Force sensor using a piezoceramic device
First Claim
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1. A force sensor, comprising:
- a first member having a first cavity formed therein, said first cavity having an opening at one end of said first cavity and a wall at another end of said first cavity;
a second member disposed within said first cavity of said first member, said second member being made of an electrically conductive material;
a piezoelectric component disposed within said first cavity;
a resilient force transfer device disposed within said first cavity between said wall and said piezoelectric component;
means for measuring a voltage potential between a first portion of said piezoelectric component and a second portion of said piezoelectric component; and
means for insulating said second member from said piezoelectric component.
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Abstract
A force sensor is provided which incorporates a piezoceramic element between first and second members that are moveable relative to each. The piezoceramic element is disposed within a cavity that is formed in the first member. The cavity extends between an opening and a wall within the first member. A second member is disposed within the cavity and slideably associated therewith. A spring is provided to permit the piezoceramic element to be preloaded without damaging it. First and second conductive elements are disposed on opposite sides of the piezoceramic element to facilitate electrical connection between the piezoceramic element and an external device.
24 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A force sensor, comprising:
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a first member having a first cavity formed therein, said first cavity having an opening at one end of said first cavity and a wall at another end of said first cavity; a second member disposed within said first cavity of said first member, said second member being made of an electrically conductive material; a piezoelectric component disposed within said first cavity; a resilient force transfer device disposed within said first cavity between said wall and said piezoelectric component; means for measuring a voltage potential between a first portion of said piezoelectric component and a second portion of said piezoelectric component; and means for insulating said second member from said piezoelectric component. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A force sensor, comprising:
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a first member having a first cavity formed therein, said first cavity having an opening at one end of said first cavity and a wall at another end of said first cavity; a second member disposed within said first cavity of said first member, said second member being made of an electrically conductive material; a piezoelectric component disposed within said first cavity, said piezoelectric component being a piezoceramic component; a resilient force transfer device disposed within said first cavity between said wall and said piezoelectric component; means for measuring a voltage potential between a first portion of said piezoelectric component and a second portion of said piezoelectric component, said resilient force transfer device being a spring; and means for insulating said second member from said piezoelectric component. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. A force sensor, comprising:
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a first member having a first cavity formed therein, said first cavity having an opening at one end of said first cavity and a wall at another end of said first cavity; a second member disposed within said first cavity of said first member; a piezoelectric component disposed within said first cavity; a resilient force transfer device disposed within said first cavity between said wall and said piezoelectric component; and means for measuring a voltage potential between a first portion of said piezoelectric component and a second portion of said piezoelectric component, said sensor being attached to a machine for washing articles.
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Specification