Abstract: A sensor chip includes multiple sensing blocks each of which includes two or more T-patterned beam structures. Each T-patterned beam structure includes strain-detecting elements, at least one first detection beam, and a second detection beam extending from the first detection beam in a direction perpendicular to the first detection beam. Each T-patterned beam structure includes a connection portion formed by coupling ends of second detection beams in respective T-patterned structures, the connection portion including a force point portion. The sensor chip is configured to detect up to six axes relating to predetermined axial forces or moments around the predetermined axes, based on a change in an output of each of the strain-detecting elements, the output of each strain-detecting element changing in accordance with an input applied to a given force point portion.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for measuring at least one component of a force or a torque includes a sensor assembly having a first contact structure and a second contact structure, between which the at least one component of the force or torque is to be measured, and a plurality of sensor elements. The plurality of sensor elements are each connected by way of a first joint to the first contact structure and by way of a second joint to the second contact structure and configured to measure the component of force or torque between the first contact structure and the second contact structure. The first contact structure, the second contact structure and the plurality of sensor elements form a rolled-up structure that extends like a jacket along a surface of the sensor arrangement.

Abstract: An input device includes an input structure, a magnet attached to the input structure, and an electromagnet. The magnet rotates when the electromagnet is activated, thereby rotating the input structure. The magnet and input structure rotate about a pivot in order to provide haptic and/or visual feedback to a user. The pivot may attach the magnet and input structure to a body, which in turn may be affixed to, or part of, an electronic device. The electromagnet can encircle the body and/or magnet.

Abstract: In a force sensor according to one embodiment, a main body is cylindrical. A cylindrical movable body is movable with respect to the main body and includes at least three circular openings in the outer circumference thereof. A strain body is fixed to the main body and the movable body and is deformable according to the movement of the movable body. Strain sensors are provided on the strain body. A first stopper is arranged inside each of the openings and includes a first outer circumferential surface including a first outer diameter less than a diameter of the opening. A cylindrical second stopper is arranged separate from a first inner circumferential surface of the main body by a first distance, includes a second outer circumferential surface of a second outer diameter less than a diameter of the first inner circumferential surface.

Abstract: An example sensor device is provided. The sensor device includes (a) a substrate having a first end and a second end, wherein the substrate includes a contact portion, a first sensor portion positioned between the first end of the substrate and the contact portion, and a second sensor portion positioned between the second end of the substrate and the contact portion, (b) a first strain gauge sensor positioned at the first sensor portion, and (c) a second strain gauge sensor positioned at the second sensor portion, wherein the first end of the substrate and the second end of the substrate are configured to be coupled to a rigid curved surface, and wherein the sensor device is configured such that a force applied to the contact portion of the substrate will be sensed by each of the first strain gauge sensor and the second strain gauge sensor.

Abstract: An operation detection device includes an operation unit including an operation surface to be operated thereon, a load sensor disposed on a lower surface of the operation unit to detect a load applied to the operation surface, and a protective member that allows a load of not more than a predetermined first load to be applied to the load sensor and that prevents a load more than the predetermined first load from being applied to the load sensor by a contact with the lower surface of the operation unit so as to protect the load sensor.

Abstract: A strain body according to the embodiments includes a central portion, an outer peripheral portion, connecting portions each includes a first connecting portion adjacent to the outer peripheral portion and a second connecting portion adjacent to the central portion, strain sensors provided on main surfaces of the connecting portions, reference resistors provided on a main surface of the central portion, and a strain increasing portion configured to increase strain occurring at the first connecting portion more than strain occurring at the second connecting portion, on a back surface side opposed to the main surface of the first connecting portion.

Abstract: Provided is a torque sensor which enables the allowable torque and sensitivity of a strain sensor to be independently set, or for which the mechanical strength can be independently set. The torque sensor comprises a first region, a second region, and a plurality of third regions which connect the first and second regions, wherein the torque to be measured is transmitted between the first and second regions through the third regions. A first strain generation part is provided between the first region and the second region, and is equipped with a first resistor. A second strain generation part is provided between the first region and the second region at a location separated from the first strain generation part, and is equipped with a second resistor.

Abstract: Aspects described herein provide structures for a force sensor, and force sensors using such structures, which are compact and easy to manufacture, for example by 3D printing. In particular the structures comprise a pair of stacked ring sensor elements, the ring sensor elements in turn being formed by upper and lower ring elements joined together at points around the circumference thereof by resiliently mounted connection bars. The connection bars may extend in the same plane as the rings, in which case sensitivity to torque about the axis of the rings is much reduced, such that a five-axis sensor is effectively obtained, or the connection bars may extend obliquely between the upper and lower rings of each sensor element, such that they have a directional component in the direction of the axis of the rings (the rings of each element being co-axially stacked).

Abstract: The invention relates to a torque sensor having a base body which extends in a radial direction of the base body from an annular inner flange having first force application points, via a mechanically weakened sensor portion equipped with measurement transducers which generate output signals, to an annular outer flange having second force application points, wherein the second force application points are connected to the sensor portion by a radially elastic material portion.

Abstract: A displacement detection type force-detection structure. The force-detection structure includes a first end portion; a second end portion; a connecting portion elastically connecting the first and second end portions with three degrees of freedom; a detecting part detecting relative displacement between the first and second end portions accompanied by elastic deformation of the connecting portion. The detecting part includes a first differentially-detecting section detecting a relative movement between the first and second end portions along a first axis as first movement data by using signals reverse in phase; a second differentially-detecting section detecting a relative movement between the first and second end portions along a second axis as second movement data by using signals reverse in phase; and a third differentially-detecting section detecting a relative rotation between the first and second end portions about a central axis along a third axis as rotation data by using signals reverse in phase.

Abstract: A force detection device with a structure able to improve the accuracy for force-detection. A force detection device with a deforming member to be deformed under an external force, the force detection device comprising a fixation part which is a part fixed to an attachment to which the force detection device is to be attached. The fixation part is provided at the deforming member such that the fixation part protrudes from a bottom surface of a bottom part of the deforming member opposite to the attachment.

Abstract: A tubular support assembly, method, and offshore drilling rig. The tubular support assembly includes a spider configured to support a tubular received therethrough, and a rotary table that supports the spider and transmits a vertical load applied to the spider to a rig floor. The tubular support assembly also includes a load cell configured to measure the vertical load.

Abstract: A system which can improve the reliability of an emergency stop operation of a robot when contacting a worker. The system is comprised of a force sensor and a malfunction judgment part. The force sensor has a detection part which detects the load in one direction. The detection part includes a first detection element and a second detection element. The malfunction judgment part judges if a first detection value which is detected by the first detection element and a second detection value which is detected by the second detection element differ from each other. If the first detection value and the second detection value differ from each other, it is judged that the first detection element or second detection element have malfunctioned.

Abstract: A sensor and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The sensor includes a substrate, a projecting portion including a plurality of projections that protrude upwardly from an upper portion of the substrate, and an electrode portion covering the projections and the upper portion of the substrate between the projections. The projecting portion of the sensor has micro projections to enable the sensor to sense pressure and a sliding movement.

Abstract: In one aspect, a transducer body includes a support having clevis halves. The sensor body includes a generally rigid peripheral member disposed about a spaced-apart central hub joined to each of the clevis halves. At least three flexure components couple the peripheral member to the hub. The flexure components are spaced-apart from each other at generally equal angle intervals about the hub; the sensor body further including a flexure assembly for some flexure components joining the flexure component to at least one of the hub and the peripheral member, the flexure assembly being compliant for forces in a radial direction from the hub to the peripheral member. Each flexure assembly is configured such that forces transferred concentrate strain at a midpoint along the length of each corresponding flexure component.

Abstract: A torque measurement flexplate (20) includes a substantially planar body (54) which defines a plurality of circumferentially distributed axial through apertures (22), a radial web (24) extending between each pair of adjacent axial apertures (22). The flexplate (20) further defines a plurality of circumferentially distributed axial outer fastening holes (26) for attachment to an output member. The flexplate (20) includes a strain sensor (28) for measuring the shear strain field on the flexplate (20). The flexplate (20) defines a recess (30) in which the strain sensor (28) is located, the recess (30) being defined in an axial surface (32) of one of the radial webs (24) such that, in use, the sensor (28) lies at least proximate to one of the local neutral axes (34) relating to one of a plurality of unwanted strains (36) to which the flexplate (20) is subject in use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plastic film and to a touch module produced therefrom. The module is constructed from two conductive layers with an insulation layer in between, as are used in capacitive touch pads and/or touch screens, for example. The problem of connecting the respective x or y sensors across two planes in a cost-effective manner employs foldable sensor planes in the plastic film suitable for mass production. The connections and conductor tracks are concentrated on one plane on a sensor side wherein the sensor planes are arranged on flexible materials. The registering of the two planes relative to each other is simplified via a secure mechanical connection of the two planes via a fold in the film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a force torque sensor, a force torque sensor frame, and a force torque measurement method. The force torque sensor includes a central hub, a plurality of beams each having one side connected to the hub, and a rim connected to the other side of each beam to surround the hub and the plurality of beams. The force torque measurement method includes: a step of forming a gradient shape in a longitudinal direction thereof so that a section is provided in which a strain rate on each of the beams due to a force or torque is maintained within a predetermined value; and a step of measuring a strain rate in X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis directions after a strain gauge is attached to a corresponding section. Thus, a measurement center of the strain gauge may be positioned within a predetermined section.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor device includes a substrate, a support structure supported by the substrate, a membrane supported by the support structure and spaced from the substrate, and a polymer layer covering the membrane.

Abstract: A torque sensor includes a central hub, a fastening ring arranged radially outwardly from and coaxially circumferentially around the central hub, a continuous imperforate flange disc that extends radially between and interconnects the central hub and the fastening ring, and strain gages or other force transducers for measuring a torsional shear strain in the flange disc. The flange disc has blind pocket recesses that are recessed into the flange disc from one or both axial sides thereof. Each pocket recess is bounded at the bottom by a pocket recess floor. Strain transducers are mounted on the inner surfaces of the pocket recess floors in the pocket recesses and/or on the outer back surfaces of the pocket recess floors on the opposite side of the flange disc. The strain transducers measure torsional shear strain in the recess floors.

Abstract: A pressure sensing sheet includes at least first, second, and third layers wherein the first and third layers each have conductive paths defined therein that are separated by nonconductive spacers. The orientation of the conductive paths of the first layer are transverse to the orientation of the conductive paths of the third layer. The second layer is made of material that has an electrical characteristic that changes with applied pressure, such as, but not limited to, piezoresistive or piezoelectric material. The first and/or third layers are made from multi-material sheets wherein a first type of material will repel conductive particles when subjected to an autocatalytic coating process, while the second type of material will bond with the conductive particles during the autocatalytic coating process. The use of different materials in the first and/or third layers facilitates the manufacturing of the conductive paths and nonconductive spacers.

Abstract: With the Z-axis given as a central axis, on an XY-plane, arranged are a rigid force receiving ring, a flexible detection ring inside thereof, and a cylindrical fixed assistant body further inside thereof. Two fixing points on the detection ring are fixed to a supporting substrate, and two exertion points are connected to the force receiving ring via connection members. When force and moment are exerted on the force receiving ring, with the supporting substrate fixed, the detection ring undergoes elastic deformation. Capacitance elements or others are used to measure distances between measurement points and the fixed assistant body and distances between the measurement points and the supporting substrate. Elastic deformation of the detection ring is recognized for mode and magnitude, thereby detecting a direction and magnitude of force or moment which is exerted.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an imperceptible motion sensing device, which includes a non-conductive elastomer made of a pliable and elastic non-conductor (e.g., polyurethane) and having a bumpy side formed with at least one sunken portion thereon, at least one conductive fiber positioned in the at least one sunken portion respectively (e.g., by sewing), and a conductive elastomer made of a pliable and elastic conductor (e.g., a conductive foam or conductive rubber) and provided on the bumpy side of the non-conductive elastomer. When the sensing device is compressed by an external force, corresponding portions of the conductive elastomer and the non-conductive elastomer are compressed and deformed, causing contact and hence electrical connection between the conductive elastomer and the at least one conductive fiber. Thus, the imperceptible motion sensing device not only provides more accurate and more sensitive signal detection, but also ensures consistent performance even after long-term use.

Abstract: Force and torque sensors (10, 10a) include a load-bearing element (12), and strain gauges (20, 22, 23) mounted on the load-bearing element (12) so that the strain gauges (20, 22, 23) generate outputs responsive to external forces and moments applied to the load-bearing element (12). The strain gauges (20, 22, 23) are configured, and the responsive outputs of the strain gauges (20, 22, 23) are processed such that the force and moment measurements generated by the sensors (10, 10a) are substantially immune from drift due to thermally-induced strain in the load-bearing element (12).

Abstract: A sensing device for measuring force and/or torque includes a top part with a top electrode structure, a bottom part with a bottom electrode structure, and a support structure. The support structure includes spring elements for supporting the top part on the bottom part with the top electrode structure parallel to and facing the bottom electrode structure. The spring elements provide a gap between the top and bottom electrode structures and allow displacement of the top part relative to the bottom part in three orthogonal directions two parallel and one perpendicular to the bottom plate, and for rotation of the top part relative to the bottom part around three orthogonal axes, corresponding with the two parallel and one perpendicular directions. The displacement and/or rotation induce a change in distance between and/or overlap area of the top and bottom electrodes and a corresponding change of capacitance.

Abstract: A multi-degree of freedom transducer for converting manually applied forces and torques into electrical signals, and configured to be fixed to a base object. The transducer comprises a handle bar having two ends and a first longitudinal direction, and a supporting assembly suitable for fixing the two ends of the handle bar to the base object. The supporting assembly comprising a frame structure at each of the ends of the handle bar, wherein each of the frame structures comprises at least two measuring beams. At least one of the measuring beams includes a second longitudinal direction and at least one other of the measuring beams includes a third longitudinal direction. Each of the at least two measuring beams comprises two strain gauges configured to sense strain in the third longitudinal direction and arranged on two different, non-parallel side surfaces of each of the at least two measuring beams.

Abstract: A force sensing array includes multiple layers of material that are arranged to define an elastically stretchable sensing sheet. The sensing sheet may be placed underneath a patient to detect interface forces or pressures between the patient and the support structure that the patient is positioned on. The force sensing array includes a plurality of force sensors. The force sensors are defined where a row conductor and a column conductor approach each other on opposite sides of a force sensing material, such as a piezoresistive material. In order to reduce electrical cross talk between the plurality of sensors, a semiconductive material is included adjacent the force sensing material to create a PN junction with the force sensing material. This PN junction acts as a diode, limiting current flow to essentially one direction, which, in turn, reduces cross talk between the multiple sensors.

Abstract: A dual mode capacitive touch panel includes a sensor substrate, an electrode layer comprising an array of sensor electrodes arranged over the sensor substrate, the array of sensor electrodes including a plurality of drive electrodes and a plurality of sense electrodes, each sensor electrode corresponding to a location on the sensor substrate, and a shield layer arranged over and spaced apart from the electrode layer. The shield layer includes a predetermined resistance that permits transmission of an electric field at a first frequency and prevents transmission of an electric field at a second frequency, wherein a spacing between the shield layer and the electrode layer is deformable as a result of a force applied to the shield layer due to a user touch, wherein the deformation alters a capacitance between the shield layer and a sensor electrode of the array.

Abstract: Force and torque sensors (10, 10a) include a load-bearing element (12), and strain gauges (20, 22, 23) mounted on the load-bearing element (12) so that the strain gauges (20, 22, 23) generate outputs responsive to external forces and moments applied to the load-bearing element (12). The strain gauges (20, 22, 23) are configured, and the responsive outputs of the strain gauges (20, 22, 23) are processed such that the force and moment measurements generated by the sensors (10, 10a) are substantially immune from drift due to thermally-induced strain in the load-bearing element (12).

Abstract: Force or pressure transducer arrays have elastically stretchable electrically conductive polymer threads disposed in parallel rows and columns that contact at intersections thereof a piezoresistive material which has an electrical resistivity which varies inversely with pressure or force exerted thereon to form a matrix array of force or pressure sensor elements. The threads are fixed to a single one or pair of flexible elastically stretchable substrate sheets made of thin sheets of an insulating polymer such as PVC, or for greater elasticity and conformability to irregularly-shaped objects such as human body parts, an elastically stretchable fabric such as LYCRA or SPANDEX. Elastic stretchability of the sensor arrays is optionally enhanced by disposing either or both row and column conductive threads in sinuously curved, serpentine paths rather than straight lines.

Abstract: A spacer block for gathering data to be used in the balancing of the joint arthroplasty or repair and in the selection of a trial insert which includes a first body piece and a second body piece. A plurality of sensors and a processor are positioned between the first body piece and the second body piece when the pieces are assembled together to form the spacer block. A chim is removably mounted to a top surface of the second body piece, the chim is associated with the plurality of sensors and positioned in relation to the plurality of sensors such that a force exerted on the chim by a weight bearing surface is detected by the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed are several examples of a ground reaction force sensor for an article having an upper force plate for contacting the article, a lower force plate for contacting the ground, a vertical load cell disposed between the plates for measuring the force acting on the cell in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surface, a horizontal load cell disposed between the plates for measuring the force acting on the cell in a direction that is substantially parallel to the surface, and with the load cells being mounted between the plates in a configuration that is substantially insensitive to off-axis forces imposed on them for improved load cell measurement accuracies. Various other features and benefits are provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a force sensor apparatus is provided including a tube portion having a plurality of radial ribs and a strain gauge positioned over each of the plurality of radial ribs, a proximal end of the tube portion that operably couples to a shaft of a surgical instrument that operably couples to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal end of the tube portion that proximally couples to a wrist joint coupled to an end effector.

Abstract: A force sensor has an input part, a base part, an intermediate part and a sensor element. The external force to be sensed is applied to the input part. The input part transmits the external force to the base part via the intermediate part. The base part is fixed to a frame of reference and exerts a reaction force on the input part via the intermediate part. The intermediate part deforms as a result of the external force and the reaction force. The deformation of the intermediate part causes the input part to change its position or orientation relative to the base part. The sensor element senses this change and supplies an output signal representative of the change.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a force sensor apparatus is provided including a tube portion having a plurality of radial ribs and a strain gauge positioned over each of the plurality of radial ribs, a proximal end of the tube portion that operably couples to a shaft of a surgical instrument that operably couples to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal end of the tube portion that proximally couples to a wrist joint coupled to an end effector.

Abstract: A testing apparatus and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the testing apparatus may include a platform, a first plurality of cables, a second plurality of cables and a third plurality of cables, with each of the cables coupled to a respective load cell. The first plurality of cables may suspend the platform and be substantially parallel to each other. The second plurality of cables may be coupled to the platform, may be substantially parallel to each other cable of the second plurality of cables, and substantially perpendicular to each cable of the first plurality of cables. The third plurality of cables may be coupled to the platform, and each cable of the third plurality of cables may be substantially parallel to each other cable of the third plurality of cables, and substantially perpendicular to each cable of the first plurality of cables and the second plurality of cables.

Abstract: A detection device includes a first substrate having a plurality of force sensors disposed around respective reference points, and a second substrate on which is formed elastic protrusions whose centers of gravity are positioned in positions that overlap with respective reference points and that elastically deform due to the force in a state in which the tips of the elastic protrusions make contact with the first substrate. The second substrate is an elastic material having a predetermined elasticity.

Abstract: Force or pressure transducer arrays have elastically stretchable electrically conductive polymer threads disposed in parallel rows and columns that contact at intersections thereof a piezoresistive material which has an electrical resistivity which varies inversely with pressure or force exerted thereon to form a matrix array of force or pressure sensor elements. The threads are fixed to a single one or pair of flexible elastically stretchable substrate sheets made of thin sheets of an insulating polymer such as PVC, or for greater elasticity and conformability to irregularly-shaped objects such as human body parts, an elastically stretchable fabric such as LYCRA or SPANDEX. Elastic stretchability of the sensor arrays is optionally enhanced by disposing either or both row and column conductive threads in sinuously curved, serpentine paths rather than straight lines.

Abstract: A system monitors dynamic forces between bearing surfaces. Based on sensed data, the system may model the forces on the bearing surfaces, analyze these forces, store data relating to these forces, and/or transmit data to an external data gathering device. The system includes a first body piece and a second body piece which mate together. The first and second body pieces comprise bearing surfaces that contact a material that may exert a force. A protrusion, such as a pole, post, or beam, extends from first body piece's bearing surface. At least one sensor is disposed on a pole. The at least one sensor detects a mechanical motion of the pole resulting from a force imposed on the body pieces, and generates data indicative of this force. A computer communicates with the at least one sensor and processes the sensed and/or modeled data.

Abstract: A force sensor 1 includes: a force sensor chip 2 including an action portion 21, a connecting portion 23 on which strain resistive elements are disposed, and a support portion 22 for supporting the action portion 21 and the connecting portion 23; an attenuator 3 including an input portion 30 to which an external force is input, a fixing portion 32 for fixing the force sensor chip 2, and a transmission portion 31 for attenuating the external force and transmitting the attenuated external force to the action portion 21; a first glass member 11 disposed between the action portion 21 and the transmission portion 31 and a second glass member 12 disposed between the support portion 22 and the fixing portion 32, through which glass members 11, 12 the force sensor chip 2 and the attenuator 3 are joined. A single or more glass beams 13 joins the first glass member 11 and the second glass member 12 together as a single member.

Abstract: A wind turbine gearbox test cell includes a cradle and a base mounted to a first support structure. Load devices are interconnected between the cradle and base and are configured to input at least one of thrust, radial and yaw loads to the gearbox through the cradle to a wind turbine gearbox under test. A controller is in communication with the load devices and is programmed to command the load devices to input the at least one of thrust, radial and yaw loads to the gearbox corresponding to a simulated wind turbine gearbox loading event. The test cell includes dynamometers and gearboxes that can be reconfigured based upon the particular wind turbine gearbox under test.

Abstract: An electroactive polymer is used to produce a tactile sensor. The electroactive polymer (EAP) includes a sheet of an ion-exchange membrane having opposite surfaces on which are plated gold electrodes. The EAP is formed to have a dome-shape with a plurality of sensing electrodes circumferentially disposed around an outer surface of the dome. A flexible polymer underlying the EAP supports it and prevents a force applied to the tactile sensor from inverting the dome. The sensor electrodes produce separate output signals indicative of different vector components of an applied force acting on the tactile sensor, so that a direction of the force can be determined. Vias provided in the electrodes are electrically coupled to a flexible circuit that conveys the output signals externally from the sensing electrodes for use and further processing. A plurality of the tactile sensors can be formed as an array on an ion-exchange membrane.

Abstract: A force sensor with a force sensor chip, and a buffering device for dampening and applying incoming external force to the force sensor chip. The buffering device includes an input portion to which external force is input, a sensor mount for fixing the force sensor chip to the exterior, a dampening mechanism for dampening external force, and a transmission portion for transmitting the dampened external force to the active sensing portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system that continuously monitors pressure and force on the foot, analyzes and visualizes the pressure and force exerted on said foot in real-time. The invention measures pressure and force applied to a plurality of sensors placed in various points of an orthotic, shoe, shoe lining, insert, sock or sock type device. If the sensors detect pressure or force, the sensors send a signal to a microcomputer processor located in the shoe that subsequently analyzes and sends the data wireless to either a handheld electronic device, a personal computer, an electronic data capture system or a software program. The handheld electronic device or the personal computer then displays the data to an operator of the device or computer instantaneously; while the data capture system or program forwards the information to a handheld device and/or personal computer.

Abstract: A device for measuring force by resistive detection includes a double Wheatstone bridge having at least eight resistive gauges arranged on a membrane where each of the Wheastone bridges are respectively arranged on disjointed portions of the membrane, and two resistive gauges of at least one Wheatstone bridge are reside on a non-deformable area of the membrane.

Abstract: A wheel end (A) has a housing (2, 70, 80, 90) and a hub (4) provided with a spindle (32) that projects into the housing, and the hub rotates relative to the housing on an antifriction bearing (6) located between the housing and hub spindle. The housing has a tubular core (12, 72, 82, 92) that encloses the bearing and ring mounts (14, 74, 84, 94) spaced outwardly from the core and also webs (16,76,86,96) that connect the ring mounts to the core. A road wheel (B) is attached to the hub and rotates with the hub relative to the housing. The housing is secured to a suspension upright (C) at its ring mounts. The core deflects relative to the ring mounts, owning to forces and moments transferred through the bearing from the suspension upright to the road wheel and vice versa, and the magnitude of those forces and moments are reflected in signals derived from strain sensor modules (SM) attached to the webs of the housing.

Abstract: A tactile sensor element includes a first pressure transfer layer and a second pressure transfer layer, an elastomeric body arranged between the first and second pressure transfer layers, the body having a first and a second surface opposed to each other, the first and second surfaces having corrugations to allow displacement of elastomeric body material in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the corrugations when exposed to a contact pressure on at least one of the surfaces, a first electrode arranged on the first surface and a second electrode arranged on the second surface, the first and the second electrodes being connectable to external means for determining the capacitance of a capacitor formed by the elastomeric body and the electrodes, where at least one pressure transfer layer has at least one portion of increased thickness. Further disclosed is a tactile sensor array comprising a plurality of sensor elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides the stress detection method for force sensor device with multiple axis sensor device and force sensor device employing this method, whose installation angle is arbitrary. The stress detection method includes, first and second force sensors whose detection axes are orthogonal to each other. When the detection axis of first force sensor forms angle ? with direction of detected stress Ax, and the stress component of direction perpendicular to direction of the detected stress Ax is Az, output Apx of the axis direction of first force sensor is found as Apx=?x (Ax×cos ?+Az×sin ?), and output Apz of the axis direction of the second force sensor is found as Apz=?z (Ax×sin ?+Az×cos ?), and, when ?x and ?z are detection sensitivity coefficients of first and second force sensors respectively, the detection sensitivity coefficient ?z of second force sensor is set as ?z=?x tan ?, and the detected stress Ax is found as Ax=(Apx?Apz)/?x(cos ??tan ?×sin ?).

Abstract: A device for measuring force by resistive detection includes a double Wheatstone bridge having at least eight resistive gauges arranged on a membrane where each of the Wheastone bridges are respectively arranged on disjointed portions of the membrane, and two resistive gauges of at least one Wheatstone bridge are reside on a non-deformable area of the membrane.