Towed implement draft force sensor
US7104340B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01L5/136
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A draft force sensor is provided for a coupling member coupled between a towing vehicle and a towed earth engaging implement, such as a scraper. The draft force sensor includes first and second bores extending through the coupling member. Each bore has a horizontal axis which extends perpendicular to a main fore-and-aft axis of the coupling member. The second bore is positioned above the first bore and spaced apart from the first bore. Each of the bores is surrounded by an outer cylindrical wall. Four electrical strain gauges are spaced apart and placed on the wall of each of the bores. A center line bisects an axis line which extends between the axes of the first and second bores. The axis of each bore is spaced apart from the center line by a distance which is less than a diameter of the bores. The strain gauges are connected electrically in a circuit which generates a draft force signal in response to draft forces applied to the coupling member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.