Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fatigue management system capable of managing fatigue of each portion of a construction machine more accurately than conventional systems. The fatigue management system S includes: a stress calculation section S1 that calculates stress acting on a plurality of portions of the construction machine based on the output of a sensor 18 attached to a part of the construction machine; a damage degree calculation section S2 that calculates the cumulative damage degree of each portion of the construction machine based on the stress calculated by the stress calculation section S1; and an index value calculation section S3 that calculates a fatigue index value, which is a weighted value of the cumulative damage degree, for each portion.

Abstract: A bicycle control device includes an electronic controller that controls a motor to assist propulsion of a bicycle. The electronic controller is configured to decrease an output of the motor upon determining that a shifting device is performing a shifting action to change a transmission ratio of the bicycle. The electronic controller is further configured to end the control that decreases the output of the motor before a predetermined period elapses upon determining that the shifting action is completed or the transmission ratio is changed before the predetermined period has elapsed. The electronic controller is further configured to end the control that decreases the output of the motor upon determining that the predetermined period has elapsed in a case where the shifting action or the change in the transmission ratio is uncompleted even though the predetermined period has elapsed.

Abstract: The present strain gauge includes a substrate having flexibility; and a resistor formed from a material containing at least one of chromium and nickel, on the substrate, wherein a first substance having a function of preventing crystal grains as the main component of the resistor from cohering, is added to the resistor.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vertical Hopkinson pressure bar test device and a test method. The device comprises a guide cylinder, an incident bar, a transmission bar, a buffer bar and a striker, and further comprises a base; side support plates arranged vertically and upwards are provided symmetrically on two sides of the base, a horizontal first lateral support plate is provided at the top between the side support plates on the two sides, three groups of horizontal second lateral support plates are provided below the first lateral support plate sequentially between the side support plates on the two sides, and each group is provided with a clamping mechanism clamping a corresponding incident bar, transmission bar or buffer bar; the surfaces of the incident bar is pasted with a first strain gauge pad and the transmission bar is pasted with a second strain gauge pad.

Abstract: Provided is a strain sensor including a fixing plate and a strain gauge. The fixing plate includes a first supporting part and a second supporting part flexibly connected to the first supporting part. The present application is advantageous in that a strain sensor with a simple structure, high reliability and high sensitivity is provided. The horizontal status of a contact surface may be detected by a little amount of deformation, and the flexible fixing plate can provide a buffer for the equipment to prevent damages due to direct impact.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a sleep parameter of a user includes an adhesive pad configured to conform to a surface of the user and a flexible element coupled to the adhesive pad. The flexible element includes a conductive fabric, and exhibits a modified electrical property in response to an applied force. The apparatus also includes a power source electrically coupled to the flexible element, and an electrical circuit electrically coupled to the power source and the flexible conductive element. The electrical circuit is configured to detect, during use, a change in an electrical property of the flexible element.

Abstract: The present invention provides blade structure testing equipment comprising: a mounting jig to which one end of a blade specimen is mounted; a grip member to which the other end of the blade specimen is coupled; and a wire (W) having one end attached to the grip member to apply a tensile force to the blade specimen in a direction at a certain angle with respect to the ground.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for actively controlling a derailleur. A derailleur system includes a cassette including a number of sprockets, a drive unit that drives the cassette, and a chain linking the drive unit with the cassette. A derailleur is configured to guide the chain around the cassette, the derailleur including a swing arm rotatable at a pivot assembly to maintain tension on the chain. A lock selectively locks the swing arm from rotating.

Abstract: A bearing assembly may include an integral sensor module retained within a bore in the bearing housing. The sensor module includes at least one strain gauge oriented to sense a compressive load acting on the bearing housing. The sensor module may be retained within the bore under an axial compressive load. The sensor module may include a power source and a wired or wireless communications module for transmitting information indicative of the compressive load to an external instrument or other system.

Abstract: A bicycle control device includes an electronic controller that controls a motor, which assists propulsion of a bicycle. The electronic controller is configured to decrease an output of the motor to less than or equal to a limit value upon determining a shifting device is performing a shifting action to change a transmission ratio of the bicycle. The electronic controller is further configured to change at least one of the limit value of the output of the motor and a time in which the output of the motor is decreased upon determining the shifting device is performing the shifting action in accordance with at least one of an actuation state of the shifting device in the shifting action and a parameter of the bicycle that is changed by the shifting action performed by the shifting device.

Abstract: An impact detection system is disclosed for detecting and identifying an object colliding with a vehicle. The impact detection system comprises a sensor arrangement arranged to measure a characteristic of an impact of the object against the vehicle, a trigger determiner associated with the sensor arrangement for determining whether the characteristic of the 5 impact is greater than a predefined threshold value, and an image capturing device arranged to capture an image of the object. The system is arranged to automatically make the captured image available for inspection in response to the trigger determiner determining that the characteristic of the impact is greater than the predefined threshold value so that the object in the image can be identified substantially in real-time.

Abstract: A pointing stick module comprising: a sensing device; a rank unit; a transmission device and a controller. The transmission device is coupled to the sensing device and the rank unit. Also, the controller is coupled to the transmission device and coupled to the rank unit via the transmission device. The controller obtains a rank signal via detecting the rank unit, and determines a rank of the sensing device according to the rank signal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a torque sensor includes: placing a first slip ring and a second slip ring inside a sensor case, the slip rings being distant from each other and each carrying respectively a first measuring terminal and a second measuring terminal which delimit an air gap therebetween; producing a sensor beam and a sensor beam subassembly, the sensor beam subassembly comprising a Hall effect cell configured to be placed in the air gap and measure the magnetic flux therein, and an electrical connection interface; and introducing the sensor beam into an access orifice which passes through a wall of the sensor case to open on the air gap, so as to place the Hall effect cell in the air gap, then fastening the sensor beam on the sensor case.

Abstract: A force-torque sensor for capturing forces and torques in a robotic unit, including a one-part carrier body which has a cylindrical basic shape and is provided with two connection disks parallel to one another and at least three bridge elements which connect the connection disks to one another and are each assigned at least one measuring point, each bridge element having a central cylindrical bore as a measuring point. Each bridge element is provided, on its opposite outer edges, with a respective concave recess at which a further measuring point is respectively provided.

Abstract: A power limiting stress-strain monitor system for a machine includes at least one stress-strain sensor supported on a structural component of the machine. The power limiting stress-strain monitor system also includes an electronic controller including a processor and a memory. The processor receives a signal from the stress-strain sensor, determines a degree of stress-strain at a location of the stress-strain sensor based on the signal, identifies a machine system associated with the stress-strain, and modifies a control signal to the machine system based on the degree of stress-strain.

Abstract: A system of estimating fatigue in a lifting member, the system including: a first sensor configured to measure a first load related to a ram, the ram being connected to the lifting member; and a calculating device configured to: determine an actuator load based on the first load; determine a first force based on the actuator load; estimate a unit of fatigue life based on the first force; and estimate a fraction of total fatigue life consumed for a portion of the lifting member based on the unit of fatigue life and a fatigue life adjustment value.

Abstract: A load detection apparatus includes a strain element including a first fixation hole into which a fixation member is insertable to be positioned, a second fixation hole into which a connection member is insertable to be positioned, a strain gage, and a fixation support member inserted to be positioned within the first fixation hole, the first fixation hole serving as an elongated bore, the fixation support member including a base portion specified to be greater than the first fixation hole, an intermediate shaft portion protruding from the base portion and fitted to the first fixation hole, and an insertion hole into which the fixation member is inserted to be positioned, the insertion hole being provided in a state where a center position of the insertion hole is displaced relative to a center position of the intermediate shaft portion in a longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: An example method includes positioning a mass at a height opposite a modulator characterized by a particular strain rate and support by a carrier moveably disposed opposite the mass. The method also includes releasing the mass such that the mass impacts the modulator, and an additional component connected to the carrier causes failure of a sample of material. The method further includes determining a displacement of the carrier corresponding to failure of the sample, determining a force applied to the modulator by the mass and resulting in failure of the sample, and determining at least one of a dynamic strength of the sample and a dynamic modulus of the sample. In such a method, the dynamic strength is based on the force applied to the modulator and the strain rate. Additionally, the dynamic modulus is based on the displacement of the carrier and the strain rate.

Abstract: A bicycle control apparatus is basically provided for controlling a bicycle in which a first rotational force of a crank and a second rotational force of an electric riding assistance motor for riding assistance are transmitted to a rear sprocket. The bicycle control apparatus includes a rotational force detector and a controller. The rotational force detector is configured to detecting the first rotational force imparted to the bicycle crank. The controller is programmed to reduce the second rotational force of the electric riding assistance motor to actuate a transmission of the bicycle in accordance with the first rotational force detected by the rotational force detector.

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensing assemblages (1802), electronic circuitry (307), an antenna (2302), and communication circuitry (320). The sensing assemblages (1802) are between a top plate (1502) and a bottom plate (1504) in a sensing platform (121). The bottom plate (1504) is supported by a ledge (1708) on an interior surface of a sidewall (1716) of a housing (1706). A cap (1702) couples to top plate (1502). The cap (1702) is adhesively coupled to the housing (1706). The adhesive is flexible allowing movement of the cap (1702) when a force, pressure, or load is applied thereto.

Abstract: A load frame assembly including a frame assembly, a servomotor, an actuator, a first crosshead assembly, a second crosshead assembly, a load frame and a displacement sensor. The servomotor is coupled to the frame and includes a control system. The actuator is coupled to the first crosshead assembly and provides for moving the first crosshead assembly relative to the frame assembly. The actuator comprises a ball screw assembly having a ball screw and a ball screw nut. The load frame is coupled to one of the crosshead assemblies. The displacement sensor is associated with the frame assembly and is configured to measure displacement by the crossheads relative to the frame assembly.

Abstract: A sensing device including a sensor, a triggering mechanism and a covering is provided. The covering is positioned in contact with a body such that the triggering mechanism extends from a moving segment to a reference segment and across a joint center located therebetween. Movement of the moving segment activates the triggering mechanism to provide a force input to the sensor, actuating the sensor to generate an output defining at least one measurement of the movement. The measurement may be one or more of rotation, translation, velocity, acceleration, and joint angle. An intermediate mechanism may be interposed between the triggering mechanism and the sensor. The sensing device may include a means to process or record measurements corresponding to movement of the moving segment and joint center. A system and method of measuring the movement of a moving segment is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention defines a strain sensor for measuring strains induced on a component surface (34). The strain sensor comprises a strain gauge (31) and a support member (32), whereby the support member is attached to the component surface only at first and second attachment places. The support member comprises a beam portion (39) that is adapted to bend in response to a relative displacement of the first and second attachment places, and the strain gauge is integrated on a surface (33) of this beam portion. To ensure a strong and stable bending response of the beam portion, the attached support member comprises at least one flexure hinge (45).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices, and systems for determining occupancy of a user. One method to determine occupancy of a user includes sensing a change in resistance of a sensor element of an occupancy sensor, correlating the change in resistance to a force transmitted to the occupancy sensor, and determining an occupancy status of a user based on the force transmitted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a well are configured to identify or analyze various issues affecting the well including corrosion, cement quality, inflow, and fluid migration.

Abstract: A pressure sensing assembly for an infusion pump, including: a tubing guide arranged to receive tubing; a displaceable load assembly at least partially disposed within the tubing guide and with a first surface facing in a first direction; a load cell facing the load assembly in the first direction; and a displacement assembly engaged with the tubing guide, facing the first surface in a second direction, opposite the first direction, and exerting a first force on the load assembly in the first direction. The load cell is arranged to detect a second force, greater than the first force, acting on the load cell in the second direction.

Abstract: A device for axial load measurement on a mechanical control device having a rotating shaft may be used to derive a torque measurement. A mechanical control device may comprise a valve actuator for fluid flow control devices. The load measurement device may include a beam operatively connected to a rotatable shaft and configured to deform under axial displacement of the shaft. A sensor may be coupled with the at least one beam and configured to produce an output signal related to the axial displacement of the shaft. The beam may be retained between two bearings on the rotatable shaft at a first end, and fixed to a housing of the mechanical control device at a second end. The first end of the beam may displace axially with the rotatable shaft. The beam may comprise a discrete segment of a uniform width and thickness.

Abstract: A wireless in-plane strain and displacement sensor includes an electrical conductor fixedly coupled to a substrate subject to strain conditions. The electrical conductor is shaped between its ends for storage of an electric field and a magnetic field, and remains electrically unconnected to define an unconnected open-circuit having inductance and capacitance. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the electrical conductor so-shaped resonates to generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses. The sensor also includes at least one electrically unconnected electrode having an end and a free portion extending from the end thereof. The end of each electrode is fixedly coupled to the substrate and the free portion thereof remains unencumbered and spaced apart from a portion of the electrical conductor so-shaped. More specifically, at least some of the free portion is disposed at a location lying within the magnetic field response generated by the electrical conductor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method monitoring the health of structural joints by monitoring the strain developed near the joint due to perturbation applied away from that joint and comparing the monitored ratio between near field and far field strain to strain ratio which develops in a healthy joint due to comparable perturbation. The system for monitoring joints comprises: at least one near field strain measuring device installed near a monitored joint for monitoring the induced strain; at least one far field strain measuring device installed away from monitored joint indicating, measuring or producing the perturbation; and a data processor connected to said near field strain measuring device and to said near field strain measuring device for analyzing the response of the structure to the perturbation and determining the integrity of said joint.

Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a slide rail arranged slidably relative to a vehicle floor in a longitudinal direction, a bracket including a first end portion fixed to the slide rail, a second end portion, and a connecting portion connecting the first end portion to the second end portion, a vehicle seat supported by the bracket, and a load detection device arranged between the slide rail and the second end portion of the bracket and detecting a load applied to the vehicle seat, wherein rigidity of the connecting portion of the bracket in a vertical direction of the vehicle is set to be lower than rigidities of the first end portion and the second end portion of the bracket in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A crank arm (200) includes a mechanical ring amplifier (232), having a cavity and a connecting bridge (140), to amplify the radial strain exerted on the crank arm by a rider. Strain sensors (234, 235) are positioned to detect the amplified radial strain. The crank arm (200) may include further strain sensors (228, 229) adapted to detect tangential strain on the crank arm, allowing both the tangential and radial forces exerted by a bicycle rider to be measured. The crank arm (200) may also comprise means for adjusting the position of a pedal axle relative to the crank arm, via the loosening, rotation and retightening of a carrier disc held by the crank arm, where the carrier disc has an eccentrically mounted aperture for holding the pedal axle.

Abstract: A magnetic suspension supporter for a direct tension test apparatus, includes an upper end cap and a lower end cap for fixing a sample, an upper chain and a lower chain connected to the upper and lower end caps respectively, an upper joint and a lower joint connected to the other ends of the upper and lower chains respectively, the lower joint being fixed to the test machine foundation. In addition, the upper and lower end caps, the upper and lower chains, the upper and lower joints as well as the supporter having a common vertical axis and being arranged in a cascade form, characterized in that a sample supporter is arranged between the lower end cap and the test machine foundation. The sample supporter is composed of a pair of upper magnet provided at the underside of the lower end cap and lower magnet on the upside of the test machine foundation, which constitute two magnets structure. The polarity directions of the two magnets are reversed and the same polarity is arranged oppositely on the axis.

Abstract: A pressure sensing assembly for an infusion pump, including: a tubing guide arranged to receive tubing; a displaceable load assembly at least partially disposed within the tubing guide and with a first surface facing in a first direction; a load cell facing the load assembly in the first direction; and a displacement assembly engaged with the tubing guide, facing the first surface in a second direction, opposite the first direction, and exerting a first force on the load assembly in the first direction. The load cell is arranged to detect a second force, greater than the first force, acting on the load cell in the second direction.

Abstract: A vehicle speed-based operational cost optimization module provides an optimized velocity profile over a given route while also considering imposed constraints such as deviation from time targets, deviation from maximum governed speed limits, etc. Given current vehicle speed, engine state and transmission state, the present disclosure optimally manages the engine map to provide a recommended vehicle speed that optimizes fuel consumption. Exemplary embodiments provide for offline and online optimizations relative to fuel consumption. The benefit is increased freight efficiency in transporting cargo from source to destination by minimizing fuel consumption and maintaining drivability.

Abstract: A load frame assembly comprising a frame assembly, a servomotor, an actuator, a first crosshead assembly, a second crosshead assembly, a load frame and a displacement sensor. The servomotor is coupled to the frame and includes a control system. The actuator is coupled to the first crosshead assembly and provides for moving the first crosshead assembly relative to the frame assembly. The actuator comprises a ball screw assembly having a ball screw and a ball screw nut. The load frame is coupled to one of the crosshead assemblies. The displacement sensor is associated with the frame assembly and is configured to measure displacement by the crossheads relative to the frame assembly.

Abstract: A bending test fixture for test coupons includes a test region for receiving a test coupon and first and second supports on opposed sides of the test region. One of the first or second supports includes a first pair of spaced-apart support points and the other of the first or second supports includes a second pair of spaced-apart support points that are narrowly spaced relative to the first pair of spaced-apart support points. There is a load shaft for applying a load to the second support and an articulated joint between the load shaft and the second support for uniformly distributing the load to the first support.

Abstract: In a wheel support bearing assembly including double row rolling elements between an outer member and an inner member, a sensor unit is fitted to one of the outer and inner members, which serves as a stationary member. The sensor unit is made up of a sensor mounting member and at least one or more strain sensors fitted to the sensor mounting member. A sensor signal processing circuit to process an output signal from the strain sensor is provided in the sensor mounting member.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a seat occupancy includes a load detecting portion, a seatbelt detecting portion, and a seat occupancy determining portion determining that an adult is seated on the seat in a case where a seating load equal to or greater than a predetermined first load is detected and determining a child seat placed state where a child seat is placed on the seat and fastened by the seatbelt in a case where the seating load smaller than the first load is detected and the engagement of the buckle of the seatbelt is detected. The seat occupancy determining portion maintains a determination result of the child seat placed state even when the seating load becomes equal to or greater than the first load in a case where a predetermined determination result retention condition is satisfied after the child seat placed state is determined.

Abstract: A torque sensor system for a transmission and other powertrain components in a motor vehicle includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is operable to induce and detect a signal from the transmitter that is indicative of a torque load on the transmitter. The receiver is cylindrical and has an outer surface with a maximum, constant diameter. The outer surface defines one or more fluid transfer grooves and a docking port for an electrical connection. The fluid transfer groove and the docking port do not extend beyond the maximum outer diameter of the outer surface. Therefore, the receiver is capable of being press-fit within a component and is capable of routing fluid flow.

Abstract: A torque sensor system for a transmission and other powertrain components in a motor vehicle includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is operable to induce and detect a signal from the transmitter that is indicative of a torque load on the transmitter. The receiver is cylindrical and has an outer surface with a maximum, constant diameter. The outer surface defines one or more fluid transfer grooves and a docking port for an electrical connection. The fluid transfer groove and the docking port do not extend beyond the maximum outer diameter of the outer surface. Therefore, the receiver is capable of being press-fit within a component and is capable of routing fluid flow. An electrical connector is fed through an access hole and connects with the receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for detecting contact within a monitored area. A piezoelectric sensor (40) is attached to one end of detector (100), which is positioned, for contact by passing items or individuals. The detector may correspond to plurality of parallel, rubber calendared cable or strip (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) of polycarbonate resin. Body deformations induced into the detector upon contact travel to piezoelectric sensor and detect as strain coupled to the piezoelectric sensor. The apparatus and methodology may be employed to detect vehicular traffic along travel paths, human contact with walls or floors, manufactured product with delivery system or any physical contact by animate or inanimate objects or individuals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tension monitoring system comprising: —at least one camera for acquiring at least one image of at least one pattern located on an object of interest, wherein the pattern comprises a plurality of points and where each point is arranged on the object in such as way as to follow the movement of the object; —a computational device; wherein the computational device is arranged to analyze the acquired image for detecting the position of each pattern point using an image analysis algorithm arranged to determine the geometrical center of a point using a contrast detection method, determining the distance between at least two pattern portions, and calculating the tension induced in the object using a reference value of distance between the two pattern portions when the object is mechanically relaxed.

Abstract: A load detection device for a vehicle seat mounted between a floor side mounting mechanism and a seat side mounting mechanism and measuring a load applied by an occupant seated on the vehicle seat, includes a shaft member adapted to be fixed to one of the floor side mounting mechanism and the seat side mounting mechanism, a strain generating member fixed to the shaft member and including a hole into which the shaft member is press-fitted, a strain gauge attached to the strain generating member, the shaft member of which surface hardness is specified to be lower than a surface hardness of the hole and including a scraping projecting portion scraped off by means of the hole in a case where the shaft member is press-fitted to the hole, and an inter space formed between the strain generating member and the shaft member and positioned next to the scraping projecting portion.

Abstract: A spring force component tester for determining a load distribution on each end of a spring of generally cylindrical shape using three, mutually-parallel load cells. One tester includes a lower plate and an upper plate movable with respect to the lower plate. Each plate includes a plurality of recesses and a load cell positioned in each recess. Each plurality of recesses is positioned such that a center of each recess is a point on a circle coaxial to the plate. The tester also includes a data logger that obtains and stores load cell outputs from the load cells and spring tester electronics that obtain height measurements of the upper plate and send a trigger signal to a computer. The computer executes application software when the computer receives the trigger signal that reads the load cell outputs stored in the data logger, and calculates a spring force acting along the spring axis between approximately 0.5 Newton and 100 Newton.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a force and a position at a linear actuating mechanism (20). In one illustrative embodiment, a change in an electrical characteristic of a first coil system (1, 3a, 6) for measuring a position of the linear actuating mechanism, wherein the change in the electrical characteristic is caused by moving of a first measurement member (6) in the first coil system (1, 3a, 6), and a change in an electrical characteristic of a second coil system (2, 3b, 5) for measuring a force acting at the linear actuating mechanism (20), wherein the change in the electrical characteristic is caused by moving of a second measurement member (5) in the second coil system (2, 3b, 5), are detected. The movement of the first measurement member (6) is generated by a positional change of a linear shaft member of the linear actuating mechanism (20), and the movement of the second measurement member (5) is generated by a force-displacement conversion via a deformation member.

Abstract: A device for measuring electromechanical properties and microstructure of nano-materials under stress state comprises two bimetallic strips placed on an insulated metal ring plated with insulating paint, wherein the two bimetallic strips are placed in parallel or V-shaped to insulated metal ring on the same plane, one end of each bimetallic strip is fixed on the insulated metal ring, the other end of the bimetallic strip hangs inside of the insulated ring, the distance of two bimetallic strips were controlled within 0.002-1 mm. Also provided is a method for measuring electromechanical properties and microstructure of nano-materials under stress state.

Abstract: A wind turbine installation monitoring device, for detecting relative movement between two adjacent components of a wind turbine installation is provided. The device comprises a deformable member together with securing means. The securing means is configured to enable the device to be connectable to a wind turbine installation, in use. The deformable member is located across an interface between the adjacent components of a wind turbine installation. Further, detection means are provided and are configured to detect deflection of the deformable member and thereby to detect relative movement between the two components.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade root load sensor is provided. The sensor is configured to be internally mounted within an insert of a root portion of a wind turbine rotor blade. The sensor comprises a carrier member which is configured to be fixedly connected to the insert so that loads can be transmitted therebetween and the sensor further comprises a sensing element, supported by the carrier member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a testing device for tube bundle reactors, with a multitude of tubes (22) arranged as a bundle. At least one probe (12) is movably mounted in or on the testing device (10) and has, in particular, a drive (32) for its movement.

Abstract: A device for axial load measurement on a mechanical control device (10) having rotating shaft (30) maybe used to derive a torque measurement. A mechanical control device (10) may comprise a valve actuator for fluid flow control devices. The load measurement device may include a beam (65a) operatively connected to a rotatable shaft and configured to deform under axial displacement of the shaft. A sensor (80) maybe coupled with the at least one beam (65a) and configured to produce an output signal related to the axial displacement of the shaft. The beam may be retained between two bearings (74) of the rotatable shaft at a first end, and fixed to the housing (120) of the mechanical control device at a second end. The first end of the beam (65a) may displace axially with the rotatable shaft. The beam (65a) may comprise a discrete segment of a uniform width and thickness.