Single Force Transducer Assembly for Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load transducers face limitations in moment capacity, material efficiency, crosstalk between channels, temperature sensitivity, and accuracy issues due to machining imperfections and varying load positions, leading to increased costs and measurement inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A compact, low-profile force measurement assembly with a single force transducer and data processing device that corrects for crosstalk and temperature effects, allowing for accurate force and moment measurements across different load positions and sizes, using a pylon-type or beam-type force transducer configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional load transducers are used with multiple strain gages to measure forces and moments, then measurement capability is improved, but crosstalk between channels occurs leading to measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the source of crosstalk by using a single force transducer with a unique sensing element that directly measures the resultant force vector, rather than using multiple strain gages that can interfere with each other. This removes the harmful crosstalk effect while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical strain gage system with a different sensing mechanism that measures force components independently. The single transducer uses a sensing element that directly converts force into a measurable signal without the mechanical interference that causes crosstalk in traditional strain gage systems.
2Measurement precision
If conventional load transducers are designed with fixed footprints to match specific force plate sizes, then measurement accuracy for that size is improved, but adaptability to different force plate sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single force transducer is designed with a compact footprint that allows it to function universally across multiple force plate sizes. The transducer can be positioned at various locations on different sized force plates while maintaining accurate force and moment measurements, making the system adaptable to diverse applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional array of strain gages covering the entire force plate surface to a single point measurement in three-dimensional space. By measuring forces at a single location with full vector capability, the system achieves accuracy independent of force plate footprint size.
3Measurement precision
If strain gages are mounted on elastic elements to measure load components, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but temperature sensitivity increases leading to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the strain gage-based mechanical sensing system with a different transducer mechanism that is less sensitive to temperature variations. The single force transducer uses a sensing element whose measurement principle is inherently more stable across temperature changes, reducing thermal drift and measurement errors.
4Measurement precision
If multiple custom load transducers are fabricated for different force plate sizes, then measurement accuracy for each specific size is improved, but manufacturing costs and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single force transducer design serves as a universal solution that can be used across multiple force plate sizes and configurations. This eliminates the need to fabricate multiple custom transducers for different applications, significantly reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent consolidates the functionality of multiple specialized transducers into a single multi-functional device. By combining force and moment measurement capabilities in one compact transducer, the system eliminates redundant materials and manufacturing processes that would be required for separate transducers.
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
The solution enhances moment capacity, reduces material costs, and improves measurement accuracy by minimizing crosstalk and temperature influences, enabling versatile transducer designs and accurate load assessments regardless of load position.
Implementation Method 1
Each load channel measures one of the load components, and is comprised of one or more strain gages mounted to one or more elastic elements that deform under the applied load.
Implementation Method 2
An appropriate circuitry relates the resistance change in each set of gages to the applied force or moment.
Data Source
AI summary
A force measurement assembly is disclosed herein. The force measurement assembly includes a top component, the top component having a top surface for receiving at least one portion of the body of the subject; a single force transducer supporting the top component, the single force transducer configured to sense one or more measured quantities and output one or more signals that are representative of forces and/or moments being applied to the top surface of the top component by the subject; and a base component disposed underneath the single force transducer, the base component configured to be disposed on a support surface.