Silicon force sensor
First Claim
1. A load sensing system, comprising:
- a load sensor comprising a piezoresistive sensor; and
a load application component configured to;
locate the load sensor on a supporting structure;
apply a compressive preload to the load sensor resulting in application of a compressive load to the piezoresistive sensor; and
under an operational load, effect a relaxation in the compressive load on the piezoresistive sensor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The various technologies presented herein relate to a sensor for measurement of high forces and/or high load shock rate(s), whereby the sensor utilizes silicon as the sensing element. A plate of Si can have a thinned region formed therein on which can be formed a number of traces operating as a Wheatstone bridge. The brittle Si can be incorporated into a layered structure comprising ductile and/or compliant materials. The sensor can have a washer-like configuration which can be incorporated into a nut and bolt configuration, whereby tightening of the nut and bolt can facilitate application of a compressive preload upon the sensor. Upon application of an impact load on the bolt, the compressive load on the sensor can be reduced (e.g., moves towards zero-load), however the magnitude of the preload can be such that the load on the sensor does not translate to tensile stress being applied to the sensor.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A load sensing system, comprising:
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a load sensor comprising a piezoresistive sensor; and a load application component configured to; locate the load sensor on a supporting structure; apply a compressive preload to the load sensor resulting in application of a compressive load to the piezoresistive sensor; and under an operational load, effect a relaxation in the compressive load on the piezoresistive sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A load sensing system comprising:
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a load sensor setup; and a load application component configured to; apply a compressive preload to the load sensor setup resulting in an application of a compressive load to the sensor; and under an operational load, effect a relaxation in the compressive load on the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A load sensing system comprising:
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a load sensor setup comprising a sensor; and a load application component configured to; induce a compressive load to the sensor; and under an operational load, effect a relaxation in the compressive load on the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification