Force Sensing in Magnitude, Direction, and Position

Abstract

A sensing device is described which measures the magnitude, direction, and position of force in the plane of the sensor. The basic sensing method is by strain gauge bridges, the outputs of which are amplified and fed via Analogue to Digital (A/D) converters to a microcomputer for calculation of the force characteristics. The transducer system is shown to be capable of measuring quasi static forces; experimental measurements confirming the feasibility of the device. Further research work is planned to improve the accuracy of the system and to ascertain and improve its capability of measuring dynamic forces.