Quartz Force Sensor Thermal Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Force detecting devices in industrial robots using quartz piezoelectric elements are prone to noise due to heat-generated deformation, which affects the accuracy of force measurements during machining processes.

Innovation Solution

A force detecting device with charge output elements, including piezoelectric sensors arranged in a configuration that allows for the detection of forces along three orthogonal axes, where the sensors are inclined to minimize the impact of temperature-induced noise, and a circuit system that converts charges into voltages to accurately detect external forces without relying on temperature-sensitive measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If quartz piezoelectric elements are used for force detection during machining, then force measurement capability is achieved, but temperature-induced deformation causes noise that reduces measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce measurement accuracyVSAvoidtemperature-induced noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful temperature-induced deformation into a beneficial signal by strategically placing piezoelectric elements on both the hot and cold sides of the heat source. The deformation from temperature changes is transformed into useful charge signals that can be processed to extract accurate force measurement information, thereby converting the harmful thermal effect into a useful measurement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-sided force detection to multi-dimensional detection by placing piezoelectric elements on both the hot side and cold side of the heat source. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows the system to distinguish between thermal deformation effects and actual force signals, enabling accurate force measurement despite temperature fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple piezoelectric elements are arranged to detect forces along three orthogonal axes, then comprehensive force detection capability is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce detection capability along three axesVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves multi-functionality by having piezoelectric elements serve dual purposes: they detect both thermal deformation effects and mechanical force signals. The same elements that would normally require separate thermal compensation mechanisms instead directly contribute to force measurement by capturing signals from both temperature-induced deformation and applied forces along three orthogonal axes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the thermal compensation function with the force detection function into a unified system. Instead of using separate sensors for thermal monitoring and force measurement, the piezoelectric elements perform both functions simultaneously, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability along three axes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 stable and accurate force detection, reducing temperature-induced noise to 1/20 of previous levels, enabling precise force measurement even in environments with significant temperature fluctuations, and reducing the overall weight and size of the force detecting system.

Implementation Method 1

a first sensor device (6A) including a charge output element (10) which outputs a signal according to an applied external force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the quartz is deformed by heat generated during the machining. As a result, a noise component with respect to a true value in an output of the piezoelectric element tends to occur

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP2878939B1Force detecting device, robot, eletronic component conveying apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP2878939B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2878939B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2878939B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A force detecting device (1) includes a first base section (2), a second base section, and a charge output element arranged between the first base section (2) and the second base section. The charge output element includes a first board formed by a Y-cut quartz plate and a second board formed by a Y-cut quartz plate. The boards are laminated in a direction orthogonal to the normal an attachment surface of the second base section. The force detecting device (1) detects an external force on the basis of a first output corresponding to a shearing force in a first detection direction orthogonal to the laminating direction of the first board and a second output corresponding to a shearing force in a second detection direction orthogonal to the laminating direction of the second board and crossing the first detection direction.