Instrumented spindle or load cell for high load, high resolution
An assembly operable for measuring one of a force and a moment, comprising: a compliant flexure mechanism that is one of deflected and deformed under an applied load; a low resolution load sensor coupled to the compliant flexure mechanism and operable for measuring one of the deflection and the deformation of the compliant flexure mechanism under a relatively higher load; and a high resolution load sensor coupled to the compliant flexure mechanism and operable for measuring one of the deflection and the deformation of the compliant flexure mechanism under a relatively lower load; wherein the high resolution load sensor is one of a non-contact sensor that is disposed at a distance from the compliant flexure mechanism and a contact sensor that is not subject to damage by the relatively higher load. Optionally, the low resolution load sensor is disposed adjacent to a narrowed neck portion of the compliant flexure mechanism.
1. An assembly operable for measuring one of a force and a moment, comprising:
a compliant flexure mechanism that is one of deflected and deformed under an applied load;
a low resolution load sensor coupled to the compliant flexure mechanism and operable for measuring one of the deflection and the deformation of the compliant flexure mechanism under a relatively higher load; and
a high resolution load sensor coupled to the compliant flexure mechanism and operable for measuring one of the deflection and the deformation of the compliant flexure mechanism under a relatively lower load;
wherein the high resolution load sensor is a non-contact sensor that is disposed at a distance from the compliant flexure mechanism such that the high resolution load sensor is not subject to damage by the relatively higher load.
2. The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a support structure coupled to one or more of the compliant flexure mechanism, the low resolution load sensor, and the high resolution load sensor.
3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the low resolution load sensor is a contact sensor that physically contacts the compliant flexure mechanism.
4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the low resolution load sensor is a non-contact sensor that is disposed at a distance from the compliant flexure mechanism.
5. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the low resolution load sensor is disposed adjacent to a narrowed neck portion of the compliant flexure mechanism.
6. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the low resolution load sensor comprises a strain gage.
7. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the high resolution load sensor comprises one of a capacitance gage, an eddy current probe, and an optical sensor.
8. A method for providing an assembly operable for measuring one of a force and a moment, comprising:
providing a compliant flexure mechanism that is one of deflected and deformed under an applied load;
providing a low resolution load sensor coupled to the compliant flexure mechanism and operable for measuring one of the deflection and the deformation of the compliant flexure mechanism under a relatively higher load; and
providing a high resolution load sensor coupled to the compliant flexure mechanism and operable for measuring one of the deflection and the deformation of the compliant flexure mechanism under a relatively lower load;
wherein the high resolution load sensor is a non-contact sensor that is disposed at a distance from the compliant flexure mechanism such that the high resolution load sensor is not subject to damage by the relatively higher load.
9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising providing a support structure coupled to one or more of the compliant flexure mechanism, the low resolution load sensor, and the high resolution load sensor.
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the low resolution load sensor is a contact sensor that physically contacts the compliant flexure mechanism.
11. The method of claim 8 , wherein the low resolution load sensor is a non-contact sensor that is disposed at a distance from the compliant flexure mechanism.
12. The method of claim 8 , wherein the low resolution load sensor is disposed adjacent to a narrowed neck portion of the compliant flexure mechanism.
13. The method of claim 8 , wherein the low resolution load sensor comprises a strain gage.
14. The method of claim 8 , wherein the high resolution load sensor comprises one of a capacitance gage, an eddy current probe, and an optical sensor.