Spring Element Tension Sensor with Hall Effect Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for measuring tensile stress in tension belts provide only digital yes/no values or require manual reading, lacking precision and requiring direct access to the tensioning belt, which is inconvenient and unreliable.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an electronic sensor unit with a magnetic sensor arrangement, such as a Hall sensor and permanent magnet, into an elastically deformable spring element, allowing for precise measurement of tensile stress and wireless data transmission to a receiver, enabling real-time monitoring and remote display of belt tension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a magnetic sensor arrangement (Hall sensor and permanent magnet) is integrated into the spring element, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile stress measurement precisionVSAvoidsensor unit integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic sensor arrangement (Hall sensor and permanent magnet) is integrated directly into the spring element, merging the sensing function with the mechanical component. This allows precise measurement of spring deflection and thus tensile stress without adding separate external sensors, resolving the contradiction by embedding the measurement system within the existing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If wireless data transmission is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote monitoring capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption for transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter sends data signals to the receiver at defined time intervals rather than continuously. This periodic transmission approach enables real-time monitoring capability while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous transmission, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If the sensor arrangement measures spring deflection, then measurement precision is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeflection measurement accuracyVSAvoidspring element deformation detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical deflection measurement is replaced by a magnetic sensor arrangement that detects changes in magnetic field position. The Hall sensor measures the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet as the spring deflects, converting mechanical displacement into an electrical signal. This substitution provides precise measurement while simplifying the detection process compared to mechanical gauges.

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

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

Provides accurate, real-time data on tensile stress without manual intervention, enhancing the reliability and convenience of tension belt monitoring by offering precise, digital data that can be wirelessly transmitted and displayed remotely.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor arrangement is formed by a magnetic sensor, in particular a Hall sensor and a permanent magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

Device for measuring the tensile stress in a tension belt with an elastically deformable spring element which can be deformed as a function of the tension of the tension belt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3230123B1Device and method for measuring tension in a lashing strap
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 SPANSET INTER
  • EP3230123B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3230123B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3230123B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for measuring tension in a lashing strap, comprising a securing device fore securing a spring element, an elastically deformable spring element (11, 23), secured by the securing device and on which a section of the lashing strap can apply a force and can elastically deform the spring element (11, 23), the ends (13a, 13b) of the spring element (11, 23) being moved closer to each other when the tensioning force is increased, and an electronic sensor unit. Said sensor unit comprises a sensor arrangement (25) which measures the deflection of the spring element (23) and generates a data signal, and a transmitter for transmitting the data signal to a receiving unit. The sensor arrangement (25) is arranged at the ends of the spring element (23).