Transducer Switch with Adjustable Spring and Strain Gauges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical transducer switches have limited fidelity, non-adjustable input forces, and short life cycles, making them unsuitable for a variety of applications and prone to failure in flight control systems and simulators.
Innovation Solution
A transducer switch design featuring a housing, pushbutton switch, input shaft with strain gauges, and a positioning spring, allowing for adjustable input forces and extended life cycles, suitable for multiple applications including rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft, with a pushbutton switch that can be actuated during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If typical transducer switches are used, then the device can be manufactured with simple structure, but the life cycle is short and reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The input shaft is designed with a flexible sensing portion that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation. This flexible section allows the shaft to bend and flex during operation, absorbing stresses that would otherwise lead to failure, thereby extending the life cycle while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning spring allows for adjustment of the input shaft's neutral position and the force required to actuate the switch. By making these parameters adjustable, the system can adapt to different operational requirements and wear conditions, extending its reliable service life without requiring complex replacement mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If typical transducer switches are used, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but the input forces are non-adjustable and fidelity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning spring is designed to be adjustable, allowing the neutral position and spring force to be modified. This enables the switch to accommodate different input force requirements for various applications (rotary-wing aircraft, fixed-wing aircraft, tanks, etc.) without requiring completely different hardware, thus achieving versatility at reasonable manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer switch is designed with adjustable parameters and a robust flexible shaft construction that makes it suitable for multiple applications including flight control systems, simulated flight controls, and other vehicle control systems. This multi-functionality is achieved through design flexibility rather than through multiple specialized components.
3Measurement precision
If typical transducer switches are used, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision and fidelity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sensing portion of the input shaft dynamically responds to applied forces, allowing for precise measurement of input forces and positions. The flexibility enables the shaft to accurately follow the operator's input movements while the strain gauges measure the resulting deformation with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switching mechanisms with strain gauge-based sensing. The strain gauges bonded to the flexible shaft convert mechanical deformation into electrical signals, providing high-fidelity measurement of input forces and positions without the mechanical wear and limited resolution of traditional switches.
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 transducer switch achieves long life cycles of at least one million cycles, adjustable input forces, and lower manufacturing costs, enabling versatile use across various control systems with enhanced precision and feedback.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing portion of the input shaft is adapted and configured to elastically deform under an input force such that the deformation can be measured and used to provide an input signal
Implementation Method 2
The positioning spring is adapted and configured to resist movement of the input shaft in the longitudinal direction toward the rear of the housing, and the positioning spring is adapted and configured to bias the input shaft towards alignment with the central axis
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of strain gauges adapted and configured to measure tension and compression on at least two sides of the input shaft, the two sides separated by ninety degrees
Data Source
AI summary
A transducer switch includes a housing, a pushbutton switch near the rear of the housing, an input shaft extending from the front of the housing such that an input force can be applied to the input shaft, a positioning spring adapted and configured to resist movement of the input shaft and bias the input shaft towards alignment with the central axis, and a plurality of strain gauges positioned on a sensing portion of the input shaft. The plurality of strain gauges are adapted and configured to measure tension and compression on at least two sides of the input shaft, the two sides separated by approximately ninety degrees.