Strain Gauge Array Switching for Low-Power Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional strain gauge sensors consume high power for detection and have large wiring areas, hindering miniaturization due to power being applied to all strain gauges and individual signal lines connected to each gauge.
Innovation Solution
A strain gauge sensor device with open/close switches between power and ground lines, and signal lines, allowing selective power and signal line connection to strain gauges, reducing power consumption and wiring area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power is applied to all strain gauges simultaneously, then strain detection can be performed, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the strain gauge array into multiple groups and applies power to only one group at a time using switching circuits. This segmentation allows sequential activation of strain gauge groups, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining detection capability through time-multiplexed measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic scanning of strain gauge groups in sequence. By cycling through different groups over time rather than maintaining continuous power to all gauges, the system achieves periodic activation that reduces average power consumption while preserving measurement reliability through systematic coverage.
2Measurement precision
If individual signal lines are connected to all strain gauges, then each gauge can be read independently, but wiring area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiplexer circuits that allow a single signal line to serve multiple strain gauge groups sequentially. The multiplexer switches connections based on time division, enabling one readout line to access multiple gauges in sequence, thereby reducing the total number of wiring lines needed while maintaining individual gauge readout capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple individual signal line connections into shared signal lines through multiplexer switching. By combining the signal paths of multiple strain gauge groups into common lines that are activated sequentially, the system reduces wiring area while preserving the ability to read each gauge individually through time-division multiplexing.
3Speed
If all strain gauges are powered simultaneously, then detection response is fast, but power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures switching circuits and signal routing before measurement begins. By having the multiplexer and switching networks ready in advance with proper signal lines connected to appropriate strain gauge groups, the system can rapidly activate the next group without delay, maintaining fast response while reducing power consumption through selective activation.
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
Reduces power consumption during strain detection and enables sensor miniaturization by selectively powering and scanning strain gauges, while increasing response speed and reducing wiring area.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of strain gauges G1 to Gn... having one end and an other end and aligned in a row at intervals... The strain gauge sensor is placed around on a curved test object and the resistance values of the strain gauges are detected
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a strain detection device includes a plurality of strain gauges arranged in a row, a power line, a ground line, a first signal line, and a second signal line each extending along the row of the strain gauges, a plurality of first open/close switches each connected between the one end of each of the strain gauges and the power supply line, a plurality of second open/close switches each connected between of the other end of each of the strain gauges and the ground line, a plurality of third open/close switches each connected between the one end of each of the strain gauges and the first signal line, and a plurality of fourth open/close switches each connected between the other end of each of the strain gauges and the second signal line.