US 4,384,495 A · Mounting system for applying forces to load-sensitive resonators

Abstract

A mounting structure for double-bar resonators to ensure symmetrical loading of the resonator responsive to external forces. In one embodiment, the resonator is connected to a pair of mounting pads through compliant coupling members. The coupling members allow longitudinal, force-induced displacements of the mounting pads to load the resonator while making the resonator insensitive to spurious transverse displacements of the mounting pads. In another embodiment, a force is applied to a load-sensitive, double-bar resonator through a force-transmitting bar which is mounted on an elongated flexure hinge. The hinge is compliant about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the resonator so that the hinge attenuates any force component acting perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the resonator which would otherwise non-symmetrically load the resonator.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A force transducer, comprising:

a double tuning fork resonator having a pair of elongated parallel tines extending between spaced-apart nods;
and
a force-transmitting member pivotally mounted on a base through support means which are relatively compliant to moments acting about a pivot axis but relatively rigid to all other moments, said resonator having one of its nodes connected to said force-transmitting member, with the plane of the tines of said resonator parallel to and equidistant from said pivot axis such that pivotal movement of said force-transmitting member loads substantially equally said tines while the rigidity of said support means to moments not applied about said pivot axis restricts non-symmetrical loading of said resonator.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Mounting system for applying forces to load-sensitive resonators

Life of this patent

Mounting system for applying forces to load-sensitive resonators

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9