摘要 |
A membrane weight sensor incorporates a plurality of membrane switch elements, each characterized by a distinct activation force threshold determined by the effective diameter and activation travel distance of the associated membrane. A plurality of membrane switch elements is incorporated into a single membrane switch pad. The membrane switch pad is aligned with a pair of first and second plates, one of which incorporates a plurality of protrusions, each operatively coupled to a different membrane switch element for purposes of deflecting the associated membrane. The signals from each of the associated switch elements are encoded and combined so as to form a single analog output signal having a plurality of discrete levels indicative of the amount of force applied to the membrane weight sensor. |