Force sensor with mechanical over-force transfer mechanism

摘要

A force sensor system includes a housing assembly, a sensor, an actuator, and an actuator travel stop. The sensor is disposed within the housing assembly, and is configured to generate a sensor signal representative of a force supplied to the sensor. The actuator is disposed at least partially within, and is movable relative to, the housing assembly. The actuator extends from the housing assembly and is adapted to receive an input force. The actuator is configured, upon receipt of the input force, to move toward, and transfer the input force to, the sensor. The actuator travel stop is disposed within the housing assembly, and between the housing assembly and a portion of the actuator. The actuator travel stop is configured to be selectively engaged by the actuator and, upon engagement by the actuator, to limit movement of the actuator toward, and the input force transferred to, the sensor.

主权项

1. A force sensor system, comprising:
a housing assembly including a sensor case and a cover, the cover having an actuator opening formed therein; a sensor disposed within the sensor case, the sensor having an active range and configured to generate a sensor signal representative of a force supplied to the sensor; an actuator disposed at least partially within, and movable relative to, the housing assembly, the actuator extending through the actuator opening and adapted to receive an input force, the actuator configured, upon receipt of the input force, to move toward, and transfer the input force to, the sensor; and an actuator travel stop disposed within the housing assembly, and between the housing assembly and a portion of the actuator, the actuator travel stop configured to be selectively engaged by the actuator and, upon engagement by the actuator, (i) limits movement of the actuator toward, and the input force transferred to, the sensor and (ii) transfers at least a portion of the input force to the housing assembly, wherein:
the actuator travel stop is sized so as to limit the input force transferred to the sensor to a maximum of two times the active range of the sensor, andthe actuator travel stop comprises a shim that is disposed between and contacts both the sensor case and the cover.