Anthony D Lowe

US Patent:

46401385, Feb 3, 1987

Filed:

Mar 6, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/708596

Inventors:

Richard A. Meyer - Carver MN
Anthony E. Lowe - Eden Prairie MN

Assignee:

MTS Systems Corporation - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

G01L 516

US Classification:

7386204

Abstract:

A load sensitive transducer designed primarily for use in sensing loads in all operational axes necessary to determine loads and forces on a transducer used on tools that are supported on a robot arm. The transducer is a one-piece machined construction to provide for very low hysteresis in operation, as well as obtaining long life by eliminating welding, brazing, adhesives or bolted joints. The transducer will provide six measurements including moments and axial measurements in the three principal axes (X, Y and Z), very low cross talk or likelihood of affecting the reading in one axis from loads in another axis because of the isolation features obtained by using flexure bending beams for the supports for the load carrying member. The integral machined structure permits a small package size that has low axial length and small diameter size to reduce the ultimate loads on the robot arm, and the unit as made provides very high stiffness in all axes.