Multi-Axis Load Cell Designs Employing Multiple Shear Beams

Abstract

Binocular and parallel plate structure load cells are very successful designs for strain based measurements of shear loads. In this paper we use finite element methods (FEM) to investigate the suitability of these two load cell designs for use in a force plate and compare the sensitivity of these two force plates to that of the Heglund’s force plate. Each force plate is also sensitive to two moments with axis in the same plane as the force plate. If the force plate is to be used as a two component force-moment sensor, we determine which moment axis is best to use. Finally, a novel six-axis load cell is modelled by assembling three force plates together with rotational symmetry. The sensitivity of the six-axis load cell is calculated using FEM. Analysis of the six axis load cell predicts good measurement sensitivity and isotropy while maintaining low interference between measurement axes. Further benefits of the load cell design are discussed.