Patent · US Expired

Weight sensors having centralized loose tolerance universal force and Mx/My moments overload stops

US6916997B2 · kind B2 · utility

41Cited by
8References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 6, 2002
Grant dateJul 12, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 1, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01G23/002
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Automotive load cells having centralized, multi-axis, loose tolerance overload/limit stops provide improved strain gauge response. The modular, integrated stop assemblies magnify sensor substrate deflection by use of opposed concave (Belleville) springs are used in direct contact with the substrate to accommodate ±Z axis deflection and Mx/My moment angular rotation. A flanged guide member on the load stud permits a wide range of geometries. The substrate is thickened around the load stud hole and the outboard support bolt holes. Hollow rivets assist in design modularity. Strain gauges are placed at the yield zones symmetrically with respect to the X axis. The substrate hole Mx/My gap is larger than the stop bracket hole to insure a positive stop for Mx/My moments prior to yield. The inventive multi-axis stop assembly is used in any type load cell, including rectangular, thinned, notched, necked/dogbone, or cantilever substrates with any strain gauge layout configuration.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.