Segmented Force Transducer for Retrofitting Tensioned Anchors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing force transducers for geotechnical anchors cannot be retrofitted or replaced without relaxing the anchor tension, which is often impermissible or impossible, especially in sensitive structures requiring subsequent instrumentation or recalibration.

Innovation Solution

A force transducer designed in a ring shape, divided into separate parts or ring sectors, allowing it to be installed or removed without disassembling the anchor, using a method that involves inserting and bracing the transducer parts around the anchor end, and connecting them with compensating plates and a tensioning device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complete ring-shaped force transducer is installed around the anchor, then force measurement is achieved, but the transducer cannot be retrofitted or replaced once the anchor is tensioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce measurement capabilityVSAvoidretrofitting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The force transducer is divided into at least two separate parts (first and second parts) that can be installed independently around the anchor. This segmentation allows the transducer to be assembled in sections and enables removal and replacement without requiring the anchor to be released, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving complete circumferential measurement and maintaining retrofitting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the anchor is tensioned for structural stabilization, then the structure is secured, but the force transducer becomes permanently fixed and cannot be removed or replaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilizationVSAvoidtransducer replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the force transducer into separable parts that wrap around the anchor rather than forming a complete rigid ring, the system maintains structural stabilization through tensioning while allowing individual parts to be removed and replaced independently without compromising the anchor's structural function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The force transducer parts are designed to be dynamically removable and reconfigurable around the anchor. The separable design allows the transducer to transition from an installed measurement state to a removable state, enabling maintenance and replacement while the anchor remains tensioned and structurally functional.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If a complete ring force transducer is used, then circumferential force measurement is achieved, but the device complexity increases and retrofitting becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircumferential force measurementVSAvoidtransducer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The force transducer is divided into at least two separate parts that collectively provide circumferential force measurement. This segmentation reduces the complexity of installing and removing a complete ring structure while maintaining measurement precision through the combined output of multiple parts that together encircle the anchor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4130389B1Force transducer and geotechnical anchor system

Publication Date: 2026.05.13 GLOETZL GESELLSCHAFT FUER BAUMEBTECHNIK MBH

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AI summary

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