Patent ID: 11680860

Abstract:
A compact load cell that simultaneously measures normal and shear forces in a load plane offset from a sensor plane by a distance h. The compact load cell comprises at least three force sensing elements (preferably four) arranged in the sensor plane about a point and spaced a distance d from the point. All force sensing elements may be spaced by the same distance or the distance may be different for one or more force sensing elements. Each force sensing element comprises a pressure sensor encased in a force transmission medium. A load plate is in contact with the force transmission medium and a load beam is connected at one end to the load plate above the point of the sensor plane and extends to the load plane. Forces acting in the load plane are transmitted to the sensor plane by the load beam and load plate. The forces are resolved to determine the normal and shear forces acting at the load plane. The compact load cell may be applied to determine forces acting on, for example, an unmanned aerial vehicle.