The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 09, 1996
Filed:
May. 31, 1994
Peter D Washabaugh, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Other;
Abstract
The design of transducers utilizing finite length sensor paths is discussed. Within the framework of linear elastostatics of an isotropic homogeneous material the normal, transverse, and shear components of strain along a path can be integrated over a finite length to separate and yield external loading components. These displacement measurements over a long distance accommodate the use of fiber optic displacement sensors. The use of optical interferometric sensors in contrast with electrical strain gauges, has the potential to allow the precision and range of the component measurement to scale with the geometry of the device rather than the maximum strain in the instrument. It becomes possible by virtue of these scaling properties to construct a better transducer. The design of transducers that measure all six resultant-load components using both electrical strain gauges and fiber-optic interferometric sensors are described. An advanced torsion sensor and a linear acceleration transducer are also discussed. In addition, a 'null' transducer that is potentially useful as a 'structural integrity' sensor is presented. Finally, practical consideratios in the design of finite length sensor path transducers are noted.