Spindle Press Force Sensing for Accurate Axial Load Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressing devices lack a technically simple and accurate method for measuring the axial force during the pressing process, which is crucial for precise control and recording.

Innovation Solution

A pressing device with a spindle drive, spindle nut, and tool holder, equipped with a sensor unit that directly measures axial force via a force sensor mounted between the spindle or spindle nut and a bearing point, allowing for precise detection of the axial force applied during the pressing operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a force sensor is installed in the area of levers or pressing contours, then force measurement is possible, but the measurement accuracy is insufficient and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The force sensor is extracted from complex lever mechanisms or pressing contours and placed directly in the load path between the spindle nut and bearing point. This extraction simplifies the sensor arrangement while improving measurement accuracy by eliminating indirect measurement paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor mount acts as an intermediary element that directly transmits the axial force from the spindle nut to the force sensor. This intermediary structure enables direct force measurement without requiring complex lever arms or contour-based measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If indirect measurement methods (current consumption, power consumption) are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor arrangement simplicityVSAvoidforce measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces indirect electrical measurement methods (current consumption, power consumption) with a direct mechanical force sensor measurement system. The force sensor directly measures axial force in the load path, providing accurate mechanical force data without relying on electrical proxy measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If the sensor mount is not directly subjected to axial force, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor mounting simplicityVSAvoidaxial force detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The force measurement system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the spindle nut, the sensor mount, and the force sensor. The sensor mount is specifically designed as a separate component that is directly subjected to axial force, isolating the measurement function from the drive mechanism while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 accurate measurement and control of the pressing process by directly detecting the axial force, eliminating the need to derive force from indirect measurements, thus ensuring precise force application and process monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor unit (9) for measuring an axial force (F) acting in the direction of the central axis (M)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP4385666B1Press machine
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP4385666B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4385666B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4385666B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A press device (1) comprises a drive element (2) with an output section (3), a spindle drive (4) driven by the output section (3) with a spindle (4) defining a central axis (M) and a spindle nut, wherein either the spindle (4) or the spindle nut has a support area (5) by means of which the spindle (4) or the spindle nut is supported at a bearing point (6), a press piston (7) driven by the spindle drive, and a tool holder (8) for receiving a press tool, wherein the press device (1) further comprises a sensor unit (9) for measuring an axial force (F) acting in the direction of the central axis (M), wherein the sensor unit (9) comprises a force sensor (10) and a sensor holder (11), wherein the sensor holder (11) is operatively connected to the spindle (4) and the bearing point (6) or to the spindle nut and the bearing point.that the sensor mount (11) is subjected to the said axial force during a pressing process and that the axial force can be detected with the force sensor (10),