Modular Clamping Force Measurement for Multi-Chuck Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generic clamping force measuring instruments are costly and require high administrative effort due to expensive components and complex data handling, with frequent charging issues leading to potential operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A modular clamping force measuring instrument comprising an evaluation module and a sensor module that can be coupled and decoupled, sharing a data connection, with the evaluation module housing expensive components like measurement amplifiers and radio interfaces, allowing flexible use with different sensor modules for various clamping means and diameters, and featuring a rechargeable battery to reduce charging needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate clamping force measuring instruments are used to test different clamping means, then measurement capability for various clamping means is achieved, but costs and administrative effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation module is designed as a universal platform that can interface with multiple different sensor modules through standardized coupling devices. The evaluation module contains the expensive electronic components (measurement amplifier, radio interface, memory, display) and can evaluate different sensor modules for various clamping means, eliminating the need for separate instruments for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring instrument is divided into two separable modules: a universal evaluation module and interchangeable sensor modules. This segmentation allows the expensive evaluation electronics to be shared while the sensor modules can be specifically adapted to different clamping means, reducing the total number of instruments needed.
2Reliability
If expensive electronic components are included in each clamping force measuring instrument, then measurement functionality and data processing capability are ensured, but individual instrument costs become very high
Solution Approach 1:
The expensive electronic components (measurement amplifier, radio interface, memory, display device) are merged into a single shared evaluation module that serves multiple sensor modules. This consolidation maintains full measurement functionality while eliminating the need to duplicate expensive electronics in each instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation module is designed as a universal platform that can interface with multiple different sensor modules through standardized coupling devices. The evaluation module contains the expensive electronic components (measurement amplifier, radio interface, memory, display) and can evaluate different sensor modules for various clamping means, eliminating the need for separate instruments for each application.
3Productivity
If data processing is performed at a central computer with cable connections, then centralized data management is achieved, but administrative effort and data transfer complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces cable-based data transfer with a radio interface that enables wireless communication between the evaluation module and the central computer. This substitution eliminates the need for physical cable connections and reduces administrative effort associated with data transfer setup and management.
4Reliability
If multiple clamping force measuring instruments are regularly charged, then operational availability is maintained, but charging management becomes complex and may cause operational disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple instruments into a single evaluation module that can interface with multiple sensor modules. This means only one device needs to be charged and managed, eliminating the complexity of tracking and charging multiple separate instruments while maintaining operational availability.
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 modular design reduces costs by reusing expensive components and simplifies data handling, enabling efficient testing of multiple clamping means with reduced administrative burden and extended battery life through the Bluetooth Low Energy interface.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force sensor for detecting a clamping force applied to at least one measurement surface of the clamping force measuring instrument by a clamping means to be tested
Implementation Method 2
an evaluation device having a radio interface for communicating sensor data to a receiver
Implementation Method 3
The evaluation module has a rechargeable battery to reduce charging needs
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping force measuring instrument for a radial clamping device having at least one force sensor for detecting a clamping force of the clamping device and an evaluation device for evaluating sensor data of the force sensor. The clamping force measuring instrument is embodied as a modular clamping force measuring instrument, having an evaluation module a sensor module. The sensor module includes at least one measurement surface and the force sensor. The evaluation module has a radio interface, a memory and/or a display device. The sensor module and the evaluation module are configured for coupling to one another by a coupling device and each has a data connection device. The data connection devices are connected to one another to produce a data connection in the event of the sensor module being coupled to the evaluation module.