Universal Load Transducer for Robotic Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load transducers have limitations in terms of moment capacity, size, and material usage, making them unsuitable for versatile applications, particularly in robotic arms and force plates with varying sizes, leading to increased material costs and the need for custom designs.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile load transducer with a compact, universal design featuring multiple beam portions and strategically placed load cells, allowing for measurement of forces and moments across different force plate sizes, reducing material usage and enabling interchangeable use across various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional load transducers are used with varying force plate sizes, then custom designs are required for each size, but material costs and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The load transducer is designed with a universal mounting structure that can be adapted to force plates of different sizes. The transducer body includes multiple mounting surfaces and adjustable positioning features that allow it to work with various force plate dimensions without requiring custom designs for each size, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable mounting elements that allow dynamic adaptation to different force plate configurations. This includes adjustable mounting brackets and reconfigurable attachment mechanisms that can be positioned differently depending on the force plate size, enabling a single transducer design to serve multiple applications.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional load transducers span the full length or width of force plates, then they provide adequate coverage, but excessive stock material is utilized increasing material costs
Solution Approach 1:
The load transducer is designed as a compact, concentrated unit rather than a distributed structure spanning the full force plate. By segmenting the measurement function into a focused transducer body with strategic mounting points, adequate coverage is achieved through proper positioning rather than extensive material coverage, thereby reducing stock material usage and material costs.
3Strength
If low profile transducers are designed for high moment capacity, then they can handle robotic arm applications, but the transducer size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load transducer utilizes composite material construction, combining high-strength materials in critical load-bearing regions with lighter materials in non-critical areas. This allows the transducer to achieve high moment capacity necessary for robotic arm applications while minimizing overall weight through strategic material selection and distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer employs local quality enhancement by concentrating structural reinforcement and material density in specific regions where moment loads are highest, such as the mounting interfaces and internal load paths. Non-critical areas use lighter construction, achieving high moment capacity without proportionally increasing overall transducer weight.
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 solution provides a high moment capacity, reduced material costs, and a lightweight, portable force measurement assembly capable of handling diverse force plate sizes, enhancing versatility and efficiency in mechanical joint applications.
Implementation Method 1
Each load channel measures one of the load components, and is comprised of one or more strain gages mounted to one or more elastic elements that deform under the applied load. An appropriate circuitry relates the resistance change in each set of gages to the applied force or moment.
Data Source
AI summary
A load transducer is disclosed herein. The load transducer includes a body portion having a plurality of sides, the plurality of sides of the body portion including a first side; a plurality of beam portions including a first beam portion and a second beam portion, the first beam portion being coupled to the body portion, the second beam portion being coupled to the first beam portion, and the second beam portion extending along the first side of the body portion; and at least one load cell disposed on one or more of the plurality of beam portions, the at least one load cell configured to measure at least one force or moment component of a load applied to the load transducer. A force measurement assembly including a plurality of load transducers with first and second beam portions is also disclosed herein.