Patent ID: 8446360

Claim:
A force sensor configured for use in an input device to a processing system, comprising: a first support member; a second support member coupled in movable relation to the first support member along at least a first axis; a third support member coupled in movable relation to the second support member along at least a second axis orthogonal to the first axis; a first sensor arranged to provide a first signal reflective of the degree of movement between the first and second support members relative to at least the first axis; and a second sensor arranged to provide a second signal reflective of the degree of movement between the second and third support members relative to at least the second axis; wherein the first and second support members are coupled in movable relation through a first flexure assembly extending between the first support member and the second support member; further comprising: a second flexure assembly; and a third flexure assembly extending between the first support member and the second support member, the third flexure assembly in spaced relation to the first flexure assembly; and wherein the first and third flexure assemblies each comprise a generally planar flex element, and wherein the two flex elements extend in generally parallel planes to one another.