Load Measurement Device Using Acceleration Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load measurement technologies require multiple attachment points, leading to mechanical contact issues and potential damage, and struggle to accurately measure loads in applications where components change orientation relative to gravity.
Innovation Solution
A load measurement device utilizing a single or multiple semiconductor-based 3-axis acceleration sensors attached to a deformable component to detect changes in orientation relative to gravity, with a data processing device calculating loads based on sensor signals, allowing for single-point contact and accurate load determination across various load types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If piezo sensor is attached to deformable component using multiple attachment points, then measurement reliability is improved, but mechanical contact damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based piezo sensor attachment with an optical measurement system using laser beams. The laser beams measure deformation of the deformable component without requiring physical contact or multiple attachment points, thereby eliminating mechanical contact damage while maintaining measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser beams as an intermediary medium to transfer measurement information from the deformable component to the sensor system. This intermediary approach allows indirect measurement of deformation and load without direct mechanical contact between the sensor and the component.
2Device complexity
If acceleration sensor is used to detect orientation changes, then single-point contact is achieved, but measurement precision may be affected by component rotation or displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple acceleration sensors (at least two) attached to different portions of the deformable component. Each sensor independently measures orientation changes, and the data processing device combines these measurements to distinguish between component rotation/displacement and actual load-induced deformation, thereby maintaining measurement precision with single-point contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The data processing device processes signals from multiple acceleration sensors to provide feedback correction. By analyzing the relative orientations and movements of different sensor positions, the system can discount the effects of overall component rotation or displacement and extract the true load-induced deformation signals.
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 accurate measurement of static, dynamic, linear, and torque loads with reduced mechanical contact risks, suitable for applications like large-size bearings where orientation changes occur, by using acceleration sensors to detect orientation changes and discounting rotation or displacement.
Implementation Method 1
an acceleration sensor configured to detect a change in an orientation of said first portion with regard to the direction of gravity
Implementation Method 2
a deformable component configured to be deformed under a load to be measured
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a load measuring device including a deformable component configured to be deformed under a load to be measured and a sensor assembly attached to a first portion of the deformable component and to a method for determining load using such a sensor assembly. It is proposed that the sensor assembly includes at least one acceleration sensor configured to detect a change in an orientation of the first portion with regard to the direction of gravity and that the deformable component is formed as a seal configured to be in sliding contact with a component configured to rotate in relation to the seal.