Load cell

• US 20060137916A1
• Filed: 02/27/2006
• Published: 06/29/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Appy Risk Technologies Limited (Trak Global Group Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Alexander M. Nassonov, Dimitri L. Axakov, Fakhreddine Karray, Otman A Basir, Sergey Krivtsov
• Inventors: Basir, Otman A., Karray, Fakhreddine, Nassonov, Alexander M., Krivtsov, Sergey, Axakov, Dimitri L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,294,793 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 177/201
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/002 Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon detection means responsive to presence or absence of children B60N2/266
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/4142 for controlling activation of safety devices, e.g. airbag systems electrical circuits for triggering safety arrangements in case of vehicle accidents B60R21/015
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 21/184 using ball or roller bearings ball or roller bearings G01G21/06

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.

Claims

1. A load cell comprising:

a first element;

a second element;

a saddle disposed between the first element and the second element;

a convex surface disposed between the first element and the second element;

at least one spring disposed between the saddle and the first element; and

a sensor measuring force between the saddle and the second element along a first axis.

2. The load cell of claim 1, wherein the saddle includes a recess engaging the convex surface.

3. The load cell of claim 1, further including a ball bearing having the convex surface.

4. The load cell of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring biases the saddle toward the convex surface, thereby placing a preload on the sensor.

5. The load cell of claim 1, wherein a space between the first element and the saddle limits movement between the first element and the second element along the first axis.

6. The load cell of claim 1, wherein one of the first element and the second element limits movement of the saddle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

7. A load cell comprising:

a first element;

a second element;

a saddle disposed between the first element and the second element;

at least one spring disposed between the saddle and the first element;

a convex surface disposed between the saddle and the second element; and

a sensor measuring force between the saddle and the second element along a first axis substantially perpendicular to the first element and the second element.

8. The load cell of claim 7, wherein the saddle includes a recess engaging the convex surface.

9. The load cell of claim 7, further including a ball bearing having the convex surface.

10. The load cell of claim 7, wherein the at least one spring biases the saddle toward the convex surface, thereby placing a preload on the sensor.

11. The load cell of claim 7, wherein a space between the first element and the saddle limits movement between the first element and the second element along the first axis.

12. The load cell of claim 7, wherein one of the first element and the second element limits movement of the saddle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis