Piezoelectric Self-Charging Load Cell for Fatigue-Prone Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load cells are prone to failure due to repetitive loading and fatigue, making troubleshooting and repair difficult, and they lack a mechanism to generate power for their components, reducing their lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A self-charging load cell design that incorporates a piezoelectric actuator within the main body to generate power through deformation, with a power unit to store and transmit this power to external devices, and a capacitor to facilitate power transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional load cell is used, then it can measure force accurately, but it is prone to failure due to repetitive loading and fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifespan of load cellVSAvoidrepetitive loading and fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The load cell incorporates a piezoelectric actuator that generates electrical energy from the mechanical deformation caused by repetitive loading. This self-generated power is stored in a power unit (battery or capacitor) to sustain electronic components, enabling the load cell to serve itself by converting harmful mechanical stress into useful electrical energy for its own operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of repair

If a traditional load cell is used, then it can convert force to electrical signal, but troubleshooting and repairing is difficult requiring stripping to blank condition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepairability of load cellVSAvoidintegration of electronics

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The load cell is designed with modular components including a separate piezoelectric actuator, power unit, and electronic components that can be independently accessed and replaced. The housing includes accessible compartments that allow technicians to service individual components without completely disassembling the entire load cell assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Use of energy by moving object

If a traditional load cell is used, then it can measure force, but it lacks mechanism to generate power for its components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation for componentsVSAvoidself-sufficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for external mechanical power sources with a piezoelectric actuator that directly converts mechanical deformation into electrical energy. This substitution eliminates the need for separate power supply connections and enables the load cell to be self-powered through its normal operational deformations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 self-charging load cell generates power internally, extending its lifespan and simplifying maintenance by eliminating the need for external power sources and reducing failure rates.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric actuator disposed within at least a portion of the main body to generate power in response to the main body at least partially deforming

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250321149A1Self-charging load cell

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 NASH PAUL

AI summary

A self-charging load cell, including a main body to at least partially deform in response to an application of force thereto, a piezoelectric actuator disposed within at least a portion of the main body to generate power in response to the main body at least partially deforming, and a power unit disposed within at least a portion of the main body to store the power generated by the piezoelectric actuator and transmit the power to an external device.