Magnetic Elastomer Force Sensor for Untethered Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Force sensors in industrial applications require power sources and electrical data connections, leading to increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A force sensor utilizing a magnetic elastomer structure that operates untethered, comprising a compliant sensing structure with a rigid frame and magnetic properties, which deflects in response to an applied magnetic field, allowing for force measurement without power or data connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional force sensors are used, then force measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to power sources and electrical data connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical sensing mechanisms with a magnetic field-based measurement system. A magnet is attached to the elastomeric article, and its position is tracked using magnetic field sensors, eliminating the need for power sources and electrical connections in the sensor itself while maintaining force measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element that couples the elastomeric article to the magnetic field sensors. This magnet serves as a mediator that translates mechanical deformation of the article into detectable magnetic field changes, enabling force measurement without direct electrical contact.
2Measurement precision
If traditional force sensors are used, then force measurement capability is achieved, but cost increases due to power sources and electrical data connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive electrical sensing components with simpler magnetic field-based sensors. The magnet attached to the article interacts with external magnetic field sensors, eliminating the need for complex power management and electrical connection infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic field sensing as a non-contact copy or representation of the physical state of the elastomeric article. By tracking the magnet's position through magnetic field variations, the system creates an electrical-free measurement pathway that reduces manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Measurement precision
If the elastomeric article is stretched, then measurement capability is enabled, but magnetic properties change due to magnetostriction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a separate magnet as an intermediary that is not inherently part of the elastomeric article's structure. This external magnet's position is tracked independently, and its magnetic field serves as a stable reference that is not affected by the magnetostriction of the stretched article, thereby maintaining measurement stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes direct measurement of the article's mechanical properties with magnetic field-based position tracking. By measuring the magnet's position through magnetic field variations rather than directly sensing the article's physical state, the system avoids the interference of magnetostriction effects on measurement accuracy.
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 force measurement in industrial applications without the need for power or data connections, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining accurate property determination.
Implementation Method 1
a compliant sensing structure with a rigid frame and magnetic properties, which deflects in response to an applied magnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
A system may include a magnetic sensing elastomer. A system may include a rigid frame connected to the magnetic sensing elastomer. A system may include the magnetic sensing elastomer having a first end, a magneto-rheological elastomer (MRE) link and a second end; and wherein the magnetic sensing elastomer is configured to deflect in a direction by an amount based on an applied magnetic field and properties of a sample.