Strain Gauge Multiplier Circuit for High Stiffness Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current strain gauge transducers face challenges in achieving both high sensitivity and high stiffness, making it difficult to effectively measure forces with both high-sensitivity and high-stiffness, often requiring compromises in sensor design.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a multiplier circuit within a strain gauge sensor, coupled with a Wheatstone bridge configuration, provides an effective gauge factor that amplifies native millivolt level signals, allowing for higher sensitivity and stiffness while maintaining compatibility with existing data acquisition systems and eliminating the need for special processing or zero balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the stiffness of the sensor is reduced to increase sensitivity, then the sensitivity is improved, but the stiffness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the strain gauge system by introducing a multiplier circuit that amplifies the millivolt output signal. This allows the sensor to maintain high stiffness while achieving high sensitivity through signal amplification rather than structural modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplier circuit acts as an intermediary between the Wheatstone bridge and the data acquisition system. It receives the weak millivolt signal from the bridge and produces a scaled-up signal that can be read by standard equipment, effectively mediating between the sensor's physical limitations and measurement requirements.
2Measurement precision
If the millivolt output is increased to improve sensitivity, then the sensitivity is improved, but the stress levels on the metallic element increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplier circuit serves as an intermediary that processes the weak millivolt signal without requiring increased stress on the metallic element. It amplifies the signal electrically rather than mechanically, allowing high output without compromising the sensor's structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical approaches to increasing output (increasing stress on the metallic element) with an electrical solution (signal amplification through the multiplier circuit). This substitutes mechanical action with electrical processing to achieve the desired millivolt output.
3Measurement precision
If an integrated amplifier is added to amplify the signal, then the sensitivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the multiplier circuit with the Wheatstone bridge assembly, integrating the amplification function directly into the sensor package. This combining of functions achieves signal amplification while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through compact integration.
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 solution enables strain gauge sensors to offer high overload capability, dual-range functionality, and extended sensor life, while maintaining compatibility with standard data acquisition systems and providing enhanced sensitivity and stiffness.
Implementation Method 1
Strain gauge transducers transform mechanical energy/stress/strain/applied to the transducers into electrical energy. The Wheatstone bridge is configured to generate a first output signal in response to an excitation voltage. The first output signal is generally proportional to the force applied to the sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a sensor, a plurality of strain gauges, and a multiplier circuit. The sensor generally comprises a strain member configured to deform according to a force applied thereto. The plurality of strain gauges may be bonded to the sensor and connected to form a Wheatstone bridge. The Wheatstone bridge is generally configured to generate a first output signal in response to an excitation voltage. The first output signal is generally proportional to the force applied to the sensor. The multiplier circuit is generally mounted within the sensor and coupled to the Wheatstone bridge. The multiplier circuit may be configured to generate a second output signal in response to the excitation voltage and the first output signal. The second output signal generally comprises a scaled version of the first output signal.