Ring-Based Stiffening Flexure Applied as a Load Cell With High Resolution and Large Force Range
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md_139_10_103501.pdf
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Author(s)
Kluger, Jocelyn Maxine
Slocum, Alexander H
Sapsis, Themistoklis P.
Date Issued
June 2017
Journal
Journal of Mechanical Design
Publisher
ASME International
Citation
Kluger, Jocelyn M., Alexander H. Slocum, and Themistoklis P. Sapsis. “Ring-Based Stiffening Flexure Applied as a Load Cell With High Resolution and Large Force Range.” Journal of Mechanical Design 139, no. 10 (August 30, 2017): 103501. © 2017 by ASME
Version
Final published version
Abstract
This paper applies linear elastic theory and Castigliano's first theorem to design nonlinear (stiffening) flexures used as load cells with both large force range and large resolution. Low stiffness at small forces causes high sensitivity, while high stiffness at large forces prevents over-straining. With a standard 0.1 lm deflection sensor, the nonlinear load cell may detect 1% changes in force over five orders of force magnitude. In comparison, a traditional linear load cell functions over only three orders of magnitude. We physically implement the nonlinear flexure as a ring that increasingly contacts rigid surfaces with carefully chosen curvatures as more force is applied. We analytically describe the load cell performance as a function of its geometry. We describe methods for manufacturing the flexure from a monolithic part or multiple parts. We experimentally verify the theory for two load cells with different parameters.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Ocean Engineering
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Article is made available in accordance with the publisher's policy and may be subject to US copyright law. Please refer to the publisher's site for terms of use.
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DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4037243
