Vibration isolation mechanism for a vibrating beam force sensor
OwnerWilliam C. Albertinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A force sensor apparatus includes a vibrating beam and first and second isolator mass members that supports ends of the vibrating beam. The first and second isolator mass members are configured symmetrically relative to an axis that intersects the vibrating beam at an angle other than 90 degrees. First and second end mounts connect respectively to the first and second isolator mass members. Each isolator mass member has a center of gravity. Each isolator mass member is shaped so that it can be massive (e.g., along the x-axis direction) while at the same time having its center of gravity at an optimal location so that undesirable beam forces and moments that would otherwise transfer vibrating beam energy to the end mounts are cancelled.
Claims33
A force sensor apparatus, comprising:
- a beam capable of vibration;
- a first L-shaped member in a first configuration supporting one end of the beam and to a first end mount by way of a first spring member;
- and
- a second L-shaped member in a second, different configuration supporting the other end of the beam and to a second end mount by way of a second spring member,
- wherein the first and second configurations are symmetric about an axis that intersects the beam at an angle other than 90 degrees.
A force sensor apparatus comprising:
- a beam capable of vibration;
- first and second isolator masses supporting the beam, each isolator mass having a first end and a second end;
- first and second mounts connected respectively to the first and second isolator masses;
- a single first isolator beam extending perpendicularly from the first end of the first isolator mass toward the second isolator mass in a first plane;
- and
- a single second isolator beam extending perpendicularly from the second end of the second isolator mass toward the first isolator mass in a second plane different from but parallel to the first plane.
A force sensor apparatus comprising:
- a beam capable of vibration;
- first and second, similarly-shaped, isolator masses supporting the beam and configured symmetrically relative to an axis that intersects the beam at an angle other than 90 degrees;
- and
- first and second end mounts connected respectively to the first and second isolator masses.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.