Strain Gauge Assembly Shock Load Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient handling apparatuses, such as emergency cots and medical beds, face challenges in accurately detecting the presence and weight of patients while protecting sensors from shock loads, which can lead to inaccurate readings and sensor overload.
Innovation Solution
A strain gauge assembly with a bearing surface and a contact surface is used, where the bending force is transferred from the bearing surface to the contact surface when a predetermined load is applied, bypassing the strain gauge and preventing further deformation, thus protecting the sensor from overload and allowing accurate weight detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a strain gauge is used to detect patient weight, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensor is vulnerable to shock loads causing overload and inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
A bearing surface is introduced as an intermediary element between the load source and the strain gauge. This bearing surface allows controlled movement and absorbs shock loads through displacement, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces to the strain gauge while maintaining accurate weight measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing surface is positioned and dimensioned to provide preemptive protection against shock loads. By allowing controlled displacement before extreme loads reach the strain gauge, the system cushions against potential overload conditions in advance, ensuring sensor reliability
2Measurement precision
If the strain gauge is positioned to measure bending force, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional bearing surfaces and contact surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing surface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support element, provides shock absorption capability, enables controlled displacement, and protects the strain gauge. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, managing complexity while achieving reliability
3Measurement precision
If the bearing surface is spaced from the contact surface to allow strain gauge measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing distance between the bearing surface and contact surface is optimized to specific parameter ranges. This controlled spacing allows sufficient strain gauge measurement capability while limiting displacement to prevent excessive complexity in the overall 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
This solution enables accurate detection of patient presence and weight, even under shock loads, by reducing further deformation of the strain gauge assembly, ensuring reliable operation and preventing sensor overload.
Implementation Method 1
a strain gauge assembly includes a member and a strain gauge supported by the member... When the member is subject to a predetermined bending force
Data Source
AI summary
A strain gauge assembly includes a member and a strain gauge supported by the member spaced. The strain gauge further includes a bearing surface and a contact surface spaced from the bearing surface. When the member is subject to a predetermined bending force, the bearing surface contacts the contact surface wherein at least a portion of the bending force bypasses the strain gauge and instead is transferred from the bearing surface to the contact surface.