Pivoting Load-Bearing Assembly with Radial Force Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load clamping systems for lift trucks face challenges in accurately measuring and distributing clamping forces, particularly in uneven distributions, and struggle with measuring forces in specific directions due to the limitations of strain gauges in smaller pivot pins, which are costly and not well-suited for bending forces.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting load-bearing assembly with a force sensor and a clamping-force isolating arrangement that measures clamping forces in a radial direction, allowing for adjustment of clamp pad support assemblies to achieve desired force distribution and measurement, using a bearing block, pivot pin, and load tube to isolate and transmit forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauges are incorporated in smaller pivot pins to measure clamping forces, then measurement capability is provided, but manufacturing precision requirements increase, cost increases, and the pin strength is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The force measurement function is extracted from the pivot pin itself and placed in a separate load tube that fits within the pin. This allows the pivot pin to maintain its structural integrity and manufacturing simplicity while the load tube provides the measurement capability through a plunger that contacts the pin and transmits radial forces to a force sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
A load tube acts as an intermediary between the pivot pin and the force sensor. The load tube receives radial forces from the pivot pin through a plunger and transmits these forces to the force sensor, enabling measurement without requiring the pivot pin itself to be instrumented with strain gauges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If clamp pads are made free to pivot to accommodate deflection and conform to load shape, then adaptability to various loads is improved, but the ability to measure force in a specific direction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp pad assembly is segmented into multiple independent pivot blocks, each capable of pivoting independently to conform to the load shape. Each pivot block contains its own load tube and force sensor, allowing individual measurement of radial forces while the overall assembly adapts to various load configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The load tube maintains continuous contact with the pivot pin through the plunger mechanism, ensuring that radial forces are continuously transmitted to the force sensor regardless of the pivot block's angular position. This allows accurate force measurement in the radial direction even as the clamp pad pivots to accommodate load deflection and shape variations.
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic pressure control is used to control clamping force, then force control is achieved, but actual clamping force measurement during operation is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor provides real-time feedback on the actual clamping force being applied to the load. This feedback signal can be used to monitor and adjust the hydraulic pressure control system, ensuring that the desired clamping force is actually achieved and maintained during operation.
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
Enables accurate measurement and adjustment of clamping forces in specific directions, ensuring optimal load handling and preventing overloading, while being cost-effective and adaptable to various load types and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor in the pivoting support assembly located so as to measure the clamping force and arranged to provide a signal representative of the clamping force
Data Source
AI summary
A load-bearing assembly including a clamping-force sensor in a pivoting support assembly that is adjustable to vary a radial spacing between a pivot pin and a clamp pad mounted on the support assembly. A plurality of clamping-force sensors may be included in a plurality of pivoting clamp pad support assemblies to support a clamp pad and may be arranged to sense the magnitude of a clamping force exerted by a particular adjustable pivoting clamp pad support assembly and send signals indicative of the magnitude of the force to a controller. A load sensor may be located between a pivot pin and a bearing block, or strain gauges may be mounted in the pivoting bearing block so as to measure forces carried through the bearing block. Force values sensed and transmitted to the controller may be used to evaluate and adjust the clamp arm assembly to grasp a load with a desired clamping force or distribution of clamping forces.