Square Bar Force Sensor with Diagonal Strain Gauges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force measuring bodies have complex and large structures, making them inefficient for three-dimensional force measurement.
Innovation Solution
A measuring body with four identical webs aligned in a square, connected at connecting surfaces, equipped with strain gauges for measuring forces in multiple directions, including +45° and -45° angles, allowing for a simplified structure that enables three-dimensional force measurement using a Wheatstone measuring bridge configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional measuring bodies with multiple sections and additional webs are used to measure forces in the longitudinal direction, then force measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The four webs are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide structural connection between base parts while simultaneously serving as mounting locations for strain gauges to measure forces in multiple directions (longitudinal, lateral, and diagonal at ±45°). This eliminates the need for separate measurement sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures forces in three dimensions (longitudinal axis, lateral direction, and diagonal directions at ±45°) using strain gauges arranged on the four webs. By utilizing the spatial arrangement of webs and gauge orientations, the system achieves multi-directional force measurement without adding longitudinal measurement sections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional measuring bodies with multiple sections are used to measure forces in the longitudinal direction, then force measurement capability is improved, but volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The four webs are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide structural connection between base parts while simultaneously serving as mounting locations for strain gauges to measure forces in multiple directions (longitudinal, lateral, and diagonal at ±45°). This eliminates the need for separate measurement sections.
3Ease of manufacture
If strain gauges are individually distributed on the webs without symmetrical arrangement, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision decreases due to crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs symmetrical arrangement of strain gauges on the four webs, with specific orientation patterns (longitudinal, lateral, and diagonal at ±45°) that create a balanced measurement system. This symmetry minimizes crosstalk between different force measurement channels while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized gauge placement patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The Wheatstone bridge configuration provides built-in feedback and compensation for measurement errors. By arranging strain gauges in specific patterns and using bridge circuitry, the system automatically compensates for thermal effects, structural variations, and crosstalk, thereby improving measurement precision without complex individual sensor calibration.
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
This configuration allows for precise three-dimensional force measurement with minimal crosstalk and increased accuracy, reducing the complexity and volume of the measuring body while ensuring symmetrical conditions for signal evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
The measurement of forces using the deformation of measuring bodies is known in principle
Implementation Method 2
force measuring sensors on each of the webs
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The body (1a) has two spaced-apart base parts (2a, 2b) including mounting surfaces for introduction of forces to be measured, where the base parts are aligned along a longitudinal axis (z) and arranged in square bars (A-D), and the base parts are connected to four identical sets of force sensors. The first set of force sensors (3A, 3B) measures force in the axis, and the second set of sensors measures force normal to the axis. The third set of sensors measures force at an angle of 45 degrees to the axis, and the fourth set of sensors measures force at an angle of minus 45 degrees to the axis. An independent claim is also included for a measuring arrang1ement for measuring forces.