Load transducer and force measurement assembly using the same

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/158,809, entitled “Low Profile Load Transducer”, filed on Jan. 18, 2014, and further claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/887,357, entitled “Low Profile Load Transducer”, filed on Oct. 5, 2013, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.

[0002] Not Applicable.

[0003] Not Applicable.

[0004] Not Applicable.

[0005] 1. Field of the Invention

[0006] The field of the invention relates to multi-component load transducers utilizing multiple strain gage load channels for precise measurement of forces and moments and, more particularly, to beam-style load cells requiring an overall small size, high capacity, and yet high sensitivity.

[0007] 2. Background and Related Art

[0008] The use of strain gages in load transducers to measure forces and moments is a known art. A transducer can incorporate one or more load channels. Each load channel measures one of the load components, and is comprised of one or more strain gages mounted to one or more elastic elements that deform under the applied load. An appropriate circuitry relates the resistance change in each set of gages to the applied force or moment. Strain gages have many industrial, medical, and electrical applications due to their small size, low production cost, flexibility in installation and use, and high precision.

[0009] A typical low profile, small, multi-component load transducer only functions correctly when the axial (i.e. vertical) force acts relatively central to the transducer. Specifications of such transducers indicate a maximum allowable offset for the force being approximately half the diameter of the transducer. Technical specifications of transducers are given as the allowable force and moment ratings, where the moment rating is obtained by multiplying the maximum allowable force with the maximum allowable offset of the force.

[0010] Transducers can be used to measure forces and moments in linkages such as those found in a robotic arm, where the links are connected by joints, and the magnitude and offset of the forces transmitted by these joints are used to control the linkage. In such applications, it is desirable to have a transducer which has significantly higher moment capacity than those available in the market. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved multi-component, low profile load transducer with high moment capacity.

[0011] When conventional load transducers are utilized in conjunction with force plates, unique load transducers must be designed and fabricated for force plates having a particular footprint size. Consequently, in order to fit force plates with varying footprint sizes, many different custom load transducers are required. These custom load transducers significantly increase the material costs associated with the fabrication of a force plate. Also, conventional load transducers often span the full length or width of the force plate component to which they are mounted, thereby resulting in elongate load transducers that utilize an excessive amount of stock material.

[0012] Therefore, what is needed is a load transducer that is capable of being interchangeably used with a myriad of different force plate sizes so that load transducers that are specifically tailored for a particular force plate size are unnecessary. Moreover, there is a need for a universal load transducer that is compact and uses less stock material than conventional load transducers, thereby resulting in lower material costs. Furthermore, there is a need for a force measurement assembly that utilizes the compact and universal load transducer thereon so as to result in a more lightweight and portable force measurement assembly.

[0013] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a load transducer and a force measurement assembly using the same that substantially obviates one or more problems resulting from the limitations and deficiencies of the related art.

[0014] In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a load transducer that includes a plurality of beam portions connected to one another in succession, the plurality of beam portions being arranged in a circumscribing pattern whereby a central one of the plurality of beam portions is at least partially circumscribed by one or more outer ones of the plurality of beam portions; and at least one load cell disposed on one of the plurality of beam portions, the at least one load cell configured to measure at least one force or moment component of a load applied to the load transducer.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the at least one load cell comprises a strain gage configured to measure the at least one force or moment component of the load applied to the load transducer.

[0016] In yet a further embodiment, the plurality of beam portions are each part of a transducer frame, the transducer frame being compact and of one-piece construction.

[0017] In still a further embodiment, the circumscribing pattern in which the plurality of beam portions are arranged is generally G-shaped.

[0018] In yet a further embodiment, the circumscribing pattern in which the plurality of beam portions are arranged is generally spiral-shaped.

[0019] In still a further embodiment, the at least one load cell comprises at least three load cells, each of the at least three load cells being disposed on a respective one of the plurality of beam portions, a first of the at least three load cells configured to be sensitive to a vertical force component, a second of the at least three load cells configured to be sensitive to a first shear force component, a third of the at least three load cells configured to be sensitive to a second shear force component, the first shear force component being generally perpendicular to the second shear force component, and each of the first and second shear force components being generally perpendicular to the vertical force component.

[0020] In yet a further embodiment, the plurality of beam portions comprises at least two pairs of beam portions that are disposed generally parallel to one another.

[0021] In still a further embodiment, each of the at least two pairs of beam portions comprises two beam portions that are laterally spaced apart from one another by a gap.

[0022] In yet a further embodiment, one or more of the plurality of beam portions comprises a first top surface that is disposed at a first elevation relative to a bottom surface of the load transducer and a second top surface that is disposed at a second elevation relative to the bottom surface of the load transducer, the second elevation being greater than the first elevation; and wherein a recessed area created by the difference in elevation between the second elevation and the first elevation is used to accommodate one or more electrical components of the at least one load cell.

[0023] In accordance with one or more other embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a load transducer that includes a plurality of beam portions connected to one another in succession, the plurality of beam portions being arranged in a looped configuration whereby a central one of the plurality of beam portions emanates from a generally central location within a footprint of the load transducer and outer ones of the plurality of beam portions are wrapped around the central one of the plurality of beam portions; and a plurality of load cells, each of the load cells being disposed on a respective one of the plurality of beam portions, the plurality of load cells configured to measure one or more force components or one or more moment components, or both one or more force components and one or more moment components.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the looped configuration in which the plurality of beam portions are arranged is generally G-shaped.

[0025] In yet a further embodiment, the looped configuration in which the plurality of beam portions are arranged is generally spiral-shaped.

[0026] In still a further embodiment, the plurality of load cells comprises at least three load cells, each of the at least three load cells being disposed on a respective one of the plurality of beam portions, a first of the at least three load cells configured to be sensitive to a vertical force component, a second of the at least three load cells configured to be sensitive to a first shear force component, a third of the at least three load cells configured to be sensitive to a second shear force component, the first shear force component being generally perpendicular to the second shear force component, and each of the first and second shear force components being generally perpendicular to the vertical force component.

[0027] In yet a further embodiment, one or more of the plurality of beam portions comprises a mounting aperture disposed near a respective end thereof for accommodating a fastener.

[0028] In still a further embodiment, one or more of the plurality of beam portions comprises an aperture disposed therein and a strain gage disposed on an outer surface thereof, the outer surface of the one or more of the plurality of beam portions on which the strain gage is disposed being generally opposite to an inner surface of the aperture.

[0029] In yet a further embodiment, one or more of the plurality of beam portions comprises a first top surface that is disposed at a first elevation relative to a bottom surface of the load transducer and a second top surface that is disposed at a second elevation relative to the bottom surface of the load transducer, the second elevation being greater than the first elevation; and wherein a recessed area created by the difference in elevation between the second elevation and the first elevation is used to accommodate one or more electrical components of the at least one load cell.

[0030] In accordance with yet one or more other embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a force measurement assembly that includes at least one plate component having a measurement surface for receiving a portion of a body of a subject; and a plurality of load transducers. Each of the plurality of load transducers includes a plurality of beam portions connected to one another in succession, the plurality of beam portions being arranged in a circumscribing pattern whereby a central one of the plurality of beam portions is at least partially circumscribed by one or more outer ones of the plurality of beam portions; and at least one load cell disposed on one of the plurality of beam portions, the at least one load cell configured to measure at least one force or moment component of a load applied to the load transducer. In these one or more other embodiments, one or more of the plurality of load transducers is disposed proximate to a respective corner of the at least one plate component.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the present invention, none of the plurality of load transducers extend substantially an entire length or width of the at least one plate component.

[0032] In yet a further embodiment, at least one of the plurality of load transducers comprises a first top surface that is disposed at a first elevation relative to a bottom surface of the load transducer and a second top surface that is disposed at a second elevation relative to the bottom surface of the load transducer, the second elevation being greater than the first elevation; and wherein a recessed area created by the difference in elevation between the second elevation and the first elevation is used to accommodate one or more electrical components of the at least one load cell of the load transducer.

[0033] From the foregoing disclosure and the following more detailed description of various preferred embodiments it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention provides a significant advance in the technology and art of load transducers. Particularly significant in this regard is the potential the invention affords for providing a low profile load transducer with high moment capacity. Additional features and advantages of various preferred embodiments will be better understood in view of the detailed description provided below.

[0073] It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the load transducers as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes of the various components, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. Certain features of the illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In particular, thin features may be thickened, for example, for clarity or illustration. All references to direction and position, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the load transducers illustrated in the drawings. In general, up or upward generally refers to an upward direction within the plane of the paper in FIG. 1 and down or downward generally refers to a downward direction within the plane of the paper in FIG. 1.

[0074] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to those who have knowledge or experience in this area of technology, that many uses and design variations are possible for the improved load transducers disclosed herein. The following detailed discussion of various alternative and preferred embodiments will illustrate the general principles of the invention. Other embodiments suitable for other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

[0075] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a load transducer 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This load transducer 10 is designed to have a low profile, small size, trivial weight, high sensitivity, and easy manufacturability. The load transducer 10 generally includes a one-piece compact transducer frame 12 having a central body portion 14 and a plurality of beams 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 extending outwardly from the central body portion 14. As best illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. 1, each of the beams 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 comprises a respective load cell or transducer element for measuring forces and/or moments. For example, the load cells of beams 16, 18, 24, 26 are configured to respectively measure the forces F1, F2, F3, F4 with force vector components F1_x, F1_y, F1_z, F2_x, F2_y, F2_z, F3_x, F3_y, F3_z, F4_x, F4_y, F4_z. In addition to forces, the output of the load cells can also be used to determine moments and the point of application of a force (i.e., its center of pressure). Referring again to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the illustrated load transducer 10 comprises eight single or multi-axis load cells that are mounted to a common structure or body portion 14.

[0076] The illustrated transducer frame 12 is shown in FIGS. 1-4. The illustrated transducer frame 12 includes the central body portion 14 and a plurality of beams 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 extending outwardly therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the transducer frame 12 is milled as one solid and continuous piece of a single material. That is, the transducer frame 12 is of unitary or one-piece construction with the body portion 14 and the beams 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 integrally formed together. The transducer frame 12 is preferably machined in one piece from aluminum, titanium, steel, or any other suitable material that meets strength and weight requirements. Alternatively, the beams 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 can be formed separately and attached to the body portion 14 in any suitable manner.

[0077] With reference to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the illustrated central body portion 14 is generally in the form of rectangular prism (i.e., a square prism) with substantially planar top, bottom, and side surfaces. In FIG. 1, it can be seen that the body portion 14 comprises a first pair of opposed sides 14a, 14c and a second pair of opposed sides 14b, 14d. The side 14a is disposed generally parallel to the side 14c, while the side 14b is disposed generally parallel to the side 14d. Each of the sides 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d is disposed generally perpendicular to the planar top and bottom surfaces. Also, each of the first pair of opposed sides 14a, 14c is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the second pair of opposed sides 14b, 14d. While not explicitly shown in FIGS. 1-4, the central body portion 14 may comprise one or more apertures disposed therethrough for accommodating fasteners (e.g., screws) that attach electronics or circuitry to the body portion 14. In addition to fasteners, it is noted that any other suitable means for attachment of the electronics or circuitry can alternatively be utilized (e.g., suitable adhesives, etc.). While the illustrated body portion 14 is generally in the form of a square prism, it is to be understood that the body portion 14 can alternatively have other suitable shapes.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the illustrated beams 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 are each attached to one of the sides 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d of the body portion 14, and extend generally horizontally outward therefrom. In particular, beams 16, 18 extend generally horizontally outward from side 14a of the body portion 14, beams 20, 22 extend generally horizontally outward from side 14b of the body portion 14, beams 24, 26 extend generally horizontally outward from side 14c of the body portion 14, and beams 28, 30 extend generally horizontally outward from side 14d of the body portion 14. In addition, each of the illustrated beams 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 extend substantially parallel to the top and bottom surfaces of the body portion 14. Each of the illustrated beams 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 has a cantilevered end relative to the body portion 14 that allows for deflection of the ends of the beams 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 in the vertical direction.

[0079] With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, it can be seen that the beams 16, 18 extending from side 14a are substantially parallel to one another, and laterally spaced apart from one another by a gap. Opposed beams 24, 26, which extend from side 14c, also are substantially parallel to one another, and laterally spaced apart from one another by a gap. Beam 16 extends in a longitudinal direction that is generally co-linear with, but opposite to the extending direction of beam 26 (i.e., both beams 16 and 26 are aligned along central longitudinal axis LA1). Similarly, beam 18 extends in a longitudinal direction that is generally co-linear with, but opposite to the extending direction of beam 24 (i.e., both beams 18 and 24 are aligned along central longitudinal axis LA2). The beams 20, 22 extending from side 14b are substantially parallel to one another, and laterally spaced apart from one another by a gap. Opposed beams 28, 30, which extend from side 14d, also are substantially parallel to one another, and laterally spaced apart from one another by a gap. Beam 20 extends in a longitudinal direction that is generally co-linear with, but opposite to the extending direction of beam 30 (i.e., both beams 20 and 30 are aligned along central longitudinal axis LA3). Similarly, beam 22 extends in a longitudinal direction that is generally co-linear with, but opposite to the extending direction of beam 28 (i.e., both beams 22 and 28 are aligned along central longitudinal axis LA4). The illustrated beams 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 are provided with generally vertically extending apertures 32 near their ends for accommodating fasteners that are used to secure the load transducer 10 to additional structures. Although, it is noted that any other suitable means for attachment of the load transducer 10 can alternatively be utilized (e.g., a suitable adhesive for attaching metallic components to one another).

[0080] The main body portions of illustrated beams 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 have a rectangular-shaped cross section to form generally planar, opposed top and bottom surfaces, and generally planar, opposed side surfaces for attachment of load cell components as described hereinafter. The illustrated beams 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 have generally cylindrical end portions, which include the fastener apertures 32. As best shown in FIG. 1, the illustrated top planar surfaces of the beam main body portions of beams 16, 18, 24, 26 are recessed below the top surfaces of the beam cylindrical end portions to protect the load cell components from engagement with the structure to which the load transducer 10 is attached, while the illustrated bottom planar surfaces of the beam main body portions of beams 20, 22, 28, 30 are recessed above the bottom surfaces of the beam cylindrical end portions to protect the load cell components from engagement with the structure to which the load transducer 10 is attached. In other words, as shown in FIG. 1, the cylindrical end portions of beams 16, 18, 24, 26 are provided with a top standoff portion (i.e., a cylindrical portion protruding from the top of each beam having the aperture 32), while the cylindrical end portions of beams 20, 22, 28, 30 are provided with a bottom standoff portion (i.e., a cylindrical portion protruding from the bottom of each beam having the aperture 32). While not explicitly shown in the figures, beams 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 may also include apertures disposed therethrough for increasing the deflectability of the beams 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 as desired (e.g., the apertures could be disposed below, or adjacent to each of the strain gages 34, 36, 38). In order to accommodate these apertures, the length of each beam 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 could be extended so that multiple strain gages 34, 36 on a common beam could be spaced apart from one another along a length of the beam (i.e., each strain gage 34, 36 would occupy a dedicated, respective segment of the beam). It is noted that these apertures can be of any suitable size and shape as needed and also can be eliminated if desired. It is further noted that the beams 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 can alternatively have other cross-sectional shapes depending on whether it is desired to have planar surfaces at the top and/or bottom or left and/or right sides for the load cell components but the illustrated rectangular shape is particularly desirable because the same frame can be used for multiple configurations of the transducer load cells.

[0081] The illustrated one-piece frame 12 has a low profile or is compact. The terms “low profile” and “compact” are used in this specification and the claims to mean that the height is substantially smaller than the footprint dimensions so that the load transducer 10 can be utilized in a mechanical joint without significant changes to the mechanical joint. The illustrated one piece frame 12 has a height H that is about 20% its footprint width W₁ or W₂ (see FIGS. 2, 3, 7, and 8). As a result, the load transducer 10 has a low profile or is compact and has a height H that is about 20% its footprint width W₁ or W₂. The term “load cell” is used in the specification and claims to mean a load sensing element of the load transducer that is capable of sensing one or more load components of the applied load.

[0082] As best shown in FIG. 1, the illustrated load cells are located on beams 16, 18, 20, 24, 26, and 30. In the illustrated embodiment, beams 22, 28 do not contain any load cells, but, in other embodiments, may contain load cells with strain gages 38 similar to beams 20, 30. Beams 16, 26 also may contain strain gages 36, similar to beams 18, 24, in other embodiments. In a preferred embodiment, each load cell comprises one or more strain gages 34, 36, 38. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, beams 16, 18, 24, 26 each comprise a strain gage 34 disposed on the top surface thereof that is sensitive to the vertical force component (i.e., a F_Z strain gage). Opposed beams 18, 24 also each comprise a strain gage 36 disposed on a side surface thereof that is sensitive to a first shear force component (i.e., a F_X strain gage). Opposed beams 20, 30 each comprise a strain gage 38 disposed on a side surface thereof that is sensitive to a second shear force component (i.e., a F_Y strain gage). All eight (8) of the strain gages 34, 36, 38 are measuring a difference in the bending moments in the beams. If the applied shears to each of the two parallel beams 18, 24 or 20, 30 are equal (which is most likely the case), this is an optimal number of strain gages for a six-component load transducer (i.e., for a load transducer that is capable of measuring the three (3) force components F_X, F_Y, F_Z and the three (3) moment components M_X, M_Y, M_Z). Shear web gages can also be used in lieu of one or more of the illustrated strain gages 34, 36, 38. Also, in other preferred embodiments alternate load and/or moment sensors may be utilized as required or desired as long as they do not interfere with the advantages of the design as a whole. For example, piezoelectric gages or Hall-effect sensors are possible alternatives to the strain gages 34, 36, 38.

[0083] As best shown in FIG. 1, the illustrated load cells are configured as bending beam load cells. The illustrated strain gages 34, 36, 38 are mounted to either top or side surfaces of the beams 16, 18, 20, 24, 26, 30 between their attachment locations to the body portion 14 and the cylindrical end portions thereof. Alternatively, the strain gages 34 can be mounted to the bottom surfaces of the beams 16, 18, 24, 26 between their attachment locations to the body portion 14 and the cylindrical end portions thereof, while the strain gages 36, 38 can be mounted to the opposite side surfaces of the beams 18, 20, 24, 30 between their attachment locations to the body portion 14 and the cylindrical end portions thereof. That is, the strain gages 34, 36, 38 are mounted to surfaces generally normal to the direction of applied vertical and/or shear forces (i.e., F_X, F_Y, F_Z). It is also noted that alternatively, the strain gages 34 can be mounted at both the top surface and the bottom surface of the beams 16, 18, 24, 26, and/or the strain gages 36, 38 can be mounted at both opposed side surfaces of the beams 18, 20, 24, 30. These strain gages 34, 36, 38 measure force either by bending moment or difference of bending moments at two cross sections. As force is applied to the ends of the beams (e.g., forces F1, F2, F3, F4 with force vector components F1_x, F1_y, F1_z, F2_x, F2_y, F2_z, F3_x, F3_y, F3_z, F4_x, F4_y, F4_z applied to the ends of respective beams 16, 18, 24, 26), the beams 16, 18, 20, 24, 26, 30 with strain gages attached thereto bend. This bending either stretches or compresses the strain gages 34, 36, 38, in turn changing the resistances of the electrical currents passing therethrough. The amount of change in the electrical voltage or current is proportional to the magnitude of the applied force (e.g., forces F1, F2, F3, F4 with force vector components F1_x, F1_y, F1_z, F2_x, F2_y, F2_z, F3_x, F3_y, F3_z, F4_x, F4_y, F4_z applied to the ends of respective beams 16, 18, 24, 26).

[0084] Alternatively, the load cells can be configured as shear-web load cells. In this configuration, the strain gages are mounted to either one of the lateral side surfaces of the beams between their attachment locations to the body portion 14 and the cylindrical end portions thereof. It is noted that alternatively, the strain gages can be mounted at both of the lateral side surfaces of the beams. Mounted in these positions, the strain gages directly measure shear as force is applied to the end of the beam.

[0085] As best shown in FIG. 1, the load transducer 10 measures applied forces (e.g., forces F1, F2, F3, F4 with force vector components F1_x, F1_y, F1_z, F2_x, F2_y, F2_z, F3_x, F3_y, F3_z, F4_x, F4_y, F4_z applied to the ends of respective beams 16, 18, 24, 26) at each of the load cells. The sum of the forces is the force being applied to any assembly attached to the top of the load transducer 10. The load cells of the beams 16, 26 measure the force being applied to one lateral side of the load transducer 10; whereas, load cells of the beams 18, 24 measure the force being applied to the other lateral side of the load transducer 10. The various moments are determined by subtracting the sum total of the forces acting on one pair of load cells from the sum total acting upon the opposite pair. For example, subtracting the sum total of the forces acting on load cell of beam 16 and load cell of beam 18 from the sum total of the forces acting on load cell of beam 24 and load cell of beam 26, subtracting the sum total of load cells of beams 18, 24 from the sum total of load cells of beams 16, 26.

[0086] The sensory information from the strain gages 34, 36, 38 is transmitted to a microprocessor which could then be used to control the assembly to which the load transducer is a part of such as a robotic assembly. As best shown in FIG. 1, the planar central body portion 14 of the transducer frame 12 provides an area where associated electronics and/or circuitry can be mounted. Alternatively, the electronics and/or circuitry can be mounted at any other suitable location. FIG. 5 schematically illustrates exemplary electronic components that can be included in the load transducer data processing system. The strain gages 34, 36, 38 of load transducer 10 may be electrically connected to a signal amplifier/converter 40, which in turn, is electrically connected to a computer 42 (i.e., a data acquisition and processing device or a data processing device with a microprocessor). The components 10, 40, 42 of the system may be connected either by wiring, or wirelessly to one another.

[0087] FIG. 5 graphically illustrates the acquisition and processing of the load data carried out by the exemplary load transducer data processing system. Initially, as shown in FIG. 5, external forces F1-F4 and/or moments are applied to the load transducer 10. When the electrical resistance of each strain gage 34, 36, 38 is altered by the application of the applied forces and/or moments, the change in the electrical resistance of the strain gages brings about a consequential change in the output voltage of the strain gage bridge circuit (e.g., a Wheatstone bridge circuit). Thus, in one embodiment, the eight (8) strain gages 34, 36, 38 output a total of eight (8) analog output voltages (signals). In some embodiments, the eight (8) analog output voltages from the eight (8) strain gages 34, 36, 38 are then transmitted to a preamplifier board (not shown) for preconditioning. The preamplifier board is used to increase the magnitudes of the analog voltage signals, and preferably, to convert the analog voltage signals into digital voltage signals as well. After which, the load transducer 10 transmits the output signals S_TO1-S_TO8 to a main signal amplifier/converter 40. Depending on whether the preamplifier board also includes an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter, the output signals S_TO1-S_TO8 could be either in the form of analog signals or digital signals. The main signal amplifier/converter 40 further magnifies the transducer output signals S_TO1-S_TO8, and if the signals S_TO1-S_TO8 are of the analog-type (for a case where the preamplifier board did not include an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter), it may also convert the analog signals to digital signals. Then, the signal amplifier/converter 40 transmits either the digital or analog signals S_ACO1-S_ACO8 to the data acquisition/data processing device 42 (computer 42) so that the forces and/or moments that are being applied to the load transducer 10 can be transformed into output load values OL. The computer or data acquisition/data processing device 42 may further comprise an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter if the signals S_ACO1-S_ACO8 are in the form of analog signals. In such a case, the analog-to-digital converter will convert the analog signals into digital signals for processing by the microprocessor of the computer 42.

[0088] When the computer or data acquisition/data processing device 42 receives the voltage signals S_ACO1-S_ACO8, it initially transforms the signals into output forces and/or moments by multiplying the voltage signals S_ACO1-S_ACO8 by a calibration matrix. After which, the force components F_X, F_Y, F_Z and the moment components M_X, M_Y, M_Z applied to the load transducer 10 are determined by the computer or data acquisition/data processing device 42. Also, the center of pressure (i.e., the x and y coordinates of the point of application of the force applied to the load transducer 10) can be determined by the computer or data acquisition/data processing device 42.

[0089] FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a load transducer 10′ according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. With reference to these figures, it can be seen that, in some respects, the second exemplary embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. Moreover, some parts are common to both such embodiments. For the sake of brevity, the parts that the second embodiment of the load transducer has in common with the first embodiment will only be briefly mentioned, if at all, because these components have already been explained in detail above. Furthermore, in the interest of clarity, these components will be denoted using the same reference characters that were used in the first embodiment.

[0090] Initially, referring to the perspective view of FIG. 6, it can be seen that, like the first exemplary embodiment, the transducer frame 12′ of the second embodiment includes a central body portion 14 and a plurality of beams 16, 18, 20′, 24′, 28, 30 extending outwardly therefrom. Although, unlike the first exemplary embodiment of the load transducer, the side 14b of the body portion 14 of the load transducer 10′ contains only a single beam 20′ extending therefrom, rather two beams 20, 22 (see FIG. 1). Similarly, unlike the load transducer 10 of the first embodiment, the side 14c of the body portion 14 of the load transducer 10′ contains only a single beam 24′ extending therefrom, rather two beams 24, 26 (refer to FIG. 1). Also, unlike the load transducer 10 of the first embodiment, the load transducer 10′ includes only three strain gages 34 that are sensitive to the vertical force component (i.e., three F_Z strain gages), rather than four strain gages.

[0091] In particular, in the second embodiment, beams 16, 18, 24′ each comprise a strain gage 34 disposed on the top surface thereof that is sensitive to the vertical force component (i.e., a F_Z strain gage). Beams 18, 24′ also each comprise a strain gage 36 disposed on a side surface thereof that is sensitive to a first shear force component (i.e., a F_X strain gage), while beams 20′, 30 each comprise a strain gage 38 disposed on a side surface thereof that is sensitive to a second shear force component (i.e., a F_Y strain gage). The load transducer 10′ of the second embodiment is capable of measuring the three force components (F_X, F_Y, F_Z) and the three moment components (M_X, M_Y, M_Z) with a minimum of six beams 16, 18, 20′, 24′, 28, 30 (i.e., three input beams and three output beams) and a minimum of seven strain gages 34, 36, 38.

[0092] Now, with reference to the top view illustrated in FIG. 9, it can be seen that the central longitudinal axis LA5 of the beam 20′, which extends from side 14b of the body portion 14, is generally equally spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis LA3 and LA4 (i.e., the central longitudinal axis LA5 of the beam 20′ is generally centered between the central longitudinal axis LA3 of beam 30 and the central longitudinal axis LA4 of beam 28). Similarly, as shown in FIG. 9, the longitudinal axis LA6 of the beam 24′, which extends from side 14c of the body portion 14, is generally equally spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis LA1 and LA2 (i.e., the central longitudinal axis LA6 of the beam 24′ is generally centered between the central longitudinal axis LA1 of beam 16 and the central longitudinal axis LA2 of beam 18). The other features of the load transducer 10′ are similar to that of the load transducer 10, and thus, need not be reiterated herein.

[0093] FIGS. 10-14 illustrate a load transducer 100 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring initially to the perspective view of FIG. 10, it can be seen that the load transducer 100 generally includes a one-piece compact transducer frame 112 having a central body portion 114 and a plurality of generally U-shaped transducer beams 116, 118, 120, 122 extending outwardly from the central body portion 114. As best illustrated in FIG. 10, each of the beams 116, 118, 120, 122 comprises a plurality of load cells or transducer elements for measuring forces and/or moments.

[0094] With reference again to FIG. 10, it can be seen that the illustrated central body portion 114 is generally in the form of square band-shaped element with a central opening 102 disposed therethrough. In FIG. 10, it can be seen that the body portion 114 comprises a first pair of opposed sides 114a, 114c and a second pair of opposed sides 114b, 114d. The side 114a is disposed generally parallel to the side 114c, while the side 114b is disposed generally parallel to the side 114d. Each of the sides 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d is disposed generally perpendicular to the planar top and bottom surfaces of the body portion 114. Also, each of the first pair of opposed sides 114a, 114c is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the second pair of opposed sides 114b, 114d. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, each of the opposed sides 114a, 114c comprises a beam connecting portion 128 extending outward therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that each of the beam connecting portions 128 comprises a plurality of apertures 130 (e.g., two apertures 130) disposed therethrough for accommodating fasteners (e.g., screws) that attach the load transducer 100 to another object, such as a robotic arm, etc. Also, as depicted in the side views of FIGS. 11 and 12 and the bottom view of FIG. 14, the bottom surface of the central body portion 114 comprises a raised portion or standoff portion 126 for elevating the transducer beams 116, 118, 120, 122 above the object (e.g., robotic arm) to which the load transducer 100 is attached so that forces and/or moments are capable of being accurately measured by the load transducer 100. In one or more embodiments, the structural components to which the load transducer 100 is mounted are connected only to the top standoff portions 124 and the bottom standoff 126 so as to ensure that the total load applied to the load transducer 100 is transmitted through the transducer beams 116, 118, 120, 122.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 10-14, the illustrated generally U-shaped transducer beams 116, 118, 120, 122 are each attached to one of the sides 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d of the body portion 114 via a connecting portion 128, and extend generally horizontally outward therefrom. In particular, beams 116, 118 extend generally horizontally outward from opposed sides of the beam connecting portion 128 attached to side 114a of the body portion 114, while the beams 120, 122 extend generally horizontally outward from opposed sides of the beam connecting portion 128 attached to side 114c of the body portion 114. As best shown in FIG. 10, the top and bottom surfaces of each of the illustrated beams 116, 118, 120, 122 are disposed substantially co-planar with the top and bottom surfaces of the body portion 114. Each of the illustrated beams 116, 118, 120, 122 has a U-shaped cantilevered end relative to the body portion 114 that allows for deflection of the ends of the beams in multiple directions.

[0096] With particular reference to FIGS. 10, 13, and 14, it can be seen that each of the generally U-shaped beams 116, 118, 120, 122 comprises a plurality of segmental beam portions, wherein each of the successive beam portions are disposed substantially perpendicular to the immediately preceding beam portion. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the first generally U-shaped transducer beam 116 comprises a first beam portion 116a extending from a first side of the beam connecting portion 128, a second beam portion 116b connected to the first beam portion 116a and disposed substantially perpendicular thereto, a third beam portion 116c connected to the second beam portion 116b and disposed substantially perpendicular thereto, and a fourth beam portion 116d connected to the third beam portion 116c and disposed substantially perpendicular thereto. Similarly, the second generally U-shaped transducer beam 118 comprises a first beam portion 118a extending from a second side of the beam connecting portion 128 (which is generally opposite to the first side of the beam connecting portion 128 from which the first beam portion 116a extends), a second beam portion 118b connected to the first beam portion 118a and disposed substantially perpendicular thereto, a third beam portion 118c connected to the second beam portion 118b and disposed substantially perpendicular thereto, and a fourth beam portion 118d connected to the third beam portion 118c and disposed substantially perpendicular thereto. With reference to FIGS. 10, 13, and 14, it can be seen that the generally U-shaped transducer beams 120, 122 are generally mirror images of the generally U-shaped transducer beams 116, 118, and thus, have the same structure as the generally U-shaped transducer beams 116, 118. Referring again to FIGS. 10, 13, and 14, it can be seen that the fourth beam portion of each of the generally U-shaped transducer beams 116, 118, 120, 122 comprises a raised portion or standoff portion 124 with mounting apertures 132 (e.g., two apertures 132) disposed therethrough for accommodating fasteners (e.g., screws) that attach the load transducer 100 to another object, such as a robotic arm, etc. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, each generally U-shaped transducer beam 116, 118, 120, 122 comprises a central beam gap 106, which is bounded by the second, third, and fourth beam portions. Also, it can be seen that the first and second beam portions of each transducer beam 116, 118, 120, 122 are separated from the opposing sides of the central body portion 114 by an L-shaped gap 104. That is, the sides of the central body portion 114, which face the sides of the first and second beam portions in an opposing relationship, are separated from the sides of the first and second beam portions by the L-shaped gap 104.

[0097] As best shown in the perspective view of FIG. 10, the illustrated load cells are located on the transducer beams 116, 118, 120, 122. In the illustrated embodiment, each load cell comprises a plurality of strain gages 134, 136, 138. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first portions (e.g., 116a, 118a) of the transducer beams 116, 118, 120, 122 comprise a strain gage 134 disposed on the top surface thereof that is sensitive to the vertical force component (i.e., a F_Z strain gage). The first portions (e.g., 116a, 118a) of the transducer beams 116, 118, 120, 122 also each comprise a strain gage 138 disposed on a side surface thereof that is sensitive to a first shear force component (i.e., a F_Y strain gage). Also, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the fourth portions (e.g., 116d, 118d) of the transducer beams 116, 118, 120, 122 comprise a strain gage 136 disposed on a side surface thereof that is sensitive to a second shear force component (i.e., a F_X strain gage).

[0098] As best shown in FIG. 10, the illustrated load cells are configured as bending beam load cells. The illustrated strain gages 134, 136, 138 are mounted to either top or side surfaces of the beams 116, 118, 120, 122 between their attachment locations to the beam connecting portions 128 and the raised end portions 124 thereof. Alternatively, the strain gages 134 can be mounted to the bottom surfaces of the first beam portions (e.g., 116a, 118a) of the transducer beams 116, 118, 120, 122, while the strain gages 138 can be mounted to the opposite side surfaces of the first beam portions (e.g., 116a, 118a) of the transducer beams 116, 118, 120, 122. Similarly, the strain gages 136 can be mounted to the opposite side surfaces of the fourth beam portions (e.g., 116d, 118d) of the transducer beams 116, 118, 120, 122. In general, the strain gages 134, 136, 138 are mounted to surfaces generally normal to the direction of applied vertical and/or shear forces (i.e., F_X, F_Y, F_Z). It is also noted that alternatively, the strain gages 134 can be mounted at both the top surface and the bottom surface of the first beam portions of the beams 116, 118, 120, 122, the strain gages 138 can be mounted at both opposed side surfaces of first beam portions of the beams 116, 118, 120, 122, and/or the strain gages 136 can be mounted at both opposed side surfaces of the beams 116, 118, 120, 122. These strain gages 134, 136, 138 measure force either by bending moment or difference of bending moments at two cross sections. As force is applied to the ends of the beams, the beams 116, 118, 120, 122 bend. This bending either stretches or compresses the strain gages 134, 136, 138, which in turn changes the resistance of the electrical current passing therethrough. The amount of change in the electrical voltage or current is proportional to the magnitude of the applied force, as applied to the ends of respective beams 116, 118, 120, 122.

[0099] Next, referring to FIGS. 15-18, a load transducer 200 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. Referring initially to the perspective view of FIG. 15, it can be seen that the load transducer 200 generally includes a one-piece compact transducer frame 204 that is generally in the form of square band-shaped element with a central opening 202 disposed therethrough. As best illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 18, the square band-shaped transducer frame 204 comprises a first transducer beam side portion 206, a second transducer beam side portion 208, a third transducer beam side portion 210, and a fourth transducer beam side portion 212. Also, as shown in FIG. 15, the transducer beam side portions 206, 208, 210, 212 comprise a plurality of load cells or transducer elements for measuring forces and/or moments. The transducer frame 204 of the load transducer 200 is similar to the other transducers (e.g., transducers 300, 400) that will be described hereinafter, except that the central body portion of these transducers (e.g., 300, 400) has been removed in the load transducer 200.

[0100] As shown in FIGS. 15-18, the illustrated transducer beam side portions 206, 208, 210, 212 of the transducer frame 204 are arranged in a generally square configuration. In particular, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 18, the first transducer beam side portion 206 is connected to the second transducer beam side portion 208 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the fourth transducer beam side portion 212 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the first transducer beam side portion 206 is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the second and fourth transducer beam side portions 208, 212. The second transducer beam side portion 208 is connected to the first transducer beam side portion 206 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the third transducer beam side portion 210 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the second transducer beam side portion 208 is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the first and third transducer beam side portions 206, 210. The third transducer beam side portion 210 is connected to the second transducer beam side portion 208 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the fourth transducer beam side portion 212 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the third transducer beam side portion 210 is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the second and fourth transducer beam side portions 208, 212. The fourth transducer beam side portion 212 is connected to the third transducer beam side portion 210 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the first transducer beam side portion 206 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the fourth transducer beam side portion 212 is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the first and third transducer beam side portions 206, 210. Referring to FIGS. 15, 17, and 18, it can be seen that the top surface of the second transducer beam side portion 208 and the top surface of the fourth transducer beam side portion 212 each comprises a central raised portion or standoff portion 214 with spaced apart mounting apertures 218 (e.g., two spaced apart apertures 218) disposed therethrough for accommodating fasteners (e.g., screws) that attach the load transducer 200 to another object, such as a robotic arm, etc. Similarly, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, it can be seen that the bottom surface of the first transducer beam side portion 206 and the bottom surface of the third transducer beam side portion 210 each comprises a central raised portion or standoff portion 216 with spaced apart mounting apertures 218 (e.g., two spaced apart apertures 218) disposed therethrough for accommodating fasteners (e.g., screws) that attach the load transducer 200 to another object, such as a robotic arm, etc.

[0101] As best shown in the perspective view of FIG. 15, the illustrated load cells are located on the transducer beam side portions 206, 208, 210, 212. In the illustrated embodiment, each load cell comprises one or more strain gages 220, 222, 224. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first transducer beam side portion 206 and the third transducer beam side portion 210 each comprise a plurality of spaced apart strain gages 220 (e.g., two spaced apart strain gages 220) disposed on the top surface thereof that is sensitive to the vertical force component (i.e., a F_Z strain gage). The second transducer beam side portion 208 and the fourth transducer beam side portion 212 also each comprise a plurality of spaced apart strain gages 222 (e.g., two spaced apart strain gages 222) disposed on a side surface thereof that is sensitive to a first shear force component (i.e., a F_X strain gage). Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the first transducer beam side portion 206 and the third transducer beam side portion 210 also each comprise a plurality of spaced apart strain gages 224 (e.g., two spaced apart strain gages 224) disposed on a side surface thereof that is sensitive to a second shear force component (i.e., a F_Y strain gage).

[0102] As best shown in FIG. 15, the illustrated load cells are configured as bending beam load cells. The illustrated strain gages 220, 222, 224 are mounted to either top or side surfaces of the transducer beam side portions 206, 208, 210, 212 between the opposed longitudinal ends thereof. Alternatively, the strain gages 220 can be mounted to the bottom surfaces of the first and third transducer beam side portions 206, 210, while the strain gages 222 can be mounted to the opposite side surfaces of the second and fourth transducer beam side portions 208, 212. Similarly, the strain gages 224 can be mounted to the opposite side surfaces of the first and third transducer beam side portions 206, 210. In general, the strain gages 220, 222, 224 are mounted to surfaces generally normal to the direction of applied vertical and/or shear forces (i.e., F_X, F_Y, F_Z). It is also noted that alternatively, the strain gages 220 can be mounted at both the top surface and the bottom surface of the first and third transducer beam side portions 206, 210, the strain gages 222 can be mounted at both opposed side surfaces of second and fourth transducer beam side portions 208, 212, and/or the strain gages 224 can be mounted at both opposed side surfaces of the first and third transducer beam side portions 206, 210. These strain gages 220, 222, 224 measure force either by bending moment or difference of bending moments at two cross sections. As force is applied to the beams, the beams 206, 208, 210, 212 bend. This bending either stretches or compresses the strain gages 220, 222, 224, which in turn changes the resistance of the electrical current passing therethrough. The amount of change in the electrical voltage or current is proportional to the magnitude of the applied force, as transferred through the end portions of respective beams 206, 208, 210, 212.

[0103] An exemplary mounting arrangement for the load transducer 200 is illustrated in FIG. 25. As depicted in the perspective view of FIG. 25, the load transducer 200 is mounted between a top plate member 226 and a bottom plate member 228. Specifically, in this mounting arrangement, the bottom surface 226a of the top plate member 226 abuts the top surfaces of the standoff portions 214 on the second and fourth transducer beam side portions 208, 212, while the top surface 228a of the bottom plate member 228 abuts the bottom surfaces of the standoff portions 216 on the first and third transducer beam side portions 206, 210. As such, in this mounting arrangement, an upper gap 230 is formed between the top surfaces of the load transducer 200 and the bottom surface 226a of the top plate member 226 by the two spaced apart top standoff portions 214. Similarly, a lower gap 232 is formed between the bottom surfaces of the load transducer 200 and the top surface 228a of the bottom plate member 228 by the two spaced apart bottom standoff portions 216. Thus, as result of the mounting arrangement illustrated in FIG. 25, the entire load exerted on the load transducer 200 by the top and bottom plate members 226, 228 is transferred through the corner portions of the transducer frame 204, which are instrumented with the strain gages 220, 222, 224 and are spaced apart from the top and bottom plate members 226, 228 by the standoff portions 214, 216.

[0104] While the exemplary mounting arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 25 using the load transducer 200, it is to be understood that each of the other load transducers 10, 10′, 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 described herein are mounted in generally the same manner to adjoining structures (e.g., plate members 226, 228 or components of a robotic arm). That is, the standoff portions described on the load transducers 10, 10′, 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 perform the same functions as those described in conjunction with the load transducer 200 above. In particular, the adjoining structures to which the transducers are mounted are only connected to the top standoff portions and the bottom standoff portions of each load transducer 10, 10′, 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 so as to ensure that the total loads applied to the load transducers 10, 10′, 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 are transmitted through the instrumented portions of the transducer beams of the transducers.

[0105] FIG. 19 illustrates a load transducer 300 according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. With reference to this figure, it can be seen that, in some respects, the fifth exemplary embodiment is similar to that of the fourth embodiment. Moreover, some parts are common to both such embodiments. For the sake of brevity, the parts that the fifth embodiment of the load transducer has in common with the fourth embodiment will only be briefly mentioned because these components have already been explained in detail above.

[0106] Initially, referring to the perspective view of FIG. 19, it can be seen that, unlike the fourth exemplary embodiment of the load transducer, the load transducer 300 comprises a central body portion 302. Also, unlike the load transducer 200 of the fourth embodiment, the second and fourth transducer beam side portions 308, 312 have side projecting portions 326 extending from the inner sides thereof towards the central body portion 302. As shown in FIG. 19, the load transducer 300 generally includes a one-piece compact transducer frame 304 with a central body portion 302 and a plurality of transducer beam side portions 306, 308, 310, 312.

[0107] With reference again to FIG. 19, it can be seen that the illustrated central body portion 302 is generally in the form of rectangular band-shaped element with a central opening 303 disposed therethrough. In FIG. 19, it can be seen that the body portion 302 comprises a first pair of opposed side portions 302a, 302c and a second pair of opposed side portions 302b, 302d. The side portion 302a is disposed generally parallel to the side portion 302c, while the side portion 302b is disposed generally parallel to the side portion 302d. Each of the side surfaces of the side portions 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d is disposed generally perpendicular to the planar top and bottom surfaces thereof. Also, each of the first pair of opposed side portions 302a, 302c is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the second pair of opposed sides portions 302b, 302d. In addition, as shown in FIG. 19, each of the opposed side portions 302a, 302c forms a middle portion of the first and third transducer beam side portions 306, 310. In the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that each of the opposed side portions 302a, 302c comprises a plurality of apertures 318 (e.g., two apertures 318) disposed therethrough for accommodating fasteners (e.g., screws) that attach the load transducer 300 to another object, such as a robotic arm, etc. Also, as depicted in the FIG. 19, the central body portion 302 comprises a raised top portion or top standoff portion 314 for spacing the transducer beam side portions 306, 308, 310, 312 apart from the object (e.g., robotic arm) to which the load transducer 300 is attached so that forces and/or moments are capable of being accurately measured by the load transducer 300.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 19, the illustrated transducer beam side portions 306, 308, 310, 312 of the transducer frame 304 are arranged in a generally square configuration. In particular, with reference to FIG. 19, the first transducer beam side portion 306 is connected to the second transducer beam side portion 308 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the fourth transducer beam side portion 312 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the first transducer beam side portion 306 is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the second and fourth transducer beam side portions 308, 312. The second transducer beam side portion 308 is connected to the first transducer beam side portion 306 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the third transducer beam side portion 310 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the second transducer beam side portion 308 is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the first and third transducer beam side portions 306, 310. The third transducer beam side portion 310 is connected to the second transducer beam side portion 308 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the fourth transducer beam side portion 312 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the third transducer beam side portion 310 is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the second and fourth transducer beam side portions 308, 312. The fourth transducer beam side portion 312 is connected to the third transducer beam side portion 310 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the first transducer beam side portion 306 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the fourth transducer beam side portion 312 is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the first and third transducer beam side portions 306, 310. Referring to FIG. 19, it can be seen that the bottom surface of the second transducer beam side portion 308 and the bottom surface of the fourth transducer beam side portion 312 each comprises a central standoff portion 316, which is connected to the side projecting portion 326 on each of the transducer beam side portions 308, 312. The side projecting portions 326 each comprise spaced apart mounting apertures 328 (e.g., two spaced apart apertures 328) disposed therethrough for accommodating fasteners (e.g., screws) that attach the load transducer 300 to another object, such as a robotic arm, etc.

[0109] As best shown in the perspective view of FIG. 19, the illustrated load cells are located on the transducer beam side portions 306, 308, 310, 312. In the illustrated embodiment, each load cell comprises one or more strain gages 320, 322, 324. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the second transducer beam side portion 308 and the fourth transducer beam side portion 312 each comprise a plurality of spaced apart strain gages 320 (e.g., two spaced apart strain gages 320) disposed on the top surface thereof that is sensitive to the vertical force component (i.e., a F_Z strain gage). The second transducer beam side portion 308 and fourth transducer beam side portion 312 also each comprise a plurality of spaced apart strain gages 322 (e.g., two spaced apart strain gages 322) disposed on a side surface thereof that is sensitive to a first shear force component (i.e., a F_X strain gage). Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the first transducer beam side portion 306 and the third transducer beam side portion 310 also each comprise a plurality of spaced apart strain gages 324 (e.g., two spaced apart strain gages 324) disposed on a side surface thereof that is sensitive to a second shear force component (i.e., a F_Y strain gage).

[0110] FIG. 20 illustrates a load transducer 400 according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. With reference to this figure, it can be seen that, in some respects, the sixth exemplary embodiment is similar to that of the fifth embodiment. Moreover, some parts are common to both such embodiments. For the sake of brevity, the parts that the sixth embodiment of the load transducer has in common with the fifth embodiment will only be briefly mentioned because these components have already been explained in detail above.

[0111] Initially, referring to the perspective view of FIG. 20, it can be seen that, unlike the fifth exemplary embodiment of the load transducer, all four sides of the central body portion 402 of the load transducer 400 are spaced apart from the transducer beam side portions 406, 408, 410, 412. In particular, the central body portion 402 is spaced apart from the transducer beam side portions 406, 408, 410, 412 by the two C-shaped gaps 426. Also, unlike the load transducer 300 of the fifth embodiment, the first and third transducer beam side portions 406, 410 of the load transducer 400 are connected to the central body portion 402 by the beam connecting portions 417. Although, like the load transducer 300, the load transducer 400 generally includes a one-piece compact transducer frame 404 with a central body portion 402 and a plurality of transducer beam side portions 406, 408, 410, 412.

[0112] With reference again to FIG. 20, it can be seen that the illustrated central body portion 402 is generally in the form of rectangular band-shaped element with a central opening 403 disposed therethrough. In FIG. 20, it can be seen that the body portion 402 comprises a first pair of opposed side portions 402a, 402c and a second pair of opposed side portions 402b, 402d. The side portion 402a is disposed generally parallel to the side portion 402c, while the side portion 402b is disposed generally parallel to the side portion 402d. Each of the side surfaces of the side portions 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d is disposed generally perpendicular to the planar top and bottom surfaces thereof. Also, each of the first pair of opposed side portions 402a, 402c is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the second pair of opposed sides portions 402b, 402d. In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, each of the opposed side portions 402a, 402c is connected to the first and third transducer beam side portions 406, 410 by beam connecting portions 417. In the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that each of the beam connecting portions 417 comprises a plurality of apertures 418 (e.g., two apertures 418) disposed therethrough for accommodating fasteners (e.g., screws) that attach the load transducer 400 to another object, such as a robotic arm, etc.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 20, the illustrated transducer beam side portions 406, 408, 410, 412 of the transducer frame 404 are arranged in a generally square configuration. In particular, with reference to FIG. 20, the first transducer beam side portion 406 is connected to the second transducer beam side portion 408 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the fourth transducer beam side portion 412 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the first transducer beam side portion 406 is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the second and fourth transducer beam side portions 408, 412. The second transducer beam side portion 408 is connected to the first transducer beam side portion 406 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the third transducer beam side portion 410 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the second transducer beam side portion 408 is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the first and third transducer beam side portions 406, 410. The third transducer beam side portion 410 is connected to the second transducer beam side portion 408 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the fourth transducer beam side portion 412 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the third transducer beam side portion 410 is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the second and fourth transducer beam side portions 408, 412. The fourth transducer beam side portion 412 is connected to the third transducer beam side portion 410 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the first transducer beam side portion 406 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the fourth transducer beam side portion 412 is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the first and third transducer beam side portions 406, 410. Referring to FIG. 20, it can be seen that the top surface of the second transducer beam side portion 408 and the top surface of the fourth transducer beam side portion 412 each comprises a central raised portion or standoff portion 414 with spaced apart mounting apertures 428 (e.g., two spaced apart apertures 428) disposed therethrough for accommodating fasteners (e.g., screws) that attach the load transducer 400 to another object, such as a robotic arm, etc. Similarly, with reference to FIG. 20, it can be seen that the bottom surface of the first transducer beam side portion 406 and the bottom surface of the third transducer beam side portion 410 each comprises a central raised portion or standoff portion 416.

[0114] As best shown in the perspective view of FIG. 20, the illustrated load cells are located on the transducer beam side portions 406, 408, 410, 412. In the illustrated embodiment, each load cell comprises one or more strain gages 420, 422, 424. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first transducer beam side portion 406 and the third transducer beam side portion 410 each comprise a plurality of spaced apart strain gages 420 (e.g., two spaced apart strain gages 420) disposed on the top surface thereof that is sensitive to the vertical force component (i.e., a F_Z strain gage). The second transducer beam side portion 408 and fourth transducer beam side portion 412 also each comprise a plurality of spaced apart strain gages 422 (e.g., two spaced apart strain gages 422) disposed on a side surface thereof that is sensitive to a first shear force component (i.e., a F_X strain gage). Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the first transducer beam side portion 406 and the third transducer beam side portion 410 also each comprise a plurality of spaced apart strain gages 424 (e.g., two spaced apart strain gages 424) disposed on a side surface thereof that is sensitive to a second shear force component (i.e., a F_Y strain gage).

[0115] FIG. 21 illustrates a load transducer 500 according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention. With reference to this figure, it can be seen that, in some respects, the seventh exemplary embodiment is similar to that of the fifth embodiment. Moreover, some parts are common to both such embodiments. For the sake of brevity, the parts that the seventh embodiment of the load transducer has in common with the fifth embodiment will only be briefly mentioned because these components have already been explained in detail above.

[0116] Initially, referring to the perspective view of FIG. 21, it can be seen that, like the fifth embodiment described above, the load transducer 500 generally includes a one-piece compact transducer frame 504 with a central body portion 502 and a plurality of transducer beam side portions 506, 508, 510, 512, 514, 516. Although, the central body portion 502 of the load transducer 500 is considerably wider than the central body portion 302 of the load transducer 300.

[0117] With reference again to FIG. 21, it can be seen that the illustrated central body portion 502 is generally in the form of square band-shaped element with a central opening 530 disposed therethrough. In FIG. 21, it can be seen that the body portion 502 comprises a first pair of opposed side portions 502a, 502c and a second pair of opposed side portions 502b, 502d. The side portion 502a is disposed generally parallel to the side portion 502c, while the side portion 502b is disposed generally parallel to the side portion 502d. Each of the side surfaces of the side portions 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d is disposed generally perpendicular to the planar top and bottom surfaces thereof. Also, each of the first pair of opposed side portions 502a, 502c is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the second pair of opposed sides portions 502b, 502d. In addition, as shown in FIG. 21, each of the opposed side portions 502a, 502c is disposed between a respective pair of transducer beam side portions 506, 508 and 512, 514. In the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that each of the opposed side portions 502a, 502c comprises a plurality of apertures 532 (e.g., two apertures 532) disposed therethrough for accommodating fasteners (e.g., screws) that attach the load transducer 500 to another object, such as a robotic arm, etc. Also, as depicted in the FIG. 21, the central body portion 502 comprises a raised bottom portion or bottom standoff portion 520 for spacing the transducer beam side portions 506, 508, 510, 512, 514, 516 apart from the object (e.g., robotic arm) to which the load transducer 500 is attached so that forces and/or moments are capable of being accurately measured by the load transducer 500.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 21, the first set of illustrated transducer beam side portions 506, 514, 516 of the transducer frame 504 are arranged in a generally C-shaped configuration on a first side of the central body portion 502. A first side aperture 534 is formed between the side portion 502d of the central body portion 502 and the first set of transducer beam side portions 506, 514, 516. Referring again to FIG. 21, it can be seen that the first transducer beam side portion 506 is connected to the sixth transducer beam side portion 516 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the side portion 502d of the central body portion 502 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the first transducer beam side portion 506 is disposed generally perpendicular to the side portion 502d of the central body portion 502 and to sixth transducer beam side portion 516. Similarly, the fifth transducer beam side portion 514 is connected to the sixth transducer beam side portion 516 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the side portion 502d of the central body portion 502 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the fifth transducer beam side portion 514 is disposed generally perpendicular to the side portion 502d of the central body portion 502 and to sixth transducer beam side portion 516. The sixth transducer beam side portion 516 is connected to the first transducer beam side portion 506 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the fifth transducer beam side portion 514 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the sixth transducer beam side portion 516 is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the first and fifth transducer beam side portions 506, 514. Turning again to FIG. 21, it can be seen that the second set of transducer beam side portions 508, 510, 512 of the transducer frame 504 is arranged in a generally C-shaped configuration on a second side of the central body portion 502, which is opposite to the first side of the central body portion 502. A second side aperture 534 is formed between the side portion 502b of the central body portion 502 and the second set of transducer beam side portions 508, 510, 512. In FIG. 21, it can be seen that the second transducer beam side portion 508 is connected to the third transducer beam side portion 510 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the side portion 502b of the central body portion 502 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the second transducer beam side portion 508 is disposed generally perpendicular to the side portion 502b of the central body portion 502 and to third transducer beam side portion 510. Similarly, the fourth transducer beam side portion 512 is connected to the third transducer beam side portion 510 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the side portion 502b of the central body portion 502 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the fourth transducer beam side portion 512 is disposed generally perpendicular to the side portion 502b of the central body portion 502 and to third transducer beam side portion 510. The third transducer beam side portion 510 is connected to the second transducer beam side portion 508 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the fourth transducer beam side portion 512 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the third transducer beam side portion 510 is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the second and fourth transducer beam side portions 508, 512. Also, as shown in FIG. 21, it can be seen that the top surface of the third transducer beam side portion 510 and the top surface of the sixth transducer beam side portion 516 each comprises a central standoff portion 518. The central standoff portions 518 each comprise spaced apart mounting apertures 522 (e.g., two spaced apart apertures 522) disposed therethrough for accommodating fasteners (e.g., screws) that attach the load transducer 500 to another object, such as a robotic arm, etc.

[0119] As best shown in the perspective view of FIG. 21, the illustrated load cells are located on the transducer beam side portions 506, 508, 510, 512, 514, 516. In the illustrated embodiment, each load cell comprises one or more strain gages 524, 526, 528. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first transducer beam side portion 506, the second transducer beam side portion 508, the fourth transducer beam side portion 512, and the fifth transducer beam side portion 514 each comprise a strain gage 524 disposed on the top surface thereof that is sensitive to the vertical force component (i.e., a F_Z strain gage). The third transducer beam side portion 510 and the sixth transducer beam side portion 516 also each comprise a plurality of spaced apart strain gages 526 (e.g., two spaced apart strain gages 526) disposed on a side surface thereof that is sensitive to a first shear force component (i.e., a F_X strain gage). Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the first transducer beam side portion 506, the second transducer beam side portion 508, the fourth transducer beam side portion 512, and the fifth transducer beam side portion 514 each comprises a strain gage 528 disposed on an outer side surface thereof that is sensitive to a second shear force component (i.e., a F_Y strain gage).

[0120] FIG. 22 illustrates a load transducer 600 according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. With reference to this figure, it can be seen that, in some respects, the eighth exemplary embodiment is similar to that of the preceding embodiments. Moreover, some parts are common to all of the embodiments. For the sake of brevity, the parts that the eighth embodiment of the load transducer has in common with the preceding embodiments will only be briefly mentioned because these components have already been explained in detail above.

[0121] Initially, referring to the perspective view of FIG. 22, it can be seen that, like the preceding embodiments described above, the load transducer 600 generally includes a one-piece compact transducer frame 604 with a central body portion 602 and a plurality of transducer beams 606, 608, 610, 612, 614, 616 connected thereto. Although, the transducer beams 606, 608, 610, 612, 614, 616 are arranged in a different configuration than that which was described for the preceding embodiments.

[0122] With reference again to FIG. 22, it can be seen that the illustrated central body portion 602 is generally in the form of square band-shaped element with a central opening 630 disposed therethrough. In FIG. 22, it can be seen that the body portion 602 comprises a first pair of opposed side portions 602a, 602c and a second pair of opposed side portions 602b, 602d. The side portion 602a is disposed generally parallel to the side portion 602c, while the side portion 602b is disposed generally parallel to the side portion 602d. Each of the side surfaces of the side portions 602a, 602b, 602c, 602d is disposed generally perpendicular to the planar top and bottom surfaces thereof. Also, each of the first pair of opposed side portions 602a, 602c is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the second pair of opposed sides portions 602b, 602d. In addition, as shown in FIG. 22, each of the opposed side portions 602b, 602d is connected to a respective set of transducer beams 606, 608, 610 and 612, 614, 616. In the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that each of the opposed side portions 602a, 602c comprises a plurality of apertures 632 (e.g., two apertures 632) disposed therethrough for accommodating fasteners (e.g., screws) that attach the load transducer 600 to another object, such as a robotic arm, etc.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 22, the first set of illustrated transducer beams 606, 608, 610 of the transducer frame 604 is arranged in a generally T-shaped configuration on a first side of the central body portion 602. A first side aperture 634 is formed between the side portion 602d of the central body portion 602 and the first set of transducer beam side portions 606, 608, 610. Referring again to FIG. 22, it can be seen that the first transducer beam 606 is connected to the side portion 602d of the central body portion 602 by means of two spaced apart connecting transducer beams 608, 610. Specifically, the second transducer beam 608 is connected to an inner side of the first transducer beam 606 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the side portion 602d of the central body portion 602 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the second transducer beam 608 is disposed generally perpendicular to the side portion 602d of the central body portion 602 and to first transducer beam 606. Similarly, the third transducer beam 610 is connected to the inner side of the first transducer beam 606 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the side portion 602d of the central body portion 602 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the third transducer beam 610 is disposed generally perpendicular to the side portion 602d of the central body portion 602 and to first transducer beam 606. Turning again to FIG. 22, it can be seen that the second set of transducer beams 612, 614, 616 of the transducer frame 604 is arranged in a generally T-shaped configuration on a second side of the central body portion 602, which is opposite to the first side of the central body portion 602. A second side aperture 634 is formed between the side portion 602b of the central body portion 602 and the second set of transducer beam side portions 612, 614, 616. In FIG. 22, similar to the first transducer beam 606, it can be seen that the fourth transducer beam 612 is connected to the side portion 602b of the central body portion 602 by means of two spaced apart connecting transducer beams 614, 616. Specifically, the fifth transducer beam 614 is connected to an inner side of the fourth transducer beam 612 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the side portion 602b of the central body portion 602 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the fifth transducer beam 614 is disposed generally perpendicular to the side portion 602b of the central body portion 602 and to fourth transducer beam 612. Similarly, the sixth transducer beam 616 is connected to the inner side of the fourth transducer beam 612 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the side portion 602b of the central body portion 602 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the sixth transducer beam 616 is disposed generally perpendicular to the side portion 602b of the central body portion 602 and to fourth transducer beam 612. Also, as shown in FIG. 22, it can be seen that the bottom surface of the first transducer beam 606 and the bottom surface of the fourth transducer beam 612 each comprises a central standoff portion 620. In addition, it can be seen that the opposed longitudinal ends of the first transducer beam 606 and the fourth transducer beam 612 are each provided with raised standoff portions 618. Each raised standoff portion 618 is provided with a mounting aperture 622 disposed therethrough for accommodating a respective fastener (e.g., a screw) that attaches the load transducer 600 to another object, such as a robotic arm, etc.

[0124] As best shown in the perspective view of FIG. 22, the illustrated load cells are located on the transducer beams 606, 608, 610, 612, 614, 616. In the illustrated embodiment, each load cell comprises one or more strain gages 624, 626, 628. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first transducer beam 606 and the fourth transducer beam 612 each comprise a pair of spaced apart strain gages 624 disposed on the top surfaces thereof that are sensitive to the vertical force component (i.e., F_Z strain gages). In FIG. 22, it can be seen that each of the strain gages 624 is disposed near the raised standoff portions 618 at the opposed ends of the beams 606, 612. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the second transducer beam 608, the third transducer beam 610, the fifth transducer beam 614, and the sixth transducer beam 616 each comprise a strain gage 626 disposed on an outer side surface thereof that is sensitive to a first shear force component (i.e., a F_X strain gage). The first transducer beam 606 and the fourth transducer beam 612 also each comprise a plurality of spaced apart strain gages 628 (e.g., two spaced apart strain gages 628) disposed on an outer side surface thereof that is sensitive to a second shear force component (i.e., a F_Y strain gage).

[0125] FIG. 23 illustrates a load transducer 700 according to a ninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. With reference to this figure, it can be seen that, in some respects, the ninth exemplary embodiment is similar to that of the eighth embodiment. Moreover, some parts are common to all of the embodiments. For the sake of brevity, the parts that the ninth embodiment of the load transducer has in common with the eighth embodiment will only be briefly mentioned because these components have already been explained in detail above.

[0126] Initially, referring to the perspective view of FIG. 23, it can be seen that, like the eighth embodiment described above, the load transducer 700 generally includes a one-piece compact transducer frame 704 with a central body portion 702 and a plurality of transducer beams 706, 708, 710, 712, 714, 716 connected thereto. Although, each of connecting transducer beams 708, 710, and each of connecting transducer beams 714, 716, are spaced considerably further apart from one another as compared to the connecting transducer beams 608, 610, 614, 616 of the load transducer 600 such that the connecting beams 708, 710, 714, 716 are generally axially aligned with the side portions 702a, 702c of the central body portion 702.

[0127] With reference again to FIG. 23, it can be seen that the illustrated central body portion 702 is generally in the form of square band-shaped element with a central opening 730 disposed therethrough. In FIG. 23, it can be seen that the body portion 702 comprises a first pair of opposed side portions 702a, 702c and a second pair of opposed side portions 702b, 702d. The side portion 702a is disposed generally parallel to the side portion 702c, while the side portion 702b is disposed generally parallel to the side portion 702d. Each of the side surfaces of the side portions 702a, 702b, 702c, 702d is disposed generally perpendicular to the planar top and bottom surfaces thereof. Also, each of the first pair of opposed side portions 702a, 702c is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the second pair of opposed sides portions 702b, 702d. In addition, as shown in FIG. 23, each of the opposed side portions 702b, 702d is connected to a respective set of transducer beams 706, 708, 710 and 712, 714, 716. In the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that each of the opposed side portions 702a, 702c comprises a plurality of apertures 732 (e.g., two apertures 732) disposed therethrough for accommodating fasteners (e.g., screws) that attach the load transducer 700 to another object, such as a robotic arm, etc. Also, as depicted in the FIG. 23, the central body portion 702 comprises a raised bottom portion or bottom standoff portion 720 for spacing the transducer beams 706, 708, 710, 712, 714, 716 apart from an object (e.g., robotic arm) to which the load transducer 700 is attached so that forces and/or moments are capable of being accurately measured by the load transducer 700.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 23, the first set of illustrated transducer beams 706, 708, 710 of the transducer frame 704 is arranged in a generally T-shaped configuration on a first side of the central body portion 702 (with the wide base of the T-shaped arrangement being formed by the connecting beam transducers 708, 710). A first side aperture 734 is formed between the side portion 702d of the central body portion 702 and the first set of transducer beam side portions 706, 708, 710. Referring again to FIG. 23, it can be seen that the first transducer beam 706 is connected to the side portion 702d of the central body portion 702 by means of two spaced apart connecting transducer beams 708, 710. Specifically, the second transducer beam 708 is connected to an inner side of the first transducer beam 706 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the side portion 702d of the central body portion 702 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the second transducer beam 708 is disposed generally perpendicular to the side portion 702d of the central body portion 702 and to first transducer beam 706. Similarly, the third transducer beam 710 is connected to the inner side of the first transducer beam 706 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the side portion 702d of the central body portion 702 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the third transducer beam 710 is disposed generally perpendicular to the side portion 702d of the central body portion 702 and to first transducer beam 706. Turning again to FIG. 23, it can be seen that the second set of transducer beams 712, 714, 716 of the transducer frame 704 is arranged in a generally T-shaped configuration on a second side of the central body portion 702, which is opposite to the first side of the central body portion 702 (with the wide base of the T-shaped arrangement being formed by the connecting beam transducers 714, 716). A second side aperture 734 is formed between the side portion 702b of the central body portion 702 and the second set of transducer beam side portions 712, 714, 716. In FIG. 23, similar to the first transducer beam 706, it can be seen that the fourth transducer beam 712 is connected to the side portion 702b of the central body portion 702 by means of two spaced apart connecting transducer beams 714, 716. Specifically, the fifth transducer beam 714 is connected to an inner side of the fourth transducer beam 712 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the side portion 702b of the central body portion 702 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the fifth transducer beam 714 is disposed generally perpendicular to the side portion 702b of the central body portion 702 and to fourth transducer beam 712. Similarly, the sixth transducer beam 716 is connected to the inner side of the fourth transducer beam 712 on one of its longitudinal ends, and the side portion 702b of the central body portion 702 on the other one of its longitudinal ends, and the sixth transducer beam 716 is disposed generally perpendicular to the side portion 702b of the central body portion 702 and to fourth transducer beam 712. Also, in FIG. 23, it can be seen that the opposed longitudinal ends of the first transducer beam 706 and the fourth transducer beam 712 are each provided with raised standoff portions 718. Each raised standoff portion 718 is provided with a mounting aperture 722 disposed therethrough for accommodating a respective fastener (e.g., a screw) that attaches the load transducer 700 to another object, such as a robotic arm, etc.

[0129] As best shown in the perspective view of FIG. 23, the illustrated load cells are located on the transducer beams 706, 708, 710, 712, 714, 716. In the illustrated embodiment, each load cell comprises one or more strain gages 724, 726, 728. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first transducer beam 706 and the fourth transducer beam 712 each comprise a pair of spaced apart strain gages 724 disposed on the top surfaces thereof that are sensitive to the vertical force component (i.e., F_Z strain gages). In FIG. 23, it can be seen that each of the strain gages 724 is disposed near the raised standoff portions 718 at the opposed ends of the beams 706, 712. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the second transducer beam 708, the third transducer beam 710, the fifth transducer beam 714, and the sixth transducer beam 716 each comprise a strain gage 726 disposed on an outer side surface thereof that is sensitive to a first shear force component (i.e., a F_X strain gage). The first transducer beam 706 and the fourth transducer beam 712 also each comprise a plurality of spaced apart strain gages 728 (e.g., two spaced apart strain gages 728) disposed on an outer side surface thereof that is sensitive to a second shear force component (i.e., a F_Y strain gage).

[0130] FIG. 24 illustrates a load transducer 800 according to a tenth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. With reference to this figure, it can be seen that, in some respects, the tenth exemplary embodiment is similar to that of the preceding embodiments. Moreover, some parts are common to all of the embodiments. For the sake of brevity, the parts that the tenth embodiment of the load transducer has in common with the preceding embodiments will only be briefly mentioned because these components have already been explained in detail above.

[0131] Initially, referring to the perspective view of FIG. 24, it can be seen that the load transducer 800 generally includes a one-piece compact transducer frame 804 with a central body portion 802 and a plurality of L-shaped transducer beams 806, 808, 810, 812 connected thereto. As shown in FIG. 24, each of the L-shaped transducer beams 806, 808, 810, 812 is generally disposed at a respective corner of the central body portion 802.

[0132] With reference again to FIG. 24, it can be seen that the illustrated central body portion 802 is generally in the form of square band-shaped element with a central opening 826 disposed therethrough. In FIG. 24, it can be seen that the body portion 802 comprises a first pair of opposed side portions 802a, 802c and a second pair of opposed side portions 802b, 802d. The side portion 802a is disposed generally parallel to the side portion 802c, while the side portion 802b is disposed generally parallel to the side portion 802d. Each of the side surfaces of the side portions 802a, 802b, 802c, 802d is disposed generally perpendicular to the planar top and bottom surfaces thereof. Also, each of the first pair of opposed side portions 802a, 802c is disposed generally perpendicular to each of the second pair of opposed sides portions 802b, 802d. In addition, as shown in FIG. 24, each of the corners of the central body portion 802 is connected to a respective L-shaped transducer beam 806, 808, 810, 812. In the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that each of the opposed side portions 802a, 802c comprises a plurality of apertures 828 (e.g., two apertures 828) disposed therethrough for accommodating fasteners (e.g., screws) that attach the load transducer 800 to another object, such as a robotic arm, etc. Also, as depicted in the FIG. 24, the central body portion 802 comprises a raised bottom portion or bottom standoff portion 816 for spacing the L-shaped transducer beams 806, 808, 810, 812 apart from an object (e.g., robotic arm) to which the load transducer 800 is attached so that forces and/or moments are capable of being accurately measured by the load transducer 800.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 24, the first generally L-shaped transducer beam 806 comprises a first beam portion 806a and a second beam portion 806b, wherein the first beam portion 806a is disposed generally perpendicular to the second beam portion 806b. Similarly, the second generally L-shaped transducer beam 808 comprises a first beam portion 808a and a second beam portion 808b, wherein the first beam portion 808a is disposed generally perpendicular to the second beam portion 808b. Also, it can be seen in FIG. 24 that the first beam portion 806a of the first generally L-shaped transducer beam 806 and the first beam portion 808a of the second generally L-shaped transducer beam 808 are both generally axially aligned with the side portion 802a of the central body portion 802 (i.e., the longitudinal axes of the beam portions 806a, 808a are generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the side portion 802a). With reference again to FIG. 24, the third generally L-shaped transducer beam 810 comprises a first beam portion 810a and a second beam portion 810b, wherein the first beam portion 810a is disposed generally perpendicular to the second beam portion 810b. Similarly, the fourth generally L-shaped transducer beam 812 comprises a first beam portion 812a and a second beam portion 812b, wherein the first beam portion 812a is disposed generally perpendicular to the second beam portion 812b. Also, it can be seen in FIG. 24 that the first beam portion 810a of the third generally L-shaped transducer beam 810 and the first beam portion 812a of the fourth generally L-shaped transducer beam 812 are both generally axially aligned with the side portion 802c of the central body portion 802 (i.e., the longitudinal axes of the beam portions 810a, 812a are generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the side portion 802c). Also, in FIG. 24, it can be seen that the free ends of the second beam portions 806b, 808b, 810b, 812b of the L-shaped transducer beams 806, 808, 810, 812 are each provided with raised standoff portions 814. Each raised standoff portion 814 is provided with a mounting aperture 818 disposed therethrough for accommodating a respective fastener (e.g., a screw) that attaches the load transducer 800 to another object, such as a robotic arm, etc.

[0134] As best shown in the perspective view of FIG. 24, the illustrated load cells are located on the L-shaped transducer beams 806, 808, 810, 812. In the illustrated embodiment, each load cell comprises one or more strain gages 820, 822, 824. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the second beam portions 806b, 808b, 810b, 812b of the L-shaped transducer beams 806, 808, 810, 812 are each provided with a strain gage 820 disposed on the top surface thereof that is sensitive to the vertical force component (i.e., an F_Z strain gage). In FIG. 24, it can be seen that each of the strain gages 820 is disposed near the raised standoff portions 818 of the second beam portions 806b, 808b, 810b, 812b. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the second beam portions 806b, 808b, 810b, 812b of the L-shaped transducer beams 806, 808, 810, 812 each comprise a strain gage 822 disposed on an outer side surface thereof that is sensitive to a first shear force component (i.e., a F_X strain gage). The first beam portions 806a, 808a, 810a, 812a of the L-shaped transducer beams 806, 808, 810, 812 each comprise a strain gage 824 disposed on an outer side surface thereof that is sensitive to a second shear force component (i.e., a F_Y strain gage).

[0135] In the illustrated embodiments of the present invention, the transducer beams do not extend from a top or upper surface of the central body portion. As such, there is no gap formed between the top or upper surface of the central body portion and a bottom or lower surface of one or more of the transducer beams. Rather, in the exemplary embodiments comprising a central body portion, the transducer beams extend outwardly from a side or lateral surface of the central body portion so as to minimize the overall height of the transducer profile (i.e., because the transducer beams are not required to be disposed above the central body portion). Also, in the illustrated embodiments discussed above, the transducer beams are not in the form of generally linear beams, and are not in the form of generally linear beams with generally symmetrical end portions. Rather, the transducer beams of the exemplary embodiments generally either emanate from a central body portion and have only one cantilevered end or are arranged in a continuous band-like configuration. In addition, it can be seen that, except for the top and bottom standoff portions on either the transducer beams or the central body portions, the top and bottom surfaces of the transducer beams of the exemplary embodiments are generally co-planar with the respective top and bottom surfaces of the central body portion. Similarly, in the exemplary embodiments having a band-like configuration of transducer beams, the top surfaces of each of the looped transducer beams are generally co-planar with one another, while the bottom surfaces of each of the looped transducer beams are also generally co-planar with one another.

[0136] FIGS. 26-29 illustrate a load transducer 900 according to an eleventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring initially to the top perspective view of FIG. 26, it can be seen that the load transducer 900 generally includes a one-piece compact transducer frame 902 having a plurality of transducer beam portions 904, 906, 908, 910, 912 connected to one another in succession. As best shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 26 and 29, the plurality of transducer beam portions 904, 906, 908, 910, 912 are arranged in a circumscribing pattern whereby a central one of the plurality of transducer beam portions (i.e., transducer beam portion 904) is at least partially circumscribed by one or more outer ones of the plurality of beam portions (i.e., transducer beam portions 906, 908, 910, 912). In other words, the plurality of transducer beam portions 904, 906, 908, 910, 912 forming the load transducer 900 are arranged in a looped configuration whereby a central one of the plurality of beam portions (i.e., transducer beam portion 904) emanates from a generally central location within a footprint of the load transducer 900 and outer ones of the plurality of beam portions (i.e., transducer beam portions 906, 908, 910, 912) are wrapped around the central one of the plurality of beam portions. As best illustrated in the perspective views of FIGS. 26 and 29, each of the beam portions 908, 910, 912 comprise one or more load cells or transducer elements for measuring forces and/or moments.

[0137] As shown in FIGS. 26-29, the illustrated transducer beam portions 904, 906, 908, 910, 912 are arranged in a generally spiral-shaped pattern that emanates from the centrally located transducer beam portion 904. The pattern in which the transducer beam portions 904, 906, 908, 910, 912 are arranged is also generally G-shaped (refer to FIGS. 26 and 29). With particular reference to the perspective views of FIGS. 26 and 29, it can be seen that the transducer beam portions 904, 906, 908, 910, 912 of the load transducer 900 are arranged in such a configuration that each of the successive transducer beam portions are disposed substantially perpendicular to the immediately preceding transducer beam portion. For example, referring to FIG. 26, the first transducer beam portion 904 is disposed at the approximate center of the transducer footprint, the second transducer beam portion 906 is connected to the first transducer beam portion 904 and is disposed substantially perpendicular thereto, the third transducer beam portion 908 is connected to the second transducer beam portion 906 and is disposed substantially perpendicular thereto, the fourth transducer beam portion 910 is connected to the third transducer beam portion 908 and is disposed substantially perpendicular thereto, and the fifth transducer beam portion 912 is connected to the fourth transducer beam portion 910 and is disposed substantially perpendicular thereto. In FIGS. 26 and 29, it can be seen that the transducer beam portions 904, 906, 908, 910, 912 of the load transducer 900 are spaced apart from one another by a generally U-shaped, central gap 942, which is bounded by each of the transducer beam portions 904, 906, 908, 910, 912. In particular, the first transducer beam portion 904 and the third transducer beam portion 908, which are disposed generally parallel to one another, are laterally spaced apart by the gap 942. Similarly, the second transducer beam portion 906 and the fourth transducer beam portion 910, which are disposed generally parallel to one another, are laterally spaced apart by the gap 942. Also, the first transducer beam portion 904 and the fifth transducer beam portion 912, which are disposed generally parallel to one another, are laterally spaced apart by the gap 942. The third transducer beam portion 908 and the fifth transducer beam portion 912, which are disposed generally parallel to one another, are laterally spaced apart by the gap 942 and a segment of the first transducer beam portion 904.

[0138] Referring again to the top perspective view of FIG. 26, it can be seen that the first and second transducer beam portions 904, 906 of the load transducer 900 together comprise an L-shaped raised portion or standoff portion 920 with mounting apertures 924 (e.g., three apertures 924) disposed therethrough for accommodating fasteners (e.g., screws) that attach the load transducer 900 to another object, such as a plate component of a force plate or force measurement assembly. The mounting apertures 924 pass completely through the first and second transducer beam portions 904, 906, and are provided with respective bottom bore portions 924a of increased diameter (see FIG. 29) in order to accommodate fasteners (e.g., screws) with fillister heads that have a larger outer diameter than the threaded portions of the fasteners. In addition, with reference again to FIG. 26, it can be seen that the elevated L-shaped top surface of the first and second transducer beam portions 904, 906 is provided with pin locating bores 926 (e.g., two bores 926) formed therein for receiving locating pins that ensure the proper positioning of the load transducer 900 on the object to which it is mounted, such as a plate component of a force plate or force measurement assembly. The locating pins are received within the pin locating bores 926 on the load transducer 900 and within corresponding pin locating bores provided on the object (e.g., the force plate or force measurement assembly). As depicted in the bottom perspective view of FIG. 29, the fifth transducer beam portion 912 of the load transducer 900 comprises a generally rectangular or square raised portion or standoff portion 922 with a mounting aperture 928 (e.g., a single aperture 928) disposed therethrough for accommodating a fastener (e.g., a screw) that attaches the load transducer 900 to another object, such as a mounting foot of a force plate or force measurement assembly. Advantageously, the standoff portions 920, 922 on the top and bottom of the load transducer 900 elevate the transducer beam portions 904, 906, 908, 910, 912 above the object(s) to which the load transducer 900 is attached so that forces and/or moments are capable of being accurately measured by the load transducer 900. In one or more embodiments, the structural components to which the load transducer 900 is mounted are connected only to the top standoff portion 920 and the bottom standoff 922 so as to ensure that the total load applied to the load transducer 900 is transmitted through the transducer beam portions 904, 906, 908, 910, 912.

[0139] In the illustrative embodiment, the third, fourth, and fifth transducer beam portions 908, 910, 912 have a top surface that is disposed at a first elevation relative to a bottom surface of the load transducer 900, whereas the L-shaped raised portion 920 of the first and second transducer beam portions 904, 906 has a top surface that is disposed at a second elevation relative to the bottom surface of the load transducer 900. As best shown in FIGS. 26-28, the second elevation is greater than the first elevation such that a recessed area is created by the difference in elevation between the second elevation and the first elevation. In the illustrated embodiment, the recessed area is used to accommodate electrical components of the transducer load cells (e.g., strain gages 934, 936a, 938a).

[0140] In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 26-29, each of the transducer beam portions 908, 910, 912 is provided with a respective aperture 914, 916, 918 disposed therethrough. In particular, the third transducer beam portion 908 is provided with a generally rectangular aperture 914 disposed vertically through the beam portion. Similarly, the fourth transducer beam portion 910 is provided with a generally rectangular aperture 916 disposed vertically through the beam portion. The fifth transducer beam portion 912 is provided with a generally rectangular aperture 918 disposed horizontally through the beam portion. The apertures 914, 916, 918, which are disposed through the respective transducer beam portions 908, 910, 912, significantly increase the sensitivity of the load transducer 900 when a load is applied thereto by reducing the cross-sectional area of the transducer beam portions 908, 910, 912 at the locations of the apertures 914, 916, 918.

[0141] As best shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 26 and 29, the illustrated load cells are located on the transducer beam portions 908, 910, 912. In the illustrated embodiment, each load cell comprises one or more strain gages 930, 932, 934, 936a, 936b, 938a, 938b, 940a, and 940b. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the third transducer beam portion 908 of the load transducer 900 comprises a strain gage 932 disposed on a side surface thereof that is sensitive to a first shear force component (i.e., a F_Y strain gage) and substantially centered on the aperture 914. The third transducer beam portion 908 also comprises a set of strain gages 938a, 938b that are sensitive to a first moment component (i.e., a M_Y strain gages). The strain gages 938a, 938b are disposed on opposed side surfaces (e.g., top and bottom surfaces) of the third transducer beam portion 908, and are substantially vertically aligned with one another. Turning again to FIGS. 26 and 29, in the illustrated embodiment, the fourth transducer beam portion 910 of the load transducer 900 comprises a strain gage 930 disposed on a side surface thereof that is sensitive to a second shear force component (i.e., a F_X strain gage) and substantially centered on the aperture 916. The fourth transducer beam portion 910 also comprises a set of strain gages 936a, 936b that are sensitive to a second moment component (i.e., a M_X strain gages). Like the strain gages 938a, 938b, the strain gages 936a, 936b are disposed on opposed side surfaces (e.g., top and bottom surfaces) of the fourth transducer beam portion 910, and are substantially vertically aligned with one another. With reference again to FIGS. 26 and 29, in the illustrated embodiment, the fifth transducer beam portion 912 of the load transducer 900 comprises a strain gage 934 disposed on the top surface thereof that is sensitive to a vertical force component (i.e., a F_Z strain gage) and substantially centered on the aperture 918. The fifth transducer beam portion 912 also comprises a set of strain gages 940a, 940b that are sensitive to a third moment component (i.e., a M_Z strain gages). Like the strain gages 936a, 936b and 938a, 938b, the strain gages 940a, 940b are disposed on opposed side surfaces (e.g., first and second lateral surfaces) of the fifth transducer beam portion 912, and are substantially horizontally aligned with one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the first shear force component is generally perpendicular to the second shear force component, and each of the first and second shear force components are generally perpendicular to the vertical force component.

[0142] In the illustrated embodiment, the strain gages 930, 932, 934 are disposed on respective outer surfaces of the transducer beam portions 910, 908, 912. The outer surfaces of the transducer beam portions 910, 908, 912 on which the strain gages 930, 932, 934 are disposed are generally opposite to the inner surfaces of the respective apertures 916, 914, 918.

[0143] As best shown in FIGS. 26 and 29, the illustrated load cells are mounted on top, bottom, or side surfaces of the transducer beam portions 908, 910, 912 between the standoff portions 920, 922 of the load transducer 900. Alternatively, the strain gages 932, 930 can be mounted to the inner side surfaces of the respective third and fourth transducer beam portions 908, 910, rather than to the outer side surfaces of the respective third and fourth transducer beam portions 908, 910 as illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 29. Similarly, the strain gage 934 can be mounted to the bottom surface of the fifth transducer beam portion 912, rather than to the top of the transducer beam portion 912 as illustrated in FIG. 26. In general, the strain gages 930, 932, 934 are mounted to surfaces generally normal to the direction of applied vertical and/or shear forces (i.e., F_X, F_Y, F_Z). It is also noted that alternatively, strain gages 930 can be mounted at both opposed side surfaces of fourth transducer beam portion 910 and/or strain gages 932 can be mounted at both opposed side surfaces of the third transducer beam portion 908. Similarly, strain gages 934 can be mounted at both the top surface and the bottom surface of the fifth transducer beam portion 912. These strain gages 930, 932, 934 measure force either by bending moment or difference of bending moments at two cross sections. As force is applied to the ends of the load transducer 900, the transducer beam portions bend. This bending either stretches or compresses the strain gages 930, 932, 934, which in turn changes the resistance of the electrical current passing therethrough. The amount of change in the electrical voltage or current is proportional to the magnitude of the applied force, as applied to the L-shaped standoff portion 920.

[0144] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the strain gages 930, 932, 934 comprises a full-bridge strain gage configuration (i.e., four (4) active strain gage elements wired in a Wheatstone bridge configuration), while each of the strain gages 936a, 936b, 938a, 938b, 940a, and 940b comprises a half-bridge strain gage configuration (i.e., two (2) active strain gage elements). Also, in the illustrative embodiment, the pair of strain gages 936a, 936b are wired together in one Wheatstone bridge configuration (i.e., with a total of four (4) active strain gage elements), the pair of strain gages 938a, 938b are wired together in another Wheatstone bridge configuration (i.e., with a total of four (4) active strain gage elements), and the pair of strain gages 940a, 940b are wired together in yet another Wheatstone bridge configuration (i.e., with a total of four (4) active strain gage elements).

[0145] FIGS. 30-33 illustrate a load transducer 1000 according to a twelfth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. With reference to these figures, it can be seen that the load transducer 1000 is similar in many respects to the load transducer 900 of the eleventh embodiment described above. However, unlike the aforedescribed load transducer 900, the load transducer 1000 only measures the force components of a load (i.e., F_X, F_Y, F_Z), rather than both the force and moment components of a load as explained above with regard to the load transducer 1000.

[0146] Initially, referring to the top perspective view of FIG. 30, it can be seen that the load transducer 1000 generally includes a one-piece compact transducer frame 1002 having a plurality of transducer beam portions 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012 connected to one another in succession. As best shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 30 and 33, the plurality of transducer beam portions 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012 are arranged in a circumscribing pattern whereby a central one of the plurality of transducer beam portions (i.e., transducer beam portion 1004) is at least partially circumscribed by one or more outer ones of the plurality of beam portions (i.e., transducer beam portions 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012). In other words, the plurality of transducer beam portions 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012 forming the load transducer 1000 are arranged in a looped configuration whereby a central one of the plurality of beam portions (i.e., transducer beam portion 1004) emanates from a generally central location within a footprint of the load transducer 1000 and outer ones of the plurality of beam portions (i.e., transducer beam portions 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012) are wrapped around the central one of the plurality of beam portions. As best illustrated in the perspective views of FIGS. 30 and 33, each of the beam portions 1008, 1010, 1012 comprise one or more load cells or transducer elements for measuring the various components of an applied force.

[0147] As shown in FIGS. 30-33, the illustrated transducer beam portions 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012 are arranged in a generally spiral-shaped pattern that emanates from the centrally located transducer beam portion 1004. The pattern in which the transducer beam portions 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012 are arranged is also generally G-shaped (refer to FIGS. 30 and 33). With particular reference to the perspective views of FIGS. 30 and 33, it can be seen that the transducer beam portions 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012 of the load transducer 1000 are arranged in such a configuration that each of the successive transducer beam portions are disposed substantially perpendicular to the immediately preceding transducer beam portion. For example, referring to FIG. 30, the first transducer beam portion 1004 is disposed at the approximate center of the transducer footprint, the second transducer beam portion 1006 is connected to the first transducer beam portion 1004 and is disposed substantially perpendicular thereto, the third transducer beam portion 1008 is connected to the second transducer beam portion 1006 and is disposed substantially perpendicular thereto, the fourth transducer beam portion 1010 is connected to the third transducer beam portion 1008 and is disposed substantially perpendicular thereto, and the fifth transducer beam portion 1012 is connected to the fourth transducer beam portion 1010 and is disposed substantially perpendicular thereto. In FIGS. 30 and 33, it can be seen that the transducer beam portions 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012 of the load transducer 1000 are spaced apart from one another by a generally U-shaped, central gap 1032, which is bounded by each of the transducer beam portions 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012. In particular, the first transducer beam portion 1004 and the third transducer beam portion 1008, which are disposed generally parallel to one another, are laterally spaced apart by the gap 1032. Similarly, the second transducer beam portion 1006 and the fourth transducer beam portion 1010, which are disposed generally parallel to one another, are laterally spaced apart by the gap 1032. Also, the first transducer beam portion 1004 and the fifth transducer beam portion 1012, which are disposed generally parallel to one another, are laterally spaced apart by the gap 1032. The third transducer beam portion 1008 and the fifth transducer beam portion 1012, which are disposed generally parallel to one another, are laterally spaced apart by the gap 1032 and a segment of the first transducer beam portion 1004.

[0148] Referring again to the top perspective view of FIG. 30, it can be seen that the first and second transducer beam portions 1004, 1006 of the load transducer 1000 comprise an L-shaped arrangement of mounting apertures 1020 (e.g., three (3) apertures 1020) disposed therethrough for accommodating fasteners (e.g., screws) that attach the load transducer 1000 to another object, such as a plate component of a force plate or force measurement assembly. The mounting apertures 1020 pass completely through the first and second transducer beam portions 1004, 1006, and are provided with respective bottom bore portions 1020a of increased diameter (see FIG. 33) in order to accommodate fasteners (e.g., screws) with fillister heads that have a larger outer diameter than the threaded portions of the fasteners. In addition, with reference again to FIG. 30, it can be seen that the L-shaped portion of the load transducer 1000 that is formed by the first and second transducer beam portions 1004, 1006 is provided with pin locating bores 1022 (e.g., two (2) bores 1022) formed therein for receiving locating pins that ensure the proper positioning of the load transducer 1000 on the object to which it is mounted, such as a plate component of a force plate or force measurement assembly. The locating pins are received within the pin locating bores 1022 on the load transducer 1000 and within corresponding pin locating apertures provided on the object (e.g., the force plate or force measurement assembly). As depicted in the perspective views of FIGS. 30 and 33, the fifth transducer beam portion 1012 of the load transducer 1000 comprises a mounting aperture 1024 (e.g., a single aperture 1024 proximate to the free end thereof) disposed therethrough for accommodating a fastener (e.g., a screw) that attaches the load transducer 1000 to another object, such as a mounting foot of a force plate or force measurement assembly. In one or more embodiments, the load transducer 1000 is connected to one or more objects in such a manner that the total load applied to the load transducer 1000 is transmitted through the transducer beam portions 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012.

[0149] In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 30-33, each of the transducer beam portions 1008, 1010, 1012 is provided with a respective aperture 1014, 1016, 1018 disposed therethrough. In particular, the third transducer beam portion 1008 is provided with a generally rectangular aperture 1014 disposed vertically through the beam portion. Similarly, the fourth transducer beam portion 1010 is provided with a generally rectangular aperture 1016 disposed vertically through the beam portion. The fifth transducer beam portion 1012 is provided with a generally rectangular aperture 1018 disposed horizontally through the beam portion. The apertures 1014, 1016, 1018, which are disposed through the respective transducer beam portions 1008, 1010, 1012, significantly increase the sensitivity of the load transducer 1000 when a load is applied thereto by reducing the cross-sectional area of the transducer beam portions 1008, 1010, 1012 at the locations of the apertures 1014, 1016, 1018.

[0150] As best shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 30 and 33, the illustrated load cells are located on the transducer beam portions 1008, 1010, 1012. In the illustrated embodiment, each load cell comprises one or more strain gages 1026, 1028, and 1030. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the third transducer beam portion 1008 of the load transducer 1000 comprises a strain gage 1028 disposed on a side surface thereof that is sensitive to a first shear force component (i.e., a F_Y strain gage) and substantially centered on the aperture 1014. Turning again to FIGS. 30 and 33, in the illustrated embodiment, the fourth transducer beam portion 1010 of the load transducer 1000 comprises a strain gage 1026 disposed on a side surface thereof that is sensitive to a second shear force component (i.e., a F_X strain gage) and substantially centered on the aperture 1016. With reference again to FIGS. 30 and 33, in the illustrated embodiment, the fifth transducer beam portion 1012 of the load transducer 1000 comprises a strain gage 1030 disposed on the top surface thereof that is sensitive to a vertical force component (i.e., a F_Z strain gage) and substantially centered on the aperture 1018. In the illustrated embodiment, the first shear force component is generally perpendicular to the second shear force component, and each of the first and second shear force components are generally perpendicular to the vertical force component.

[0151] In the illustrated embodiment, the strain gages 1026, 1028, 1030 are disposed on respective outer surfaces of the transducer beam portions 1010, 1008, 1012. The outer surfaces of the transducer beam portions 1010, 1008, 1012 on which the strain gages 1026, 1028, 1030 are disposed are generally opposite to the inner surfaces of the respective apertures 1016, 1014, 1018.

[0152] As best shown in FIGS. 30 and 33, the illustrated load cells are mounted on top or side surfaces of the transducer beam portions 1008, 1010, 1012 between the ends of the load transducer 1000. Alternatively, the strain gages 1028, 1026 can be mounted to the inner side surfaces of the respective third and fourth transducer beam portions 1008, 1010, rather than to the outer side surfaces of the respective third and fourth transducer beam portions 1008, 1010 as illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 33. Similarly, the strain gage 1030 can be mounted to the bottom surface of the fifth transducer beam portion 1012, rather than to the top of the transducer beam portion 1012 as illustrated in FIG. 30. In general, the strain gages 1026, 1028, 1030 are mounted to surfaces generally normal to the direction of applied vertical and/or shear forces (i.e., F_X, F_Y, F_Z). It is also noted that alternatively, strain gages 1026 can be mounted at both opposed side surfaces of fourth transducer beam portion 1010 and/or strain gages 1028 can be mounted at both opposed side surfaces of the third transducer beam portion 1008. Similarly, strain gages 1030 can be mounted at both the top surface and the bottom surface of the fifth transducer beam portion 1012. These strain gages 1026, 1028, 1030 measure force either by bending moment or difference of bending moments at two cross sections. As force is applied to the ends of the load transducer 1000, the transducer beam portions bend. This bending either stretches or compresses the strain gages 1026, 1028, 1030, which in turn changes the resistance of the electrical current passing therethrough. The amount of change in the electrical voltage or current is proportional to the magnitude of the applied force, as applied to the load transducer 1000.

[0153] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the strain gages 1026, 1028, 1030 comprises a full-bridge strain gage configuration (i.e., four (4) active strain gage elements wired in a Wheatstone bridge configuration) for measuring the applied vertical and shear forces.

[0154] An exemplary embodiment of a force measurement system is illustrated in FIGS. 34-37. In the illustrative embodiment, the force measurement system generally comprises a force measurement assembly 1040 (i.e., a force plate) that is operatively coupled to a data acquisition/data processing device 1060 (i.e., a data acquisition and processing device or computing device that is capable of collecting, storing, and processing data). The force measurement assembly 1040 illustrated in FIGS. 34-36 is configured to receive a subject thereon, and is capable of measuring the forces and/or moments applied to its measurement surface by the subject.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 34, the data acquisition and processing device 1060 (e.g., in the form of a laptop digital computer) generally includes a base portion 1064 with a central processing unit (CPU) disposed therein for collecting and processing the data that is received from the force measurement assembly 1040, and a plurality of devices 1066-1070 operatively coupled to the central processing unit (CPU) in the base portion 1064. Preferably, the devices that are operatively coupled to the central processing unit (CPU) comprise user input devices 1066, 1068 in the form of a keyboard 1066 and a touchpad 1068, as well as a graphical user interface in the form of a laptop LCD screen 1070. While a laptop type computing system is depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 34, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that another type of data acquisition and processing device 1060 can be substituted for the laptop computing system such as, but not limited to, a palmtop computing device (i.e., a PDA) or a desktop type computing system having a plurality of separate, operatively coupled components (e.g., a desktop type computing system including a main housing with a central processing unit (CPU) and data storage devices, a remote monitor, a remote keyboard, and a remote mouse).

[0156] As illustrated in FIG. 34, force measurement assembly 1040 is operatively coupled to the data acquisition/data processing device 1060 by virtue of an electrical cable 1062. In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical cable 1062 is used for data transmission, as well as for providing power to the force measurement assembly 1040. Various types of data transmission cables can be used for cable 1062. For example, the cable 1062 can be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable or an Ethernet cable. Preferably, the electrical cable 1062 contains a plurality of electrical wires bundled together, with at least one wire being used for power and at least another wire being used for transmitting data. The bundling of the power and data transmission wires into a single electrical cable 1062 advantageously creates a simpler and more efficient design. In addition, it enhances the safety of the testing environment when human subjects are being tested on the force measurement assembly 1040. However, it is to be understood that the force measurement assembly 1040 can be operatively coupled to the data acquisition/data processing device 1040 using other signal transmission means, such as a wireless data transmission system. If a wireless data transmission system is employed, it is preferable to provide the force measurement assembly 1040 with a separate power supply in the form of an internal power supply or a dedicated external power supply.

[0157] Referring again to FIG. 34, it can be seen that the force measurement assembly 1040 of the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a force plate assembly with a single, continuous measurement surface. The force plate assembly includes a plate component 1042 supported on a plurality of load transducers 1000, 1000′. As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the plate component 1042 comprises a top measurement surface 1044, a bottom surface 1054 disposed generally opposite to the top measurement surface 1044, and a plurality of side surfaces 1046, 1048, 1050, 1052 disposed between the top and bottom surfaces 1044, 1054. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side surface 1046 of the plate component 1042 is disposed generally parallel to the second side surface 1048, and is disposed generally perpendicular to both the third side surface 1050 and the fourth side surface 1052. The third side surface 1050 of the plate component 1042 is disposed generally parallel to the fourth side surface 1052, and is disposed generally perpendicular to both the first side surface 1046 and the second side surface 1048. Turning to the exploded view of FIG. 36, it can be seen that the bottom surface 1054 of the plate component 1042 comprises a plurality of transducer mounting recesses 1056 for accommodating respective ones of the load transducers 1000, 1000′. Also, as shown in FIG. 36, it can be seen that an L-shaped transducer standoff plate 1034 is provided in each of the transducer mounting recesses 1056 for spacing the top surfaces of the load transducers 1000, 1000′ from the mounting surfaces of the recesses 1056. Referring again to the bottom perspective view of FIG. 36, it can be seen that each L-shaped transducer standoff plate 1034 comprises a plurality of mounting apertures 1036 (e.g., three (3) apertures 1036) disposed therethrough for accommodating fasteners (e.g., screws) that attach the plate component 1042 of the force measurement assembly 1040 to either the load transducer 1000 or the load transducer 1000′. As such, the mounting apertures 1036 in each L-shaped transducer standoff plate 1034 are substantially aligned with the mounting apertures 1020 in the load transducers 1000, 1000′ such that they correspond thereto. In addition, with reference again to FIG. 36, it can be seen that each L-shaped transducer standoff plate 1034 further comprises pin locating apertures 1038 (e.g., two (2) apertures 1038) formed therein for receiving locating pins that ensure the proper positioning of the load transducers 1000, 1000′ on the plate component 1042 of the force measurement assembly 1040. Thus, the pin locating apertures 1038 in each L-shaped transducer standoff plate 1034 are substantially aligned with the pin locating bores 1022 in the load transducers 1000, 1000′ such that they correspond thereto. The pin locating apertures 1038 in the L-shaped transducer standoff plates 1034, and the pin locating bores 1022 in the load transducers 1000, 1000′, collectively receive locating pins that ensure the proper positioning of the load transducers 1000, 1000′ on the plate component 1042 of the force measurement assembly 1040.

[0158] In illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 34-36, the force measurement assembly 1040 comprises a total of four (4) load transducers 1000, 1000′ that are disposed underneath, and near each of the respective four corners (4) of the plate component 1042. The load transducers 1000′ are generally the same as the load transducers 1000, expect that they are configured as a mirror image of the load transducers 1000. Advantageously, because the load transducers 1000, 1000′ are compact, none of the plurality of load transducers 1000, 1000′ extend substantially an entire length or width of the plate component 1042 of the force measurement assembly 1040. The compact construction of the load transducers 1000, 1000′ not only reduces material costs because less material is used to form the load transducers 1000, 1000′, but it also allows the load transducers 1000, 1000′ to be universally used on force plates having a myriad of different lengths and widths because it is not necessary for the load transducers 1000, 1000′ to conform to the footprint size of the force plate.

[0159] In an alternative embodiment, rather than using the load transducers 1000, 1000′ on the force measurement assembly 1040, the load transducers 900 described above could be provided on the force measurement assembly 1040. Using the load transducers 900 in lieu of the load transducers 1000, 1000′ would enable the moment components of the load applied to the plate component 1042 to be measured in addition to the force components of the load.

[0160] In other embodiments of the invention, rather than using a force measurement assembly 1040 having a plate component 1042 with a single measurement surface 1044, it is to be understood that a force measurement assembly in the form of a dual force plate may be alternatively employed. Unlike the single force plate assembly 1040 illustrated in FIGS. 34-36, the dual force plate comprises two separate plate components, each of which is configured to accommodate a respective one of a subject's feet thereon (i.e., the left plate component accommodates the subject's left foot, whereas the right plate component accommodates the subject's right foot). In these alternative embodiments, each of the two plate components of the dual force plate are supported on four (4) load transducers 1000, 1000′ (i.e., a load transducer 1000, 1000′ is disposed in each of the respective four (4) corners of each of the two plate components). As such, the dual force plate comprises a total of eight (8) load transducers 1000, 1000′ (i.e., four (4) load transducers 1000, 1000′ under each of the two plate components).

[0161] Also, as shown in FIGS. 34-36, the force measurement assembly 1040 is provided with a plurality of support feet 1058 disposed thereunder. Preferably, each of the four (4) corners of the force measurement assembly 1040 is provided with a support foot 1058 (e.g., mounted on the bottom of each load transducer 1000, 1000′). In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, each support foot 1058 is attached to an aperture 1024 in a respective one of the load transducers 1000, 1000′ by means of a fastener (e.g., a screw). In one embodiment, at least one of the support feet 1058 is adjustable so as to facilitate the leveling of the force measurement assembly 1040 on an uneven floor surface.

[0162] Now, turning to FIG. 37, it can be seen that the data acquisition/data processing device 1060 (i.e., the laptop computing device) of the force measurement system comprises a microprocessor 1060a for processing data, memory 1060b (e.g., random access memory or RAM) for storing data during the processing thereof, and data storage device(s) 1060c, such as one or more hard drives, compact disk drives, floppy disk drives, flash drives, or any combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 37, the force measurement assembly 1040 and the visual display device 1070 are operatively coupled to the core components 1060a, 1060b, 1060c of the data acquisition/data processing device 1060 such that data is capable of being transferred between these devices 1040, 1060a, 1060b, 1060c, and 1070. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 37, a plurality of data input devices 1066, 1068 such as the keyboard 1066 and mouse 1068 shown in FIG. 34, are operatively coupled to the core components 1060a, 1060b, 1060c of the data acquisition/data processing device 1060 so that a user is able to enter data into the data acquisition/data processing device 1060. In some embodiments, the data acquisition/data processing device 1060 can be in the form of a laptop computer, while in other embodiments, the data acquisition/data processing device 1060 can be embodied as a desktop computer.

[0163] FIG. 38 graphically illustrates the acquisition and processing of the load data carried out by the exemplary force measurement system of FIG. 34. Initially, as shown in FIG. 38, a load L is applied to the force measurement assembly 1040 (e.g., by a subject disposed thereon). The load is transmitted from the plate component 1042 to the load transducers 1000, 1000′ disposed in each of its four (4) corners. As described above, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the load transducers 1000, 1000′ includes a plurality of strain gages 1026, 1028, 1030 wired in one or more Wheatstone bridge configurations, wherein the electrical resistance of each strain gage is altered when the associated beam portion of the load transducer 1000, 1000′ undergoes deformation resulting from the load (i.e., forces and/or moments) acting on the plate component 1042. For each plurality of strain gages disposed on the load transducers 1000, 1000′, the change in the electrical resistance of the strain gages brings about a consequential change in the output voltage of the Wheatstone bridge (i.e., a quantity representative of the load being applied to the measurement surface 1044). Thus, in one embodiment, the four (4) load transducers 1000, 1000′ disposed under the plate component 1042 output a total of twelve (12) analog output voltages (signals). In some embodiments, the twelve (12) analog output voltages from load transducers 1000, 1000′ disposed under the plate component 1042 are then transmitted to a preamplifier board (not shown) for preconditioning. The preamplifier board is used to increase the magnitudes of the transducer analog voltages, and preferably, to convert the analog voltage signals into digital voltage signals as well. After which, the force measurement assembly 1040 transmits the force plate output signals S_FPO1-S_FP12 to a main signal amplifier/converter 1072. Depending on whether the preamplifier board also includes an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter, the force plate output signals S_FPO1-S_FP12 could be either in the form of analog signals or digital signals. The main signal amplifier/converter 1072 further magnifies the force plate output signals S_FPO1-S_FP12, and if the signals S_FPO1-S_FP12 are of the analog-type (for a case where the preamplifier board did not include an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter), it may also convert the analog signals to digital signals. Then, the signal amplifier/converter 1072 transmits either the digital or analog signals S_ACO1-S_AC12 to the data acquisition/data processing device 1060 (computer 1060) so that the forces and/or moments that are being applied to the measurement surface 1044 of the force measurement assembly 1040 can be transformed into output load values OL. In addition to the components 1060a, 1060b, 1060c, the data acquisition/data processing device 1060 may further comprise an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter if the signals S_ACO1-S_AC12 are in the form of analog signals. In such a case, the analog-to-digital converter will convert the analog signals into digital signals for processing by the microprocessor 1060a.

[0164] When the data acquisition/data processing device 1060 receives the voltage signals S_ACO1-S_AC12, it initially transforms the signals into output forces by multiplying the voltage signals S_ACO1-S_AC12 by a calibration matrix. If the load transducer 900 is used in conjunction with the force measurement assembly 1040, the data acquisition/data processing device 1060 may additionally transform the signals into output moments by multiplying the voltage signals by the calibration matrix. After which, the force exerted on the surface 1044 of the force measurement assembly 1040, and the center of pressure of the applied force (i.e., the x and y coordinates of the point of application of the force applied to the measurement surface 1044) is determined by the data acquisition/data processing device 1060. Referring to the perspective view of FIG. 34, it can be seen that the center of pressure coordinates (x_PL, y_PL) for the plate component 1042 of the force measurement assembly 1040 are determined in accordance with x and y coordinate axes 1074, 1076.

[0165] In one exemplary embodiment, the data acquisition/data processing device 1060 determines all three (3) orthogonal components of the resultant forces acting on the plate component 1042 of the force measurement assembly 1040 (i.e., F_X, F_Y, F_Z). In yet other embodiments of the invention, all three (3) orthogonal components of the resultant forces and moments acting on the plate component 1042 of the force measurement assembly 1040 (i.e., F_X, F_Y, F_Z, M_X, M_Y, M_Z,) may be determined (i.e., when the load transducer 900 is used in lieu of the load transducers 1000, 1000′).

[0166] Any of the features or attributes of the above described embodiments and variations can be used in combination with any of the other features and attributes of the above described embodiments and variations as desired.

[0167] It is apparent from the above detailed description that the present invention provides a low profile six-component load transducer 10, 10′, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 which has a significant allowable offset for the line of action of the force. In that, for a given allowable maximum load, this load transducer has a much higher moment capacity than currently available load transducers and the offset value can be as high as five times the diameter (or width dimension) of the transducer. Therefore, the load transducer 10, 10′, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 according to the present invention is able to withstand and measure moments which are approximately ten times higher than that of a similarly sized and rated conventional load cell.

[0168] Also, it is readily apparent that the embodiments of the load transducer 900, 1000, 1000′ and the force measurement assembly 1040 using the same offer numerous advantages and benefits. In particular, the load transducer 900, 1000, 1000′ described herein is capable of being interchangeably used with a myriad of different force plate sizes so that load transducers that are specifically tailored for a particular force plate size are unnecessary. Moreover, the universal load transducer 900, 1000, 1000′ described herein is compact and uses less stock material than conventional load transducers, thereby resulting in lower material costs. Furthermore, the aforedescribed force measurement assembly 1040 utilizes the compact and universal load transducer 900, 1000, 1000′ thereon so as to result in a more lightweight and portable force measurement assembly.

[0169] From the foregoing disclosure and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments, it is also apparent that various modifications, additions and other alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the true scope and spirit of the present invention. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the present invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the benefit to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.