Ronchi Grating Interference Load Cell for Fifth Wheel Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack a reliable method to measure displacements transferred by a fifth wheel to a load cell, which is essential for accurate force measurement in trailer support systems.
Innovation Solution
A load cell design featuring an elongated mounting base, a coupling portion, and a middle portion with a hollow interior section, incorporating optical array sensors and grating films to measure vertical, lateral, and longitudinal displacements relative to a post, allowing for precise output voltage variations indicative of displacement magnitudes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional displacement measurement methods are used, then the measurement system is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient for accurate force measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical displacement measurement methods with an optical measurement system. Optical array sensors detect displacement by measuring light intensity variations through grating films, substituting mechanical contact and measurement mechanisms with non-contact optical fields, thereby achieving higher precision without proportional increases in mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces grating films as intermediary elements between the displacement source and the optical sensors. These grating films convert mechanical displacement into optical intensity variations that can be detected by the sensors, serving as a mediator that transforms one type of physical quantity into another for measurement
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple displacement components are measured simultaneously, then the comprehensiveness of measurement increases, but cross-talk between measurement channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement space into three orthogonal directions (vertical, lateral, longitudinal) with dedicated optical sensors and grating film configurations for each direction. Each measurement channel is segmented and optimized for its specific direction, allowing simultaneous multi-directional measurement while minimizing interference between channels through spatial and functional separation
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 reliable and accurate measurement of displacements imparted by a fifth wheel, minimizing cross-talk and providing component-specific displacement data, thereby enhancing the precision of force measurement in trailer support systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source disposed within the hollow interior section; a first mobile grating film interconnected with the middle portion within the hollow interior section; the first light source emits light that transmits through the first mobile grating film, then through the first immobile grating film, and then to the first optical array sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A load cell to measure displacements transferred by a fifth wheel to the load cell includes an elongated mounting base portion configured to attach to a support structure of a tractor, a coupling portion configured to pivotally support a fifth wheel, a middle portion disposed above the elongated mounting base portion and below the coupling portion, the middle portion including a hollow interior section with an opening into the hollow interior section, and a post extending from the elongated mounting base portion and protruding into the hollow interior section of the middle portion.