Apparatus for load and displacement sensing

Abstract

An apparatus for load and displacement sensing adapted for measuring normal and shear forces exerted on load bearing portions of a body. The apparatus includes a deformable pad and a plurality of sensors. Each sensor includes at least one magnet and at least one Hall-effect transducer affixed to opposite sides of the deformable pad. Normal forces are measured utilizing magnets having a planar North and South polarizations and the magnitude and direction of shear forces are measured utilizing magnets having alternating North and South pole segments disposed longitudinally therewithin. In another embodiment, normal and shear forces are measured utilizing a magnet having a point-magnetization. The force exerted on the body deforms the pad, bringing the magnet in close proximity to the transducer, which senses the change in the magnetic flux density.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.