Instrumented pin sensor

An instrumented pin sensor, comprising:

• a support body in the form of a pin, the pin having an axial cross section that is only partially circular, forming a first outer surface with a profile that follows the partially circular axial cross section, and a second outer surface with a profile that does not follow the partially circular axial cross section;
• a strain sensing electrical circuit comprising at least one strain sensing gauge, the strain sensing electrical circuit fixedly disposed on the second outer surface of the support body;
• a plurality of electrical leads having a first end electrically connected to the strain sensing electrical circuit and fixedly attached to the second outer surface of the support body, and a second end extending from the support body and being configured to provide electrical transmission of electrical signals from the strain sensing electrical circuit to an end user instrument;
• wherein the second outer surface runs the entire length of the support body with material of the support body only on an underside of the second outer surface;
• wherein the support body of the pin has a first end and a second opposing end that are both disposed and configured to be mechanically grounded;
• wherein the support body of the pin has a first circumferential rib and a second circumferential rib separated from the first circumferential rib;
• wherein the first and the second circumferential ribs are disposed between the first and second ends of the support body of the pin;
• and
• wherein the first and the second circumferential ribs are both disposed and configured to act as strain focusing features to induce specific bending and to concentrate strain in predetermined regions.