Optical Measuring Element with Single-Piece Notched Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical force measuring elements face limitations in miniaturization and accuracy, particularly in measuring forces in multiple directions independently, due to their structural design which can cause torsion and require central bores, making them less suitable for small applications like catheters and medical devices.

Innovation Solution

The optical measuring element features a single-piece structure with notches defining elastically flexible zones on its outer surface, allowing optical fibers to be attached externally for force measurement, enabling independent measurement of forces in x, y, and z directions without a central bore, thus allowing for a more compact and robust design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a central bore is used to insert optical fibers, then the structure allows for force measurement, but the device diameter increases and structural stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical fiber insertionVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of inserting optical fibers from the center of the structure through a central bore, the patent inverts the approach by attaching optical fibers to the outer surface of the structure. This eliminates the need for a central bore, thereby maintaining structural integrity and reducing device diameter while still enabling force measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If the wall thickness is increased to improve structural stability, then the structure becomes more stable, but the device diameter increases and flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddevice diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating structural reinforcement only where needed - at the notches and elastic bridges that provide mechanical functionality - rather than uniformly increasing wall thickness throughout. This allows the structure to maintain stability with minimal overall diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If radial notches are used to create flexible zones, then force measurement is enabled, but torsion is introduced and measurement accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexible zone creationVSAvoidforce measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the problematic torsional effect by removing the radial notch configuration that causes it. Instead of using radial notches that create torsion during force application, the design uses notches oriented in a different direction that enable flexible zone creation without introducing measurement-distorting torsion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Volume of moving object

If the device is miniaturized for medical applications, then invasiveness is reduced, but structural stability and measurement reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmeasurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables miniaturization by inverting the optical fiber attachment approach - moving from central insertion to outer surface attachment. This eliminates the space-consuming central bore, allowing significant size reduction while maintaining measurement reliability through the preserved structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 enables smaller, more precise force measurement with reduced diameter, improved structural stability, and independent measurement of forces in multiple directions, enhancing the accuracy and applicability for medical and invasive applications.

Implementation Method 1

The notches define one or more elastically flexible zones within the structure which constitute the only connection between a first and a second region of the structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

For optical distance measurements between the two regions of the structure, one or more optical fibers are each attached with one end thereof to a region of the structure such that close to the ends reflective surfaces are located

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8659762B2Optical measuring element having a single-piece structure

Publication Date: 2014.02.25 SENSOPTIC

AI summary

An optical measuring element measures forces in at least one direction. The measuring element has a single-piece structure. There is an outside wall with notches introduced therein. Each notch defines parallel edges, and the notches define more or less elastically flexible zones in the structure and constitute the only connection between a first region and a second region of the structure. For optical distance measurements between the two regions of the structure, one or more optical fibers are each attached with one end thereof to a region of the structure such that reflective surfaces are located close to the ends. The reflective surfaces are firmly connected to another region. The optical fibers are disposed on the outside wall.