Patent ID: 9459168
Filing Date: 2016-10-04
CPC Classification: B64C,B64D,G01L,G01N

Claim Text:
1. A load-sensing strut comprising: a main body having a longitudinal loading axis along which an applied load is transmitted; a load sensing member arranged to carry at least a portion of the applied load when the applied load is within a predetermined loading range, wherein the load sensing member includes at least one load sensor generating a load signal, wherein the load sensing member includes a cylindrical sleeve aligned on the loading axis; and a load alleviation member arranged to reduce the portion of the applied load carried by the load sensing member when the applied load is outside the predetermined loading range, wherein the load alleviation member includes an outer tube member surrounding the main body to define first and second longitudinal abutment gaps between the main body and the load alleviation member whereby the load alleviation member is disengaged from transmitting the applied load when the applied load is within the predetermined loading range; the load alleviation member being engaged to assist the main body and the load sensing member in transmitting the applied load in response to longitudinal deformation of the main body caused by the applied load being outside the predetermined loading range; wherein the at least one load sensor exhibits greater sensitivity to incremental changes in the applied load when the applied load is within the predetermined loading range than when the applied load is outside the predetermined loading range.