Micro-sensor Deformation Amplification via Beam Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro-sensors for detecting and counting stress cycles in structures are limited by large size and weight, particularly in the aeronautics field, where mass reduction is crucial, and struggle with detecting low-amplitude deformations due to manufacturing technology constraints, such as silicon vs. metal tooth pitch limitations.
Innovation Solution
A passive and reversible micro-sensor design that amplifies relative movement between support portions, using a beam system with a plate and beams to increase movement by a factor of up to five, allowing for smaller overall dimensions and detection of lower deformation values, enabling the use of simpler metal technology for counting means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the micro-sensor uses conventional design without movement amplification, then the structure is simpler, but the size and weight are larger, and low-amplitude deformations cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the linear movement detection along the longitudinal axis into rotational movement of the toothed wheel through a perpendicular dimension. The beam system converts axial displacement into radial movement of the toothed wheel, enabling detection of much smaller deformations through dimensional transformation rather than direct measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary beam system with plate and beams that acts as a mechanical amplifier between the support portions and the toothed wheel. This intermediary mechanism magnifies the relative movement between support portions by a factor of 4 to 10, making small deformations detectable by the counting mechanism
2Measurement precision
If the micro-sensor is designed with larger dimensions to detect low-amplitude deformations, then detection capability improves, but the weight and size increase which is unacceptable in aeronautics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct linear displacement to amplified rotational displacement. By using the beam system to magnify movement by a factor of 4 to 10, the sensor can detect much smaller deformations without increasing its physical dimensions or weight, as the amplification occurs through the mechanical advantage of the beam configuration rather than through larger sensor components
3Manufacturing precision
If silicon technology is used for counting means to achieve small tooth pitch, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the functional requirement from small tooth pitch to amplified movement. By introducing the beam system that magnifies displacement by a factor of 4 to 10, the sensor can use metal counting wheels with larger, easier-to-manufacture tooth pitches while maintaining the same detection precision, thereby simplifying manufacturing without sacrificing measurement capability
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 micro-sensor achieves a significant reduction in size and weight by amplifying movement, enabling detection and counting of deformations four times lower than previous designs, with a size reduction factor of at least four, and allows for the use of metal technology for manufacturing, enhancing mass reduction and detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
said plate and the first, second and third beams being arranged so that any variation in distance Δx between said first and second portions of the support produces a corresponding movement Δy of the plate of the tooth along a different direction and with Δy>Δx
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed micro-sensor includes: a substrate including a first portion and a second portion; a third portion and fourth portion provided between the portions and connected to the first portion and the second portion respectively by an elastic member; detection and a counter including: a counting gear, a third beam capable of meshing with the gear, an amplifier for the value of a relative movement between the portions and including: a first beam attached at one end thereof to the third portion and at the other end thereof to a plate, a second beam attached at one end thereof to the fourth portion and at the other end thereof to the plate, the third beam being attached on one side to the plate and including a tooth capable of meshing with the gear.