Abstract: A seat assembly may include a seat, a seat actuator, a sensor assembly, and an electrical control unit (ECU). The seat actuator may be configured to adjust the seat. The sensor assembly may be connected to the seat and may be configured to detect a pressure applied to the seat. The ECU may be operatively connected to the seat actuator and the sensor assembly. The ECU may be configured to reduce soft tissue stress in soft tissue of a user via adjusting the seat with the seat actuator.

Abstract: A press frame assembly includes a base plate, a load cell, and an overload protection element; a first plate, a plurality of guideposts disposed on the base plate; a plurality of springs disposed on the plurality of guideposts, a displacement transducer arranged to monitor a linear displacement of the first plate, and a controller, in communication with the load cell and the displacement transducer. The first plate is disposed to translate on the plurality of guideposts, and wherein the springs are disposed to urge movement of the first plate in relation to the base plate. The load cell is arranged to monitor a load exerted upon the base plate. The controller generates a signal that is based upon the load exerted upon the base plate or the linear displacement of the first plate in relation to the base plate.

Abstract: An occupant classification system for a seat assembly (20) includes a plurality of sensors (32), a posture classifier and a weight classification system. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion (22) and a seat back (24). Each of the plurality of sensors (32) measures a force applied to the seat cushion (22) by an occupant of the seat assembly. The posture classifier identifies a posture of the occupant based on the distribution of forces applied to each of the plurality of sensors (32). The weight classification system identifies a weight class of the occupant based on the posture and the magnitude of forces applied to each of the plurality of sensors (32).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a load cell including an elastic element, at least one strain gauge and a limitation element. The elastic element includes a first end portion, a second end portion and a deformation region. The first end portion and the second end portion are arranged along an axial direction and opposed to each other. The deformation region is located between the first end portion and the second end portion. The at least one strain gauge is disposed in the deformation region. When a force is exerted on the first end portion in a first direction, the deformation region is deformed to drive the at least one strain gauge to change shape, so that the force is measured and standardized under a specific range. The limitation element is connected to the elastic element. A gap is formed between the limitation element and the elastic element.

Abstract: A seat assembly may include a seat, a seat actuator, a sensor assembly, and an electrical control unit (ECU). The seat actuator may be configured to adjust the seat. The sensor assembly may be connected to the seat and may be configured to detect a pressure applied to the seat. The ECU may be operatively connected to the seat actuator and the sensor assembly. The ECU may be configured to reduce soft tissue stress in soft tissue of a user via adjusting the seat with the seat actuator.

Abstract: A friction force sensing system comprising one interrupter with a blocking extension and one flexible assembly having a fixed end and a free end, longitudinal flexures extending between said fixed end and said free end, said interrupter and said flexible assembly being fixedly connected to each other by a mounting element at the free end of said flexible assembly.

Abstract: A load determination device (1) is provided, comprising a load cell component (10), a hull component (20) of which the load is to be determined, the hull component (20) being provided in contact with the load cell component (10), a base component (30) for supporting the load cell component (10) on a surface, a sealing component (50) for sealing the load cell component (10) within the load determination device (1) being arranged in sealing connection between the hull component (20) and the base component (30), wherein the sealing component (50) comprises a bellows portion (52) surrounding the base component (30), wherein the bellows portion (52) comprises a rotational symmetric rolling (58) directed away from the surface. The load determination device (1) and a corresponding method for manufacturing such load determination device (1) provide an improved sealing of the load cell component (10).

Abstract: An example force sensitive touch panel device can include a device body; a touch surface for receiving a touch force; a sensor for sensing touch force that is arranged between the device body and the touch surface; and a membrane configured to mechanically isolate the device body and the touch surface. Additionally, the membrane can apply a preload force to the sensor.

Abstract: At least one tactile sensor includes an insulating layer and a conductive layer formed on the surface of the insulating layer. The conductive layer defines at least one group of flexible projections extending orthogonally from the surface of the insulating layer. The flexible projections include a major projection extending a distance orthogonally from the surface and at least one minor projection that is adjacent to and separate from the major projection wherein the major projection extends a distance orthogonally that is greater than the distance that the minor projection extends orthogonally. Upon a compressive force normal to, or a shear force parallel to, the surface, the major projection and the minor projection flex such that an electrical contact resistance is formed between the major projection and the minor projection. A capacitive tactile sensor is also disclosed that responds to the normal and shear forces.

Abstract: Provided is a system for measuring a chain parameter of a moving chain, wherein the chain has a repetitive structure such as a chain link or teeth in a cogged belt. The system includes at least one image sensor positioned and configured to receive light from the moving chain, and a processor functionally associated with the image sensor. The processor is configured to obtain, from a signal stream received from the image sensor, a chain parameter characterizing the chain while the chain moves. An Image Monitoring Unit (IMU) may be assembled proximal the chain of a bicycles or of a spin bike, and a Human Computer Interface (HCI) unit including a display and functionally associated with the IMU, allows a user to view measurement results of a chain parameter and to operate the system. Further provided is a method of measuring a chain parameter of a moving chain.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a preloaded force sensor, the preloaded force being greater than a force threshold separating a non-linear response region of sensor operation from a substantially linear response region of sensor operation. In an illustrative embodiment, the total applied force includes the preloaded force and an externally-applied force, the preloaded force being predetermined such that electrical signal response is substantially linear for positive externally-applied forces which when added to the preload force do not exceed the maximum force. In some embodiments, the externally-applied force may be transferred to a force-sensing die via a force-transfer member. In an exemplary embodiment, a spring having a predetermined spring coefficient may apply the predetermined preload force to the force-transfer member. In an exemplary embodiment, externally-applied positive forces may be simply calibrated using gain and offset corrections.

Abstract: A force sensor may include a sensing die with a sense diaphragm. An actuation assembly may include a button member and a pin and/or other features, where a first end of the pin may engage the sense diaphragm and a second end of the pin may engage the button to facilitate transferring a force applied to the button to the sense diaphragm. In some cases, the interface between the button member and the pin may allow the button member to swivel or pivot, at least to some degree, relative to the pin, which may facilitate transferring a force from the button member to the diaphragm with minimal mechanical loss. In some cases, the second end of the pin may be at least partially tapered, with the taper engaging the edge of an indentation in the button.

Abstract: An axle load monitoring system configured for use on an axle housing is provided. The axle load monitoring system can include a mounting structure and a strain gauge. The mounting structure can have a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion. The first end portion can be fixedly coupled to the axle housing. The second end portion can be fixedly coupled to the axle housing. The intermediate portion can be offset away from the axle housing. The strain gauge can be fixedly coupled to the mounting structure at the intermediate portion. The strain gauge can be configured to measure strain of the mounting structure.

Abstract: A transducer for measuring normal force of a compliant pin includes a fixture having a base. A supporting beam extends from the base. A sensing beam is positioned proximate to the sensing beam and supported at at least one end thereof. The fixture has a slot positioned between the supporting beam and the sensing beam and configured to receive the compliant pin. A strain gauge array is provided on the sensing beam for sensing strain of the sensing beam. The strain of the sensing beam corresponds to normal force imparted on the sensing beam by the compliant pin. The sensing beam is configured to be deformed when the compliant pin is loaded into the slot and the deformation corresponds to strain of the sensing beam configured to be sensed by the strain gauge array.

Abstract: A bending sensor includes a high resistance layer; a low resistance layer having a crack and a lower electrical resistance than the high resistance layer in a state where the crack is closed; an insulating layer between the high and low resistance layers; and a plurality of electrode portions connecting electrically in parallel the high resistance and low resistance layers. In an OFF state where a bend amount is small, the crack is unlikely to open and a combined resistance of electrical resistances of the high resistance layer and the low resistance layer is output as OFF resistance from the plurality of electrode portions. In an ON state where the bend amount is large, the crack is likely to open and at least the electrical resistance of the high resistance layer is output as ON resistance higher than the OFF resistance from the plurality of electrode portions.

Abstract: A force sensor comprising a substrate, a semiconductor body, and a piezoresistive element provided on a top surface of the semiconductor body. The semiconductor body is connected to the substrate in a force-fit manner, and includes a first wing which is provided on the top surface of the semiconductor body and being connected to the semiconductor body in a force-fit manner. A first force application area is provided on the first wing. A second wing has a second force application area provided opposite the first wing. The piezoresistive element is disposed between the first wing and the second wing. A force distribution component is connected to the first force application area and the second force application area in a force-fit manner. The force distribution component having a first surface which is oriented away from the top surface of the semiconductor body and includes a third force application area.

Abstract: A load cell structure for receiving strain gages to monitor applied torsional forces wherein the opposing force-receiving ends have a plurality of sensing beams spaced about an axis of rotation. Limit posts located between the ends each have a discontinuity therein that includes a U-shaped gap to limit relative rotation about the axis and thereby providing overload protection.

Abstract: A flexure element used for weight measurement includes a load-applied part to which load is applied, a supported part supported by a supporter, and a flexure part connected to the load-applied part and the supported part, strain gauges being attached to the flexure part. The load-applied part, the supported part, and the flexure part include surfaces that lie on the same plane. The thickness of the flexure part is less than the thickness of the load-applied part and the thickness of the supported part. The flexure part has a recess at a side opposite to the plane, the recess being located between the load-applied part and the supported part.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a load cell assembly and methods of folding a circuit device are disclosed. A flexible circuit body including a strip having at least one hinge is provided, with the strip being in a first position or an unfolded position. A plurality of strain gauges are attached to the strip, with the hinge disposed between the strain gauges. A jig is provided and the strip of the flexible circuit body is folded along the hinge utilizing the jig to define a second position or folded position of the strip.

Abstract: A tactile sensor and a multi-axial tactile sensor are provided, each of which is thin and can measure shearing force. A multi-axial tactile sensor 1 includes a sensor element 2 provided in a plane substantially at the same level as the surface of a substrate 6, and an outer package member 42 covering around the sensor element 2 and transmitting external force to the sensor element 2. The sensor element 2 includes a flexible beam 7 (8) having at least one end supported by the substrate 6. The sensor element 2 detects deformation of the beam 7 (8), the deformation being caused in the direction in parallel with the surface of the substrate 6.

Abstract: A force sensor to measure a force from a load includes a plunger, a flexible disc-shaped membrane, a support plate and a silicon die. The plunger is configured to receive the force from the load, and has a ring-shaped groove at the lower surface. The membrane has a ring-shaped upper bump at the upper surface configured to complementarily fit into the groove at the lower surface of plunger and a ring-shaped lower bump at lower upper surface. The support plate has a ring-shaped groove for complementary fit into the lower bump on the lower surface of the membrane. The silicon die is centrally mounted on the membrane and comprises piezo-resistors with resistance that varies when deformed by the force. Force received by the plunger is transmitted to the membrane, causing the membrane to flex and bending or compressing of the silicon die, resulting in the measurement of the force.

Abstract: A transducer for measuring normal force of a compliant pin includes a fixture having a base. A supporting beam extends from the base. A sensing beam is positioned proximate to the sensing beam and supported at at least one end thereof. The fixture has a slot positioned between the supporting beam and the sensing beam and configured to receive the compliant pin. A strain gauge array is provided on the sensing beam for sensing strain of the sensing beam. The strain of the sensing beam corresponds to normal force imparted on the sensing beam by the compliant pin. The sensing beam is configured to be deformed when the compliant pin is loaded into the slot and the deformation corresponds to strain of the sensing beam configured to be sensed by the strain gauge array.

Abstract: A feedback system for identifying an external force, includes an operation plate and a pressure-sensing unit. The pressure-sensing unit includes an elastic member supporting the operation plate and a pressure sensor inside the elastic member. The pressure sensor includes a pressure sensitive film. An inner side of the elastic member is filled with fluid material which acts on the pressure sensitive film. The operation plate is driven by the external force to be slant which extrudes the elastic member to deform so as to change fluid pressure of the fluid material limited in the elastic member, and such change of the fluid pressure can be sensed by the pressure sensitive film of the pressure sensor so as to identify the movement and the intensity of the external force.

Abstract: A force sensor may include a sensing die with a sense diaphragm. An actuation assembly may include a button member and a pin and/or other features, where a first end of the pin may engage the sense diaphragm and a second end of the pin may engage the button to facilitate transferring a force applied to the button to the sense diaphragm. In some cases, the interface between the button member and the pin may allow the button member to swivel or pivot, at least to some degree, relative to the pin, which may facilitate transferring a force from the button member to the diaphragm with minimal mechanical loss. In some cases, the second end of the pin may be at least partially tapered, with the taper engaging the edge of an indentation in the button.

Abstract: A seating sensing device embedded in a seat includes: a variable resistance unit generating resistance values corresponding to the circumference of the seat through a plurality of conductive threads installed in the seat; and a signal analysis unit analyzing variable quantities of the resistance values to acquire activity information on one or more of whether a user is seated or not, a seating posture, and a seating posture change.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device includes a first conversion layer and a second conversion layer, an electrically conductive element between the first and second conversion layers, and a pair of electrically conductive yarns connected to the electrically conductive element, wherein the first and second conversion layers include at least one deformation member adapted to deform the electrically conductive element and change the resistivity of the electrically conductive element, when pressure exerts on the first and/or the second conversion layer.

Abstract: The force sensing device includes a deformable member having portions arranged to make a pair with respect to the Z-axis. Three sets of strain detecting elements are formed on the deformable member for detecting deformations of the deformable member caused by a linear force in the X-axis, a linear force in the Y-axis and a rotational force about the Z-axis. The force sensing device includes a connecting member which connects between the pair of portions of the deformable member, and between the deformable member and a shaft of a manipulatable member. The force sensing device can be manufactured with easy wiring work and can detect the applied force in three degrees of freedom, including the linear force in the X-axis, the linear force in the Y-axis and the rotational force about the Z-axis.

Abstract: A displacement, strain, and/or force sensor assembly (10, 110) has a mounting structure (12) with an anisotropic stiffness to facilitate the measurement of displacements, strains, and/or forces along the X-axis, while minimizing errors due to undesired displacements, strains, and/or forces along the Y- and Z-axes, and rotations about the X-, Y-, and Z-axes. A pedestal (30, 130) configured to respond to axial displacements along the X-axis is centrally disposed on the X-axis of the mounting structure (12), and a displacement or strain sensor (38) is coupled to the pedestal (30) to provide a measure of the displacements, strains, and/or forces. Contact pads (14, 114) are formed on opposite ends of the X-axis of the mounting structure, to enable the displacement and/or strain sensor assembly to be secured to an application structure.

Abstract: A load cell structure for receiving strain gages to monitor applied torsional forces wherein the opposing force-receiving ends have a plurality of sensing beams spaced about an axis of rotation. Limit posts located between the ends each have a discontinuity therein that includes a U-shaped gap to limit relative rotation about the axis and thereby providing overload protection.

Abstract: A test fixture is provided for automotive wiper systems. The wiper system includes a plurality of connection points and one or more wiper arm connectors. The test fixture measures forces caused by the wiper system's operation at the plurality of connection points while a resistive torque is applied to each of the wiper arm connectors. The test fixture allows for multiple attachment configurations to accommodate the many wiper system configurations that exist.

Abstract: Force plate (1) having a plate-shaped carrier (2) which, when arranged vertically, has an upper carrier section (3) at the top in the vertical direction and a lower carrier section (4) at the bottom in the vertical direction. A first end carrier section (5) is connected, on the one hand, to the upper carrier section (3) via a vertical rod (7) and, on the other hand, to the lower carrier section (4) via a horizontally oriented spring element (6). That end of the lower carrier section (4) which faces away from the first end carrier section (5) is connected to the upper carrier section (3) via a horizontal rod (8). A second end carrier section (15) connects the horizontal rod (8) to the lower carrier section (4) via a vertically arranged spring element (16).

Abstract: A load cell for measuring extremely low level, anisotropic biaxial loads is disclosed. The system includes at least one load cell of a specific geometry and dimension which, when mounted, provides a rotationless system accurately transmitting both normal and shearing strains to strain gauges mounted thereon. More specifically, by shaping the load cell so as to concentrate the strains imposed thereon, detection of extremely minute loads, such as coefficients of friction, can be measured.

Abstract: A top-pan scale with a scale pan which is supported on at least one force transducer (7) of a force measurement system (5) and with a corner load sensor which outputs a signal if the weighing goods are positioned eccentrically on the scale pan. The corner load sensor (10) has a flat underside via which it can be placed on, or attached to, the scale pan or a bottom pan of the scale. The corner load sensor also has a flat upper side on which a scale pan (4) can be placed or attached. The corner load sensor (10) is connected to a positionally fixed electronic processor (22) via a force-feedback-free connection (21). Embodiments of the corner load sensor can therefore be used for a wide variety of scale designs and can be retrofitted easily.

Abstract: A force sensor to measure a force from a load. The force sensor includes a plunger, a flexible disc-shaped membrane, a support plate and a silicon die. The plunger is configured to receive the force from the load, and has a ring-shaped groove at the lower surface. The membrane has a ring-shaped upper bump at the upper surface, wherein the upper bump is configured to complementarily fit into the groove at the lower surface of plunger. Furthermore, the membrane has a ring-shaped lower bump at lower upper surface. The support plate has a ring-shaped groove that is configured so that the lower bump on the lower surface of the membrane can complementarily fit into. The silicon die is centrally mounted on the membrane, where the silicon die comprises piezo-resistors that vary their resistance when deformed by the force.

Abstract: This load cell attachment structure includes a male screw which is formed on a load sensing part of the load cell, a nut which attaches the load cell to the attachment plate by engaging with the male screw, and a wave washer which is disposed between the attachment plate and the nut.

Abstract: A force measuring apparatus comprises has a force-transmitting component, that holds a strain measuring element with a carrier element and a displacement transducer. The carrier element has two fixing sections at a predefined distance from each other in a direction of the strain with which it is fixed to the component. Furthermore, the carrier element has a strain section, which is provided between the fixing sections and which has a shorter length in the direction of the strain than the distance between the fixing sections, and which has a smaller cross section than the remaining carrier element. The displacement transducer is connected to the strain section in order to register the strain of the strain section.

Abstract: A low-cost breakable inertial threshold sensor using mainly micro-machining silicon technology constructed on a silicon-wafer or on some other brittle material according to the MEMS process. The sensor comprises a first body portion, a second body portion, and detecting means for giving an indication if the second body portion has damaged the detecting means. The status of the sensor can be read in various ways. In one embodiment the status is remotely readable.

Abstract: In a force-measuring cell with a deformable body and with at least one strain gauge which has a strain-sensitive electrical resistor track arranged on a polymer carrier substrate, the strain gauge is bonded to the deformable body by an adhesive layer of an inorganic-organic hybrid polymer. For the bonding of the strain gauge to the deformable body, an adhesive compound having an inorganic-organic hybrid polymer in solution is applied to the deformable body, whereupon the strain gauge is placed on the hybrid polymer layer, and the adhesive layer is subsequently hardened at a temperature between 80° C. and 130° C. For the hardening of the adhesive layer, the deformable body with the strain gauge is exposed to the increased temperature for a time period between a half hour and three hours.

Abstract: A multilayered coating is disclosed as a protective coating against moisture penetration for strain gauges that are or can be installed on a deformable body of a force-measuring cell. A strain gauge has a strain-sensitive electrical resistor track and connector electrodes for contacting the resistor track arranged on a carrier substrate, with a multilayered coating covering at least a part of the carrier substrate and/or of the resistor track and/or of the connector electrodes as a protective coating against moisture penetration. The multilayered coating is composed of an alternating sequence of a polymer layer and a barrier layer and consists of at least three thin individual layers. In the case where a multilayered coating is applied to a strain gauge that is already installed on the deformable body of a force-measuring cell, the multilayered coating can in addition also cover a part of the deformable body.

Abstract: A load cell for measuring extremely low level, anisotropic biaxial loads is disclosed. The system includes at least one load cell of a specific geometry and dimension which, when mounted, provides a rotationless system accurately transmitting both normal and shearing strains to strain gauges mounted thereon. More specifically, by shaping the load cell so as to concentrate the strains imposed thereon, detection of extremely minute loads, such as coefficients of friction, can be measured.

Abstract: The present invention involves a vehicle for passengers having a passenger safety system. The system has a crash sensor, a vehicle seat with a weight sensor assembly, an air bag and an air bag controller. The crash sensor is capable of providing a signal when the vehicle experiences an impact force of a predetermined magnitude. The vehicle seat is capable of supporting a vehicle occupant, with a seat frame member attached to a vehicle floor pan. The seat frame member has a rigid end and a resiliently flexible end, the resiliently flexible end able to resiliently deflect with respect to the vehicle floor pan upon experiencing a force due to the weight of the vehicle occupant. The sensor assembly has a cantilevered beam, a fulcrum, and a sensing device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure sensor comprising sensor layers (12, 14) which are made of an elastic, resistive material and are applied to a polymer film that is not represented. (22) embodies a spacer that is coated with an adhesive. One sensor layer (14) is provided with a microstructured surface encompassing spherical structures (20) within an active zone (16). The compression path amounts to 10 micrometers at an extension R of the structures of 50 micrometers. The structures (20) are large compared with a certain surface roughness. The inventive pressure sensor is produced by injection molding, etching, embossing, or by means of an electron beam technique or laser beam technique. Disclosed are variations thereof, which function differently.

Abstract: A load cell type weight measuring device includes a load cell formed of a strain member provided with a plurality of strain gauges and deforming according to a load applied to a load receptacle. The load cell type weight measuring device converts an output of a Wheatstone bridge circuit formed of the respective strain gauges into a weight value to display. Two weight receptacles are attached to the strain member. It is arranged such that when a load is applied to one of the load receptacles, a strain at a portion of the strain member provided with the strain gauges becomes smaller than that when the load is applied to the other of the load receptacles.

Abstract: An improved device for the measuring of weight or force is disclosed. This is an apparatus that allows for measurement of weight or force using a cantilever beam that is substantially insensitive to location of the weight or force within certain limits on the beam and is capable of correction for off-level conditions.

Abstract: Force sensing transducers which employ inline sensing and an integral crossarm support for a sensing component. These transducers have a metal frame with at least one ring; a beamlike crossarm which lies within, spans, and is integral with a ring of the transducer frame; and at least one strain sensor mounted, preferably under preload, in an aperture in the innermost (or single) ring.

Abstract: A load cell includes a first element, a second element and a sensor measuring force between the first and second elements along a first axis. In some embodiments, lateral and angular decoupling is provided by the provision of a convex surface between the first and second elements. The convex surface is slidable relative to at least one of the first and second elements in a first direction perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: An occupant load sensor (10) is fixed to a bracket (48) via a sleeve (60a) of a collar (60) arranged in an outer periphery of a thread (32) of a bolt portion (30), and a bush (62) interposed between the sleeve (60a) and a through hole (48a) of the bracket (48). Accordingly, a slight movement is allowed between the bolt portion (30) and the bracket (48) on the basis of gaps formed between the thread (32) and the sleeve (60a) and between the sleeve (60a) and the bush (62), and it is possible to cancel a force applied from the other directions than a vertical direction. Therefore, a load from the seat side is applied in the vertical direction and it is possible to accurately detect.

Abstract: A load sensor plate (100) is adapted for manufacture by stamping spaced apart openings (110) through a thin blank to define flexure beams (112) beside the openings (110); and forming the blank with spaced apart columnar walls (102), (106) joined by a web (104) having the openings (110) and the flexure beams (112) whereby, an applied load (116) exerted on one of the columnar walls (102) is distributed among the flexure beams (12), and another of the columnar walls (106) bears an opposing force (118) that resists the applied load (118).

Abstract: A bending beam load cell can be compensated for side-to-side off center load sensitivity by simple electrical adjustments if a pair of shear sensing strain gages are bonded to each bending beam midway between axial strain gages used to measure bending strains. The shear sensing strain gages measure torque on the load cell, and are incorporated in bridge circuits that make it possible to vary the amount of torque sensitivity correction by changing the value of a trimming resistor. The bridge circuits also include circuit components for compensation of front-to-back off center load error and for zero adjustment. Four strain gages on each bending beam can be part of a single composite strain gage element, so the shear sensing strain gages do not add any cost to the load cell. Such a load cell can also be hermetically sealed before any compensation of offset load errors is done.

Abstract: This load cell attachment structure includes a male screw which is formed on a load sensing part of the load cell, a nut which attaches the load cell to the attachment plate by engaging with the male screw, and a wave washer which is disposed between the attachment plate and the nut.