Polymorphous Force Sensor With Modular Covering Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force measurement devices are inflexible and require redesigning of both hardware and electronics for different grip modes, limiting their adaptability to various handling methods.
Innovation Solution
A polymorphous device with a central electronic unit coupled to modular external covering elements, allowing the geometry of the interaction surface to be changed without modifying the underlying electronics, utilizing known load cells and strain gauges to measure forces and torques across multiple degrees of freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing force measurement devices are used with fixed geometry, then manufacturing and electronics are simplified, but adaptability to various grip modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a fixed electronic unit and interchangeable external covering elements. The external covering elements can be detached and replaced to change the geometry of the interaction surface, allowing adaptation to different grip modes without modifying the underlying electronics or structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A single electronic unit is designed to work with multiple types of external covering elements. This universal design allows the same core device to perform multiple measurement functions by simply changing the external covering element, eliminating the need for separate devices for different grip modes.
2Measurement precision
If hardware and electronics are redesigned for different grip modes, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the precision measurement components (electronic unit with strain gauges) from the geometry-specific components (external covering elements). Only the external covering elements need to be manufactured in different geometries, while the precision electronic unit remains standardized, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of redesigning the entire device for each grip mode, only the external covering elements are created as separate geometric variants. These covering elements are essentially copies of the same basic structure with different external geometries, allowing precise replication of the measurement functionality across different configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular external covering elements are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a standardized electronic unit and interchangeable external covering elements. This segmentation allows the complex part (electronic unit) to be designed once and reused, while the simpler external covering elements can be easily swapped to provide flexibility without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 precise measurement of forces and torques with high flexibility and low operating costs, as the same electronic unit can be adapted to various shapes and forms without altering the underlying electronics, reducing stress and improving precision.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors are mounted on each radial arm that are capable of detecting the deformation to which the associated radial arm is subjected following application of the aforesaid force and torque
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
An electronic measurement unit for a polymorphous device (1), comprising a number of lateral structures (4), each lateral structure including: a support structure (8, 10, 22, 26, 28); at least one sensor (12, 14) constrained to the support structure and generating an electrical signal indicative of a deformation of the support structure; and a coupling structure (42) that constrains a corresponding external covering element (40) to the support structure in a releasable manner, so that when the external covering element is constrained to the support structure and an external force acts on the external covering element, the electrical signal is indicative of the external force.