Pulsed Strain Gauge Topologies for Low-Power Weight Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic monitoring systems for inventory management rely heavily on power sources, which leads to frequent battery replacements or recharging, and there is a need to reduce power consumption to extend their operational time and minimize maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Implement pulsing methodologies in strain gauges, specifically using sample and hold techniques with short duty cycles to reduce power consumption, allowing strain gauges to operate for a fraction of the time while maintaining accurate weight measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauges operate continuously to maintain accurate weight measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pulsing of strain gauge excitation signals instead of continuous operation. The system applies excitation pulses at specific intervals (e.g., during weighing events or at scheduled times) and maintains the strain gauge in an unpowered state between pulses. This periodic activation maintains measurement capability while dramatically reducing average power consumption, directly resolving the contradiction between continuous measurement accuracy and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of strain gauges based on measurement requirements. During active weighing operations, the strain gauge is energized to provide accurate measurements. Between measurements, the system transitions the strain gauge to a low-power or unpowered state. This dynamic state switching allows the system to optimize between measurement precision and power consumption based on real-time operational needs.
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery-powered monitoring systems operate continuously, then operational duration is extended, but battery life decreases due to power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsing of the strain gauge excitation signals, activating the strain gauge only during measurement events or at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. This periodic operation reduces average power consumption by keeping the strain gauge unpowered during non-measurement periods, thereby extending battery life and operational duration of the portable monitoring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operational readiness through intelligent power management. By using sample-and-hold circuitry and caching measurement data, the system can quickly transition from low-power state to full measurement capability when needed, ensuring continuous useful action (inventory monitoring) while minimizing power consumption through strategic pulsing rather than continuous 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
This approach significantly reduces power consumption, extending battery life and enabling strain gauges to operate within tight power budgets, making them suitable for long-term use in inventory management systems without frequent maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
pulsing methodologies in strain gauges
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for pulsed strain gauge topologies. A weight sensor assembly may comprise one or more load cells for receiving excitation pulses during a first state period of a duty cycle, sample and hold (S/H) circuitry connected to the one or more load cells that holds analog measurement signals from the one or more load cells, first filtering circuitry connected to the S/H circuitry for processing the analog measurement signals and producing a DC level signal, an amplification system connected to the filtering circuitry, for amplifying the DC level signal, second filtering circuitry connected to the amplification system for filtering power line noise, and analog-to-digital (ADC) circuitry connected to the second filtering circuitry. Examples of load cells described herein include full-bride load cells (FBLCs) and half-bridge load cells (HBLCs).