Transducer Sensor Body with Anisotropic Flexures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transducer sensor bodies are inadequate for accurately measuring forces and moments across load-bearing members, particularly in applications requiring sensitivity and compact design.
Innovation Solution
A transducer sensor body design featuring elongated flexures and tubular elements with integrated sensors, allowing for the measurement of longitudinal and axial forces, as well as moments, while maintaining compactness and high sensitivity through the use of Wheatstone bridges and strategically placed strain gauges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional transducer sensor bodies are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and sensitivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer body is segmented into multiple functional components: tubular elements for force application, flexures for controlled deformation, and support structures for stability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall measurement precision while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the transducer are designed with different mechanical properties: the tubular elements provide structural integrity, the flexures provide controlled compliance in specific directions, and the support structures provide rigidity. This local differentiation of mechanical properties enables precise measurement capabilities without requiring the entire structure to be complex
2Volume of moving object
If compact transducer design is implemented, then space requirements are reduced, but sensitivity and measurement capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer employs a nested configuration where tubular elements are positioned within or adjacent to each other, and flexures are integrated within the structural framework. This nesting allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial volumes, achieving compact overall dimensions while maintaining the sensitivity required for accurate force and moment measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of its components, with flexures oriented in different directions to sense forces along multiple axes. This dimensional approach allows the compact structure to maintain high sensitivity by distributing measurement capabilities across different spatial dimensions rather than requiring large linear dimensions
3Measurement precision
If flexures are made rigid to transfer forces, then force transfer accuracy is improved, but compliance in translational directions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flexures are designed with asymmetric cross-sections and geometries that create anisotropic mechanical properties: they exhibit high rigidity in directions where force transfer accuracy is critical, while maintaining compliance in translational directions where adaptability is needed. This asymmetric design allows the same component to satisfy contradictory requirements in different spatial directions
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
The design achieves higher sensitivity and resolution, reduces temperature drift, and minimizes cross-talk and noise interference, enabling effective measurement of forces and moments in tight spaces with improved signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of sensors configured to provide an indication of stress in the tubular element and the second tubular element such as but not limited to strain sensors can be disposed on the tubular elements
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of sensors can be configured as single or separate Wheatstone bridges
Data Source
AI summary
A transducer sensor body includes a first support structure and a second support structure. A tubular element has a center bore along a longitudinal axis. An elongated first flexure joins the tubular element to the first support structure parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first flexure is rigid to transfer a longitudinal force therethrough along the longitudinal axis and is rigid to transfer an axial force therethrough along an axial axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. An elongated second flexure joins the tubular element to the second support structure parallel to the longitudinal axis. The second flexure is rigid to transfer a longitudinal force therethrough along the longitudinal axis and is to transfer the axial force therethrough along the axial axis.