Load cell with overload protection
AssigneesMeasurement Specialties, Inc., Measurement Specialties (China) Ltd.
InventorsHai Mei, Qineng Hu
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A load cell that includes a beam extending from a fixed section to a load section including a deflection section that moves under a load and a central beam section spaced from the deflection section. At least one strain gauge is coupled to the beam for detecting movement of the beam. A stop element including a bearing surface is also provided and coupled to the beam and configured such that the bearing surface does not engage the beam in a first position and engages the beam in a second position.
Claims22
A load cell comprising:
- a beam extending from a fixed section to a load section including a deflection section configured to move under a load and a central beam section spaced from the deflection section;
- at least one strain gauge coupled to the beam for detecting a load on the beam;
- and
- a stop element including a bearing surface coupled to the beam and configured such that the bearing surface does not engage the beam in a first position and engages the beam in a second position based on the load on the beam.
A load cell comprising:
- a beam extending from a fixed section to a load section that is configured to receive a load, the beam including a central beam section spaced from the load section to form a channel between the load section and central beam section;
- at least one strain gauge coupled to the beam for detecting a load on the beam;
- and
- an adjustable stop element secured to the central beam section and extending through the channel into the load section, the adjustable stop element configured to engage the load section above a first threshold load in a first direction and engage the load section above a second threshold load in a second direction.
An exercise device comprising:
- a frame;
- at least one pedal coupled to the frame;
- a flywheel coupled to the at least one pedal to rotate in response to movement of the at least one pedal;
- an eddy current brake including a first magnet spaced from a second magnet with the flywheel disposed therebetween;
- a load cell including a beam with a load section coupled to the magnets such that movement of the first magnet in a first direction places a load on the load section, the load cell including a stop element disposed with the beam to prevent movement of the beam above a threshold force.
A load cell comprising:
- a beam extending from a fixed section to a load section including a deflection section configured to move under a load and a central beam section spaced from the deflection section;
- at least one strain gauge coupled to the beam for detecting a load on the beam;
- and
- a first channel formed between the deflection section and the central beam section;
- wherein the central beam section and deflection section are configured such that when the deflection section is above a threshold load the deflection section moves through the first channel and engages the central beam before the deflection section reaches a yield condition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.