Elastomeric Strain Gauge Load Sensors

• Main Authors: Haynes, David Frank, Boyer, Philip Reese
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 07.12.2023
• Subjects: MEASURING; MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER,MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE; PHYSICS; TESTING

A load sensor includes a compressible body positionable between two surfaces. The compressible body has a plurality of aligned layers including first and second outer shims with a middle shim positioned therebetween and with a resilient material interposed between each adjacent shim. The second outer shim has a gap that exposes an unsupported area of the middle shim. A strain gauge is coupled to the middle shim in the unsupported area. When the compressible body is uncompressed, the resilient material interposed between the first outer shim and the middle shim has a substantially uniform thickness. When the compressible body is compressed between the two surfaces, the resilient material aligned with the unsupported area and interposed between the first outer shim and the middle shim has a nonuniform thickness such that the middle shim deflects away from the first outer shim in the unsupported area, thereby deforming the strain gauge.