Tendon tension sensor

US8371177B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US
• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Chris A. Ihrke · Hartland, US
• Lyndon Bridgwater · Houston, US
• Robert Platt · Houston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 30, 2008
• Grant date: Feb 12, 2013
• Expiry date: Dec 14, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B25J9/1045
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A tendon tension sensor that has particular application for measuring tension on a tendon employed in a robotic arm. The tension sensor includes an elastic element having a curved channel through which the tendon is threaded. The elastic element also includes a center portion on which strain gauges are mounted that measure the strain on the elastic element. Tension on the tendon causes the center portion of the elastic element to flex or bend, which is measured by the strain gauges providing an indication of the tension in the tendon.