Load Pin Slot Segmentation for Force Measurement Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load pins are prone to measurement errors due to bending, rotation, and variations in surface roughness and hardness, which affect the accuracy of force measurement.

Innovation Solution

A load pin design featuring a slot that separates the axis into a lower and upper portion, with the upper portion being larger and having recesses to concentrate stress, and a raised center portion to minimize bending, along with sensors spaced apart to measure stress or tension, reducing shear force and rotation transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a solid axis is used for force measurement, then the structure is simple and strong, but bending and rotation occur under load causing measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce measurement accuracyVSAvoidaxis structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The axis is divided into upper and lower portions by introducing a slot that extends essentially in the axial direction. This segmentation allows the upper portion to bear the load while the lower portion remains straight and transmits force to the sensors without bending, thereby eliminating measurement errors caused by axis deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the axis is made larger to reduce bending, then bending is minimized, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidload pin volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing the overall axis size, the slot divides the axis into functional sections. The upper portion can be larger to resist bending, while the lower portion remains compact for sensor transmission, optimizing the volume distribution without increasing the total device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The axis exhibits different structural characteristics in different regions: the upper portion is larger and designed to resist bending moments, while the lower portion is smaller and designed for efficient force transmission to the sensors. This local differentiation optimizes both measurement accuracy and volume utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If recesses are added to concentrate stress on sensors, then measurement exactness increases, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement exactnessVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The recesses are integrated into the upper portion of the axis during the slot formation process. This segmentation approach allows the recesses to be created as part of the overall axis geometry, simplifying manufacturing compared to adding separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The recesses are merged with the slot structure in the upper portion of the axis. This integration means that both the slot and recesses can be formed in a single machining operation, reducing manufacturing steps and complexity while achieving the desired stress concentration effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If a raised center portion is added to reduce bending influence, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidaxis structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The raised center portion is introduced as a distinct segment within the axis structure, located in the region subjected to load. This segmentation creates a localized reinforcement that reduces bending influence without requiring complex overall structural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The raised center portion provides localized structural reinforcement exactly where the load is applied. This local quality enhancement addresses the bending issue at the critical location without adding complexity to the entire axis structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This design enhances measurement accuracy by minimizing bending and rotation, reducing errors from load variations, and allowing for precise force measurement.

Implementation Method 1

the lower portion is less or nearly not bent under load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBending: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

two sensors spaced apart from each other for measuring stress or tension

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStress measurement: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 3

the upper portion comprises recesses arranged at least in an upper area of the lateral surface to concentrate stress or tension to the sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStress concentration: Geometry

Data Source

PatentUS10323992B2Force measuring load pin having at least one sensor and a slot that divides the load pin into upper and lower portions
Publication Date: 2019.06.18 WIKA ALEXANDER WIEGAND SE & CO KG
  • US10323992B2 patent drawing
  • US10323992B2 patent drawing
  • US10323992B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A load pin configured for measuring a force, the load pin including two sensors spaced apart from each other for measuring stress or tension. An axis includes a lateral surface configured to be subjected to a load from an upside in an area of the axis between the two sensors. A slot divides the axis into a lower portion and an upper portion, the slot extending essentially in an axial direction of the axis.