Strain sensor that compensates for thermal strain
OwnerWalter Kistlerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A strain sensor includes a sensor body extending substantially in a plane. The sensor body is substantially symmetric in the plane about a first axis and a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The sensor body includes a plurality of sensor body portions symmetrically spaced apart about the first axis and the second axis with the plurality of sensor body portions interconnected by respective beams. The strain sensor further includes at least one strain sensing element mounted on one of the respective beams.
Claims28
A strain sensor, comprising:
- a sensor body extending substantially in a plane, the sensor body being substantially symmetric in the plane about a first axis and a second axis that is perpendicular to the second axis, the sensor body comprising a plurality of sensor body portions symmetrically spaced apart about the first axis and the second axis, the plurality of sensor body portions interconnected by respective beams;
- and
- a first strain sensing element mounted on one of the respective beams.
A weighing system adapted for providing an indication of the weight of material loading a support structure, comprising:
- a sensor body extending substantially in a plane and having a mounting hole extending therethrough, the sensor body being substantially symmetric in the plane about a first axis and a second axis that is perpendicular to the second axis, the sensor body comprising a plurality of sensor body portions symmetrically spaced apart about the first axis and the second axis, the plurality of sensor body portions interconnected by respective beams;
- and
- a first strain sensing element mounted on one of the respective beams;
- a fastening element configured to be inserted through the mounting hole to secure the sensor body to the support structure so that the first axis or the second axis is substantially aligned with a principal strain axis of the support structure;
- and
- an electronic indicator coupled to the first strain sensing element, the electronic indicator providing the indication of the weight of material loading the support structure responsive to electrical signals received from the first strain sensing element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.