Radial Force Load Cell Structure for Crankshaft Torque Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load cell designs for determining radial forces on crankshafts lack precision and effectiveness in measuring defined radial forces, which are essential for calculating torque and supporting bearings in transmission systems.
Innovation Solution
A load cell with a cylindrical receiving sleeve and a fastening ring, featuring strain sensors on measuring areas that absorb radial forces and axial support areas for axially supporting the bearing, allowing for controlled deformation and accurate force measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a load cell design uses a receiving sleeve and fastening ring structure, then the bearing support and force measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell combines the receiving sleeve for bearing accommodation and the fastening ring for mounting into a single integrated component. The measuring areas are formed by connecting these two regions, merging multiple functions (bearing support, force measurement, and mounting) into one unified structure, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The load cell structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the receiving sleeve accommodates the bearing, the fastening ring provides mounting capability, and the connecting regions between them serve as measuring areas for force detection. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable bearing support and force measurement through a single versatile component
2Measurement precision
If strain sensors are attached to measuring areas on the load cell, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell features specific local regions designated as measuring areas, which are optimally positioned and shaped to capture radial forces. Strain sensors are attached only to these specific local areas rather than the entire structure, concentrating the measurement function where it is most effective and simplifying the overall sensor integration process
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring areas act as intermediary elements that transfer radial forces from the bearing to the strain sensors. These specially designed regions with appropriate geometry and material properties serve as a mediator that enhances the coupling between the mechanical structure and the sensing elements, improving measurement precision while maintaining simple sensor attachment
3Reliability
If axial support areas are separated from measuring areas by radial slots, then the reliability of force measurement is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell is segmented into distinct functional areas: axial support areas for bearing support and measuring areas for force detection, separated by radial slots. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function independently, improving measurement reliability by preventing interference between axial and radial force components
Solution Approach 2:
The radial slots create an asymmetric structure that deliberately separates the axial support function from the radial measurement function. This asymmetric design ensures that axial forces are supported without interfering with radial force measurements, enhancing reliability while the slot geometry can be optimized to reduce manufacturing precision requirements
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 radial forces, allowing for accurate calculation of torque acting on a crankshaft and effective support of bearings, enhancing the reliability of transmission systems.
Implementation Method 1
measuring areas which are intended to absorb radial forces of the receiving sleeve, which are transmitted from the ring of the bearing to the measuring areas. Strain sensors are attached to at least two of the measuring areas
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a load cell for determining a radial force acting on a crankshaft, having a receiving bush for receiving a bearing ring, and a fastening ring for securing the load cell in a gearbox housing. Axial support areas are provided on the fastening ring, for axially supporting the outer ring of the first bearing. Measuring areas are further provided, and are designed to absorb radial forces of the receiving bush and connect the receiving bush to the fastening ring. Strain sensors are mounted in at least two of the measuring areas.