Force sensor
A force sensor comprising a force sensitive resistor having a common electrode and an electrode array separated by a force sensitive resistor material. The sensor includes a preload structure, where the preload structure imparts a force on the force sensitive resistor material. The sensor may also include a signal conditioning board to read a signal from the electrode array and convert it to a digital output.
1. A force sensor comprising:
a force sensitive resistor comprising:
a common reference electrode,
an electrode array positioned proximate to the common reference electrode, and
a force sensitive resistor material separating the common reference electrode and the electrode array, wherein the common reference electrode and the electrode array are separated by a distance along a longitudinal axis of the force sensitive resistor; and
a preload structure mechanically binding the common reference electrode, force sensitive resistor material, and electrode array, wherein the preload structure imparts a compressive force upon the force sensitive resistor material along the longitudinal axis.
2. The force sensor of claim 1 , wherein the preload structure engages a center point of each of the common reference electrode, the force sensitive resistor material, and the electrode array.
3. The force sensor of claim 1 , wherein the electrode array comprises a plurality of sensing elements.
4. The force sensor of claim 1 , further comprising a signal conditioning board in electrical contact with the electrode array, wherein the signal conditioning board receives a signal from the electrode array.
5. The force sensor of claim 1 , further comprising a protective housing affixed to the common reference electrode.
6. The force sensor of claim 5 , wherein the protective housing comprises a protective tip affixed to the common reference electrode by the preload structure.
7. The force sensor of claim 1 , wherein the preload structure comprises a screw having a head that engages the common reference electrode and a threaded portion that engages a nut.
8. The force sensor of claim 4 , wherein the signal comprises a resistance of the force sensitive resistor.
9. The force sensor of claim 8 , wherein the signal conditioning board converts the signal to a voltage analog output.
10. The force sensor of claim 9 , wherein the signal conditioning board converts the voltage analog output to a digital output.