Elongate force sensor assembly with throughgoing bore

A method of manufacture of a force sensor for measuring a force applied in a force application direction, the method comprising:

• fabricating an elongate force responsive beam element extending along a longitudinal axis which is generally perpendicular to said force application direction, said elongate force responsive beam element having a hollow cross-section generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and being formed together with a throughgoing longitudinal bore along said longitudinal axis;
• forming in said elongate force responsive beam element a strain engine extending along a transverse axis, generally perpendicular to both said force application direction and to said longitudinal axis;
• affixing at least one strain gauge to said elongate force responsive beam element, each of said at least one strain gauge being operative to generate a strain gauge output in response to said force;
• and
• electrically connecting said at least one strain gauge to a plurality of circuit elements operative to convert said strain gauge output into a force indication, indicating a magnitude of said force.