Strain Gauge Holder With Guide Grooves for Multi-Position Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strain gauge holders struggle to measure strains at multiple positions forming 90° on the same plane, lack versatility for commercially available foil strain gauges, and face challenges with precise measurement due to mismatched diameters and rigidity issues, limiting their application to specific types of strain gauges and locations.
Innovation Solution
A strain gauge holder with a holder body composed of multiple bracket members and a feed mechanism that uses guide grooves to press strain gauges against the object-to-be-measured, allowing for synchronous measurement at multiple positions, using a gauge pressing member with an elastic buffer for uniform pressure and accommodating various strain gauge types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the mounting belt is made with high rigidity to prevent deformation, then measurement precision is improved, but the mounting belt cannot be attached to the pipe without plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting belt is divided into multiple arc-shaped pressing members that can independently deform and press against the pipe surface. Each pressing member is segmented to allow flexible attachment while maintaining overall structural integrity for precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting belt uses a flexible, thin-walled structure that can elastically deform to match the pipe diameter without plastic deformation. This flexible film-like structure allows easy attachment while maintaining sufficient rigidity for measurement precision through its elastic properties.
2Ease of manufacture
If the mounting belt includes a cut-out to reduce rigidity for easier attachment, then ease of manufacture is improved, but strains cannot be measured at positions forming 90° on the same plane
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single cut-out in the mounting belt, the structure is segmented into multiple independent arc-shaped pressing members distributed around the pipe circumference. This segmentation allows full 360-degree measurement coverage at multiple positions including those forming 90° angles, while each segment remains flexible for easy attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting belt transitions from a planar structure with cut-outs to a three-dimensional arrangement of arc-shaped pressing members that wrap around the pipe in multiple dimensions. This dimensional change enables comprehensive strain measurement at multiple circumferential positions without requiring planar cut-outs.
3Manufacturing precision
If a specialized mounting bracket is prepared for each strain gauge type, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arc-shaped pressing member structure serves as a universal mounting mechanism that can accommodate various strain gauge types including axial, circumferential, and shear strain gauges. The same basic structure adapts to different measurement needs by adjusting the strain gauge orientation and placement, eliminating the need for specialized mounting brackets for each gauge type.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow dynamic adaptation to different strain gauge requirements. The arc-shaped pressing members can be positioned and configured to suit various measurement objectives, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized brackets.
4Ease of operation
If the mounting belt diameter is made large to accommodate strain gauges, then ease of operation is improved, but regions hidden by the mounting belt prevent strain measurement in critical areas
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting belt is segmented into multiple thin arc-shaped pressing members that can be distributed around the pipe surface. This segmentation reduces the continuous coverage area that would hide critical regions, allowing strain gauges to be placed in previously inaccessible areas while maintaining ease of operation through the modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The arc-shaped pressing members are designed to nest closely against the pipe surface, minimizing the protrusion and shadow area. This nested arrangement allows strain gauges to be positioned in regions that would otherwise be hidden by a larger, solid mounting belt structure.
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 synchronous measurement of strains at multiple positions forming 90° on the same plane, supports commercially available foil strain gauges without specialized mounting, and reduces weight and complexity by using lightweight materials, ensuring accurate and versatile strain measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing surface of the gauge pressing member includes an elastic buffer, and the elastic buffer presses the strain gauge against the pipe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4(a)~4(b)
AI summary
There is provided a lightweight strain gauge holder having a simple structure. A strain gauge holder 1 includes a holder body 10 mounted on a side surface of a pipe 3, a gauge pressing member 21 for pressing a strain gauge 2 against the side surface of the pipe 3, and a feed mechanism for giving a pressing force to the gauge pressing member 21. The holder body 10 is provided with guide grooves 12 for guiding the gauge pressing members 21. The feed mechanism feeds the gauge pressing member 21 in the guide groove 12 to press the strain gauge 2 against the side surface of the pipe 3. The feed mechanism includes a cylindrical portion 32a having a thread formed on the inner surface thereof, a bushing 32 having a flange 32b provided on a tip end of the cylindrical portion 32a, and a feed screw 31 which is threadedly inserted into a back surface of the gauge pressing member 21. Each of the feed screws 31 threadedly inserted into the bushing 32 mounted on the holder body 10 is threadedly inserted to feed the gauge pressing member 21.