Rotating Element Force Sensor for Accurate Angle Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force sensors struggle to accurately measure force magnitude and angle in multiple dimensions due to the complexity of aligning and calibrating multiple single-axis sensors, which introduces errors from cross-talk and off-axis sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical force sensor using an eccentrically rotating mechanical element aligns a single-axis sensor with the force vector, allowing for direct measurement of force magnitude and angle without the need for complex vector calculations or multiple sensors, utilizing a strain gauge mounted on the rotating element and a rotation sensor to detect the force angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple single-axis sensors are placed along different orthogonal axes to measure force magnitude and angle, then force vector components can be obtained, but sensor alignment and calibration complexity increases and cross-talk between sensors introduces measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotating element that dynamically adjusts its orientation to align with the force vector direction. This dynamic alignment allows a single axis sensor to continuously measure force along the correct axis, eliminating the need for multiple fixed sensors and their complex calibration. The rotating element transforms the static multi-sensor requirement into a dynamic single-sensor solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating element acts as an intermediary between the force vector and the single axis sensor. It receives the force at any angle and mechanically converts it into alignment with the sensor's measurement axis, allowing accurate force magnitude and angle measurement without requiring the sensor itself to detect forces at multiple angles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single-axis sensors are used to detect force components, then force magnitude and direction can be measured, but the number of sensors and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating element enables a single sensor to adapt to force vectors at any angle by physically reorienting itself. This dynamic adaptation replaces the need for multiple fixed sensors, maintaining full multi-dimensional measurement capability while reducing the sensor quantity to one.
Solution Approach 2:
The single axis sensor, when combined with the rotating element, becomes a universal force measurement device capable of measuring force magnitude and angle in any direction. The rotating element赋予 the single sensor the multi-functional capability previously requiring multiple specialized sensors.
3Device complexity
If single axis sensors are used with displaced rotational axes, then the mechanism becomes simpler, but torque must be established when axes are not aligned with the force angle
Solution Approach 1:
The system accepts the dynamic torque requirement as part of the rotation mechanism. The rotating element naturally experiences torque when the force angle does not align with its current orientation, and this torque drives the rotation until alignment is achieved. This dynamic behavior simplifies the overall mechanism compared to multi-sensor alternatives.
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 solution simplifies the measurement of force angle and magnitude, reducing errors and the need for complex calibration, enabling precise feedback and control in therapeutic and exercise equipment by always aligning the sensor with the force vector.
Implementation Method 1
strain gauges provide a change of resistance as the conductive material of the strain gauge is stretched or compressed
Implementation Method 2
displaced rotational axes which establish a torque when the axes are not aligned with the force angle
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical force sensor uses a rotating element that aligns with the force and may carry a force magnitude sensor simplifying and providing more accurate measurement of force-angle and force-magnitude. The ability to detect simply force-angle and force-magnitude enables a variety of training and exercise devices.