Load cell for monitoring torsion and having over load protection
First Claim
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1. A load cell structure for receiving strain gages thereon to monitor torsional forces applied to said structure which comprises:
- (a) a first force-receiving end having a first central region bounded by a first peripheral region;
(b) a second force-receiving end having a second central region bounded by a second peripheral region, said first and second ends being spaced along an axis of rotation;
(c) a plurality of sensing beams extending between the first and second peripheral regions, said beams having strain gage receiving surfaces thereon;
(d) at least one limit post attached to the second force-receiving end and aligned with the axis of rotation, said at least one limit post having a free end spaced from the first force-receiving end; and
(e) a pair of contact surfaces formed on the free end, said pair of contact surfaces being oriented in alignment with the axis of rotation to establish a pair of overload gaps between the free end and the force-receiving end, the application of torsional force to the structure causing relative rotation of the first and second force-receiving ends limited by the engagement of a contact surface with the first force-receiving end.
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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.
30 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A load cell structure for receiving strain gages thereon to monitor torsional forces applied to said structure which comprises:
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(a) a first force-receiving end having a first central region bounded by a first peripheral region; (b) a second force-receiving end having a second central region bounded by a second peripheral region, said first and second ends being spaced along an axis of rotation; (c) a plurality of sensing beams extending between the first and second peripheral regions, said beams having strain gage receiving surfaces thereon; (d) at least one limit post attached to the second force-receiving end and aligned with the axis of rotation, said at least one limit post having a free end spaced from the first force-receiving end; and (e) a pair of contact surfaces formed on the free end, said pair of contact surfaces being oriented in alignment with the axis of rotation to establish a pair of overload gaps between the free end and the force-receiving end, the application of torsional force to the structure causing relative rotation of the first and second force-receiving ends limited by the engagement of a contact surface with the first force-receiving end. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A load cell structure for receiving strain gages thereon to monitor torsional forces applied thereto, said structure comprising:
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(a) first and second force-receiving ends, said ends each being spaced along an axis of rotation; (b) a plurality of sensing beams affixed to the first and second force-receiving ends and having strain gage receiving surfaces thereon, said sensing beams being oriented substantially parallel to the axis of rotation; and (c) a plurality of limit posts positioned between said first and second force-receiving ends and aligned with the axis of rotation, each of said plurality of limit posts having a discontinuity therein, each said discontinuity permitting limited relative rotation of said first and second force-receiving ends. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification