Load cell mounted with a spring biased saddle element
View Patent ↗A load cell includes a first element, a second element and a sensor measuring force between the first and second elements along a first axis. In some embodiments, lateral and angular decoupling is provided by the provision of a convex surface between the first and second elements. The convex surface is slidable relative to at least one of the first and second elements in a first direction perpendicular to the first axis.
1. A load cell comprising:
a first element;
a second element;
a saddle disposed between the first element and the second element;
a convex surface disposed between the first element and the second element;
at least one spring disposed between the saddle and the first element; and
a sensor measuring force between the saddle and the second element along a first axis.
2. The load cell of claim 1 , wherein the saddle includes a recess engaging the convex surface.
3. The load cell of claim 1 , further including a ball bearing having the convex surface.
4. The load cell of claim 1 , wherein the at least one spring biases the saddle toward the convex surface, thereby placing a preload on the sensor.
5. The load cell of claim 1 , wherein a space between the first element and the saddle limits movement between the first element and the second element along the first axis.
6. The load cell of claim 1 , wherein one of the first element and the second element limits movement of the saddle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
7. A load cell comprising:
a first element;
a second element;
a saddle disposed between the first element and the second element;
at least one spring disposed between the saddle and the first element;
a convex surface disposed between the saddle and the second element; and
a sensor measuring force between the saddle and the second element along a first axis substantially perpendicular to the first element and the second element.
8. The load cell of claim 7 , wherein the saddle includes a recess engaging the convex surface.
9. The load cell of claim 7 , further including a ball bearing having the convex surface.
10. The load cell of claim 7 , wherein the at least one spring biases the saddle toward the convex surface, thereby placing a preload on the sensor.
11. The load cell of claim 7 , wherein a space between the first element and the saddle limits movement between the first element and the second element along the first axis.
12. The load cell of claim 7 , wherein one of the first element and the second element limits movement of the saddle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis.