Patent ID: 6952972

Claim:
A force sensor, comprising: a substantially rotationally symmetric member having an axis, comprising: a first force input element for receiving a force to be measured applied in a first radial direction of the force sensor; a second force input element for receiving a support force applied in a second radial direction of the force sensor, the second force input element axially spaced from the first force input element; a spring assembly disposed between the first force input element and the second force input element, the spring assembly integral with or mechanically coupled to the first force input element and the second force input element, and wherein deformation of the spring assembly is converted into a corresponding electrical signal; and a tubular cover coupled to one of the first force input element and the second force input element, the cover surrounding the spring assembly and covering at least a portion of the other force input element, leaving a circumferential gap between the cover and the other force input element; the cover comprising an inwardly projecting constriction that is spaced apart by an axial distance from an opposing shoulder of the other force input element, so that, in an event of a radial overload or an axial overload on the force sensor, the other force input element deflects and rests against a portion of the cover, the cover having adequate rigidity to transmit the overload between the one force input element and the other force input element.