Abstract:
A load suspension and weighing system for a removable reservoir unit of a portable dialysis machine includes a centrally located flexure assembly. The flexure assembly includes magnets and a number of flexure rings which allow for movement of the magnets about a fixed circuit board. Sensors in the circuit board sense changes in the magnetic field as the magnets move in relation to the circuit board. The magnetic field changes produce a voltage output which is used by a processor to generate weight calculations. The top of the flexure assembly is attached to the interior of the dialysis machine. The entirety of the reservoir unit is suspended by a first internal frame that is attached to the bottom of the flexure assembly. Having a single flexure assembly positioned above the reservoir unit provides more accurate weight measurements while also preventing damage to the assembly from water spillage.
Abstract:
An example actuator device for a force sensor is described herein. The device can include a device body, a force concentrator element, an overload protection element, one or more legs, and an attachment layer for attaching the device to a substrate. An example method for assembling a force sensing system is also described herein. Further, an example method for protecting a force sensor from excessive forces or displacement is described herein.
Abstract:
A force sensor according to embodiments includes a light-emitting unit, a pair of first light detectors, a reflector, and a first frame. The light-emitting unit emits diffuse light. The first light detectors are arranged in a first direction with the light-emitting unit interposed therebetween. The reflector is arranged to face the light-emitting unit on an optical axis of the light-emitting unit and reflects the diffuse light emitted from the light-emitting unit toward the first light detectors. The first frame is deformed in the first direction so that a reflection range of the diffuse light reflected by the reflector is displaced in the first direction.
Abstract:
Nonlinear spring. In one embodiment, the spring includes two opposed curved surfaces curving away from one another. A flexible cantilever member is disposed between the two opposed curved surfaces and a mass is attached to a free end of the cantilever member wherein the flexible cantilever member wraps around one of the curved surfaces as the cantilever member deflects to form a nonlinear spring. Energy harvesting devices and a load cell are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A device for measuring mechanical quantity is provided which reduces the influence of a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between an object to be measured and a base plate metal body, and precisely measures a mechanical quantity such as deformation quantity or strain quantity caused in the object to be measured. The device includes a semiconductor strain sensor module for measuring deformation quantity of the object to be measured, and the module includes a metal body, and a semiconductor strain sensor mounted on the metal body to detect strain of the metal body. The object to be measured is made of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient larger than that of the metal body. Further, the metal body mounted with the semiconductor strain sensor has a structure configured to be fixed to the object to be measured.
Abstract:
Nonlinear spring. In one embodiment, the spring includes two opposed curved surfaces curving away from one another. A flexible cantilever member is disposed between the two opposed curved surfaces and a mass is attached to a free end of the cantilever member wherein the flexible cantilever member wraps around one of the curved surfaces as the cantilever member deflects to form a nonlinear spring. Energy harvesting devices and a load cell are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A load suspension and weighing system for a removable reservoir unit of a portable dialysis machine includes a centrally located flexure assembly. The flexure assembly includes magnets and a number of flexure rings which allow for movement of the magnets about a fixed circuit board. Sensors in the circuit board sense changes in the magnetic field as the magnets move in relation to the circuit board. The magnetic field changes produce a voltage output which is used by a processor to generate weight calculations. The top of the flexure assembly is attached to the interior of the dialysis machine. The entirety of the reservoir unit is suspended by a first internal frame that is attached to the bottom of the flexure assembly. Having a single flexure assembly positioned above the reservoir unit provides more accurate weight measurements while also preventing damage to the assembly from water spillage.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a spring (1), in particular for a push button, for fixing to a carrier (2) and for registering a vertical force (F). The spring (3) is designed in such a way that when actuated it converts a vertical movement into a horizontal movement that can be detected by sensor means (4).
Abstract:
A high-accuracy load measuring apparatus capable of enlarging a measurement range includes a loading section provided at one end of a long and narrow beam. A support supports the beam at a side closer to the other end of the beam than the loading section. A displacement sensor includes a capacitive sensor and is provided to measure a displacement of the loading section. The beam includes a pair of long and narrow plate-like legs arranged in parallel while being spaced apart in a thickness direction and a connecting portion connecting ends of the plate-like legs at a side of the loading section. The beam is supported on the support to have a changeable length between a supported position by the support and the loading section. Each plate-like leg includes a slot, which is a long and narrow hole formed along a length direction in a widthwise central part.
Abstract:
Described herein are ruggedized wafer level MEMS force dies composed of a platform and a silicon sensor. The silicon sensor employs multiple flexible sensing elements containing Piezoresistive strain gages and wire bonds.