Patent ID: 11898925
Assignee: ULTRASENSE SYSTEMS, INC.
Field: Measurement (Instruments)
Classification: CPC G | IPC G

Claim 16:
17. A method of mapping data of force transmission from a plurality of force-imparting points to each force-measurement device, comprising the steps of:
(A) configuring a testing system, comprising: (1) a linear actuator assembly comprising a Z-axis actuator and a slider, (2) a load cell secured to the slider, such that actuation of the Z-axis actuator is mechanically coupled to a vertical movement of the load cell via the slider, (3) a controller electronically coupled to the Z-axis actuator, and (4) a load cell signal processing circuitry electronically coupled to the load cell and the controller, configured to measure force signals at the load cell and output amplified force signals to the controller;
(B) configuring a sample stage, a sample comprising a force-measuring device, and a force-measuring device controller, the sample stage retaining the sample, the sample stage comprising a sample stage positioner, the controller electronically coupled to the sample stage positioner, each force-measuring device comprising a signal processing circuitry, the force-measuring device controller electronically coupled to the signal processing circuitry of each force-measuring device;
(C) obtaining a desired force-trajectory;
(D) controlling, by the controller, actuation of the sample stage positioner to position the load cell at each one of a plurality of force-imparting points on the sample and, for each respective force-imparting point, operating the testing system (step DO);
(E) reading, by the force-measuring device controller, digital transducer data output from the respective signal processing circuitry of each of the force-measuring devices when the time-varying applied force is imparted to the sample at each force-imparting point; and
(F) generating a map of data of force transmission from each the plurality of force-imparting points to the force-measuring device in accordance with digital transducer data obtained from the force-measuring device upon the imparting of the time-varying applied force at each respective force-imparting point;
wherein the step (D0) of operating the force-measuring device testing system comprises the sub-steps of:
(D1) calculating, by the controller, an actuation of the Z-axis actuator in accordance with the desired force trajectory and an elastic parameter;
(D2) controlling, by the controller, actuation of the Z-axis actuator in accordance with the calculated actuation;
(D3) imparting, by the load cell, a time-varying applied force to the sample at one of a plurality of force-imparting points during the vertical movement of the load cell, the time-varying applied force being imparted via at least one elastic member positioned between the load cell and the sample;
(D4) measuring, by the load cell signal processing circuitry, force signals at the load cell and amplifying the force signals;
(D5) outputting, by the load cell signal processing circuitry, amplified force signals to the controller;
(D6) obtaining, by the controller, digital force signals in accordance with the amplified force signals;
(D7) updating, by the controller, the elastic parameter when there is a deviation of the digital force signals from the desired force trajectory; and
(D8) repeatedly executing steps (D1) through (D7), inclusive, until the desired force trajectory has been executed; and

wherein the elastic parameter relates actuation of the Z-axis actuator to digital force signals resulting from the actuation.