Radial Load Measurement Using Oblique Support Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring radial loads applied to winches or hoists is difficult and often involves complex, costly systems.
Innovation Solution
A radial load measuring apparatus that includes a rotational member, support members with oblique contact interfaces, and force sensors to translate radial loads into proportional axial forces, allowing for accurate measurement of radial loads on rotating members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional radial load measurement systems are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces oblique support members as intermediary elements between the rotational member and force sensors. These support members with oblique contact interfaces (at angles of 15-75 degrees) act as mediators that transform radial load components into axial force components that can be measured by standard force sensors, thereby enabling radial load measurement without requiring complex direct radial sensing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical radial load sensing mechanisms with a combination of oblique support members and axial force sensors. By using the geometric relationship of oblique contacts to convert radial forces into axial forces, the system substitutes difficult-to-implement radial force measurement with easier-to-implement axial force measurement using conventional sensors
2Measurement precision
If conventional radial load measurement systems are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oblique support members serve as cost-effective intermediary components that enable the use of inexpensive axial force sensors instead of expensive radial load sensors. The support members with oblique contact interfaces are simple mechanical elements that can be manufactured at low cost while providing the necessary force transformation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive force sensors (such as load cells or strain gauges) in conjunction with the oblique support members. These components are straightforward to manufacture and replace, providing an economical solution compared to complex dedicated radial load measurement systems
3Reliability
If real-time radial load measurement is implemented, then operational safety and efficiency are enhanced, but measurement system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oblique support members continuously transform radial load components into axial forces in real-time as the rotational member rotates. This continuous transformation enables real-time monitoring of radial loads during operation, enhancing operational safety without requiring complex dynamic measurement systems
Solution Approach 2:
The support members with oblique contact interfaces serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the rotational member, enable force transformation for measurement, and facilitate real-time load monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated measurement mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system 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 accurate, real-time measurement of radial loads on winches or hoists, providing enhanced operational safety and efficiency by determining load magnitudes and thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
Each support member may have a contact interface that is oriented at an oblique angle relative to a reference plane comprising the axis of rotation such that the radial load applied to the rotational member is translated into proportional axial forces that are applied to the pair of support members in opposite axial directions
Implementation Method 2
The force sensor may be configured to measure at least one of the proportional axial forces applied to the support members from which to determine a magnitude of the radial load
Data Source
AI summary
A radial load measuring apparatus is disclosed, which may include a rotational member rotatably supported to rotate about an axis of rotation and configured to be subjected to a radial load, and at least one support member interfacing with the rotational member. Each support member may have a contact interface that is oriented at an oblique angle relative to a reference plane comprising the axis of rotation, such that the radial load applied to the rotational member is translated into a proportional axial force applied to the at least one support member in an axial direction. The radial load measuring apparatus may include a force sensor configured to measure the proportional axial force applied to the at least one support member from which to determine a magnitude of the radial load.