A novel six-component force sensor of good measurement isotropy and sensitivities

In this work, a novel six-component force sensor with its force-sensing member in the form of four identical T-shaped bars is presented. The force-sensing member is subjected to finite element analysis in conjunction with a design optimization for high measurement sensitivities. Although significant measurement couplings exist in this six-component force sensor, however, they distribute only in a few sparse places in the calibration matrix, making the calculations for the force components relatively easy and quick. The condition number under the full rated loading conditions for this sensor is 1.543, which represents a rather good measurement isotropy, as compared to approximately 2-4 for a Maltese crossbar sensor under similar conditions. In addition, only 20 strain gauges are required in the design, which is less than that used in a Maltese crossbar type sensor, in which at least 24 strain gauges are used. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V All rights reserved.