Patent ID: 8659307

Claim:
A sensor for monitoring external loads acting on a pin assembly comprising: a) a pin having an axial interior bore defined therein and having a length defined from a first end to an opposed second end thereof; b) a core pin mounted axially aligned within the interior bore of the pin and being spaced radially inwardly with a radial clearance from the interior bore for relative displacement with respect to the pin; and c) a capacitor having an inner capacitor plate mounted to the core pin, and a plurality of outer capacitor plate mounted to the pin, each outer capacitor plate of the plurality of outer capacitor plates being aligned axially with the inner capacitor plate such that relative displacement of the core and the pin due to external loading on the pin results in relative displacement of the inner and outer capacitor plates, and wherein the plurality of outer capacitor plates are configured to be connected to an electrical circuit to produce signals indicative of external loading on the pin based on the relative displacement of the core pin and the pin.