universal support arm mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom that can accommodate different end effectors and measure various materials (biological membranes, human skin, thorax, head restraints) at different orientations without requiring separate dedicated devices for each application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes its operational parameters by adjusting the support arm's degrees of freedom and swapping end effectors to adapt to different measurement requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy across diverse materials and orientations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a device is made portable with a uniaxial load cell, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision for non-normal forces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidmeasurement precision for non-normal forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm acts as an intermediary mechanism between the uniaxial load cell and the test surface, transforming non-normal forces into axial forces that the load cell can measure accurately, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The device replaces complex multi-axial load cells with a simpler uniaxial load cell combined with a mechanical support arm system, achieving portability while maintaining measurement capability through mechanical force transformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If a device has a small load range, then measurement precision for small loads is improved, but adaptability to different load ranges deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precision for small loadsVSAvoidload range

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device changes its measurement parameters by selecting different end effectors and adjusting the support arm configuration to accommodate different load ranges (from very small loads for biological membranes to larger loads for thorax and head restraints) while maintaining appropriate measurement precision for each range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system provides accurate load-deflection measurements across a range of materials, including biological samples, with the ability to operate at various orientations and within a 1-100 lb load range, validated against material testing machines, and capable of detecting subtle differences in material properties.

Implementation Method 1

The second end can include a uniaxial load cell operably attached to the support arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLoad cell measurement: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The support arm can include at least one sensor for determining a position of the second end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS8428890B2Device for measuring load and deflection of materials

Publication Date: 2013.04.23 OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION

AI summary

A system for measuring normal load and deflection of a material that includes a portable load deflection device and a method of using the same is disclosed. The system includes a support arm having a first end and a second end opposite said first end. The first end can be attached to a base surface. The support arm can provides at least three degrees of freedom of movement and includes at least one sensor for determining a position of the second end. A uniaxial load cell can be operably attached to the second end. The system can also include a processing system operable to receive position data and corresponding force data when the support arm is used to apply a non-normal compression force to the test surface. The data can be used to calculate normal force versus deflection data for the test surface.