Slotted Elastomeric Membrane Force Sensor for Fluid Shear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid flow shear force sensors are susceptible to interference from external magnetic fields and changes in polarization, and additional frictional layers can disrupt boundary layer formation, leading to inaccurate readings.

Innovation Solution

A force sensor comprising an elastomeric membrane with a slot and a strain gauge attached to both surfaces, allowing the intermediate section to deform and change electrical resistance in response to shear forces, providing a bidirectional measurement unaffected by interference factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If capacitance-type sensors are used to measure fluid flow shear forces, then the sensor can detect shear forces, but the readings are affected by external magnetic fields which alters their readings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshear force measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensitivity to external magnetic fields

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic sensing mechanisms (capacitance and electrical potential sensors) with a purely mechanical strain gauge system. The strain gauge measures deformation of the elastomeric membrane mechanically, converting mechanical deformation into electrical resistance changes, thereby eliminating sensitivity to external magnetic fields while maintaining shear force measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure combining an elastomeric membrane with a strain gauge. The elastomeric membrane provides mechanical compliance and deformation under shear force, while the strain gauge provides stable electrical resistance measurement that is insensitive to magnetic fields. This composite approach achieves both measurement accuracy and immunity to magnetic interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If electrical potential-type sensors (electrostrictive, ferroelectric, piezoelectric) are used, then the sensor can measure shear forces, but readings are affected if interference factors alter their polarisation direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshear force measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensitivity to polarisation interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces piezoelectric and other electrical potential-based sensing mechanisms with a purely resistive strain gauge system. The strain gauge's electrical resistance changes in response to mechanical deformation, eliminating dependence on polarisation and making the sensor immune to interference factors that alter polarisation direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If additional frictional layers or bumps are added to the sensor, then the sensor structure is enhanced, but they act as turbulent generators and disrupt boundary layer formation leading to inaccurate readings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor structural integrityVSAvoidboundary layer measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin elastomeric membrane as the sensing element that can be conformally applied to surfaces. This thin-film approach provides sufficient structural integrity while maintaining surface smoothness that does not disrupt boundary layer formation or act as turbulent generators, thereby preserving measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 sensor accurately measures fluid flow shear forces in two directions, offering high-fidelity spatial representation and multidimensional data on shear stress distribution, while being resistant to external interference.

Implementation Method 1

a strain gauge having a first end, a second end and an intermediate section between the first end and the second end, the first end being attached to the first surface of the elastomeric membrane, the second end being attached to the second surface of the elastomeric membrane and the intermediate section extending through the slot, the intermediate section being configured to change in length on application of shear force which deforms the elastomeric membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain gauge effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250327716A1Force sensor

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 HYVE DYNAMICS HLDG LTD

AI summary

A force sensor 10 for measuring fluid flow shear forces is provided. The sensor 10 comprises an elastomeric membrane 12, a slot 16 extending through the thickness of the elastomeric membrane 12, and a strain gauge 14, wherein the strain gauge 14 includes a first end 14A attached to a first surface 12A of the elastomeric membrane 12, a second end 14B attached to a second surface 12B of the elastomeric membrane 12 and an intermediate section 14C disposed and extending through the slot 16 in the elastomeric membrane 12. The application of shear force deforms the elastomeric membrane 12 and causes the intermediate section 14C to change in length.