Strain-Sensing Transducer Structure for Object Mass and Inertia Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated systems face challenges in accurately determining the weight and movement parameters of objects, leading to potential damage to the system or objects due to improper handling, especially when barcodes are not visible or rotated.

Innovation Solution

A transducer system comprising a transducer structure with strain sensors and a dynamic measuring unit, which measures deformation and acceleration to determine mass, moment of inertia, and center of gravity, and a controller to control object movement safely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical systems (barcode scanning) are used to determine object weight, then the system can identify object parameters, but the system fails when objects are turned over or barcodes are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject parameter detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem reliability under varying object orientations

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical barcode scanning systems with a mechanical transducer system that directly measures object physical parameters (mass, moment of inertia, center of gravity) through strain sensors and dynamic measurement units. This substitution eliminates the dependency on barcode visibility and object orientation, as the transducer system can measure physical properties regardless of how the object is positioned or oriented during handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If robotic arms move objects quickly to improve productivity, then processing speed increases, but the risk of damage to the robotic arm, object, and ground increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject processing speedVSAvoiddamage risk to robotic arm, object, and ground

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the controller receives real-time data from strain sensors measuring deformation and dynamic measurement units measuring acceleration. The controller uses this feedback information to continuously monitor object parameters (mass, moment of inertia, center of gravity) and adjusts robotic arm movements accordingly, enabling safe handling even during rapid movements by adapting to actual object properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary measurement of object parameters using the transducer system before the robotic arm executes movement commands. By pre-determining mass, moment of inertia, and center of gravity, the system can calculate safe movement parameters and prepare appropriate control commands in advance, preventing damage before it occurs during high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the transducer system measures deformation in multiple directions to accurately determine object parameters, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject parameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidtransducer system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multi-functional transducer structure where strain sensors are integrated into the robotic arm components to serve dual purposes: measuring deformation for object parameter determination and monitoring the structural health of the robotic arm itself. The dynamic measurement units simultaneously capture acceleration data for both the robotic arm motion control and object characterization, reducing the need for separate dedicated sensors and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 safe and efficient handling of objects by accurately determining their parameters, reducing the likelihood of damage to the system or objects during movement.

Implementation Method 1

a transducer coupled to the transducer structure, the transducer having at least one strain sensor coupled to the plurality of surfaces to be measured for measuring deformation of the transducer structure in a plurality of directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain sensing: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

a dynamic measurement unit for measuring at least one acceleration of the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration measurement: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS20260036480A1Transducer system

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 FORCEN INC

AI summary

A transducer system having a transducer structure with a plurality of surfaces to be measured and at least one coupling member for removably coupling an object to the transducer structure. The transducer being coupled to the transducer structure and having at least one strain sensor coupled to the plurality of surfaces to be measured for measuring deformation of the transducer structure in a plurality of directions. The system has a dynamic measurement unit for measuring at least one acceleration of the object and at least one controller. The controller is configured to receive the deformation measurements in the plurality of directions; receive the acceleration measurements; and when the object is removably coupled to the coupling member, determine at least one of mass, moment of inertia, and centre of gravity of the object based on the deformation and acceleration measurements.