Pinch Force Sensor with Rigid Frame and Nested Strain Gauge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring pinch force are not precise enough for individuals with weak pinching abilities, as they are primarily designed for healthy individuals and fail to provide reliable measurements for low force values.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rigid frame and integrated strain gauge sensor, allowing precise measurement of pinch force, featuring a parallelogram shape for stable contact and protection of sensitive components, with options for zero reset, safety features, calibration, wireless signal transmission, and autonomous energy source, enabling reliable and precise force measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing pinch measuring devices are used, then they can measure pinch force for healthy people, but they cannot provide precise measurements for low force values in deficient people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a concentrated measurement zone between the two blades where the pinch force is localized. The sensor is positioned specifically at the point of contact between blades, ensuring that the measurement system focuses its sensitivity exactly where the force is applied, thereby achieving high precision for low force values without compromising overall reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: two parallel blades for force application, a rigid frame for structural stability, and an integrated sensor system for measurement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the blades for precise force transmission and the sensor for accurate detection of low force values, resolving the contradiction between precision and reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If the device structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost decreases, but measurement precision for low forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, maintains the parallel alignment of blades, protects the integrated sensor, and ensures stable contact during measurement. This multi-functionality allows the device to achieve high measurement precision without requiring complex additional components, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving precision for low force values
3Ease of operation
If the sensor is exposed for direct measurement, then measurement accessibility is improved, but the sensor is vulnerable to damage and measurement reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested within the rigid frame structure, positioned between the two parallel blades. This nesting arrangement allows the sensor to remain accessible for its measurement function while being physically protected by the surrounding frame structure, preventing damage from external forces and ensuring reliable operation without compromising measurement accessibility
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 device provides reliable and precise measurements of low force values, overcoming limitations of existing technologies by ensuring accurate data transmission and processing, even in challenging environments, and offering real-time feedback and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a first force sensor (13) for measuring a pinching force between said first blade (10) and said second blade (11)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for measuring the pinch force between a person's thumb and index finger, comprising: first and second parallel blades, said blades being disposed at a distance from one another and embedded at a first longitudinal end thereof; a sensor for measuring the pinch force exerted between the two blades at the second longitudinal end thereof, perpendicularly to the respective main planes thereof; a means for displaying the pinch force; and a means for storing and/or processing the pinch force. According to the invention, the first blade forms part of a rigid parallelepiped frame and the second blade is disposed in the space inside the parallelogram.