Integrated load sensing system

Abstract

An integrated load sensing system includes a housing including a coupling pin portion thereof. A bridge circuit includes a set of strain gauges bonded to the coupling pin portion. A bridge circuit excitation, error correction, and amplification (BCEECA) subsystem is operatively connected to the bridge circuit for receiving indications of shear load from the strain gauges, correcting signal error, and amplifying the indications of shear load. The BCEECA subsystem provides amplified output signals. A power conditioning module is operatively connected to the BCEECA subsystem for receiving power from an external power supply and conditioning power to an appropriate state for driving the bridge circuit as well as an appropriate state for error correction and amplification circuitry within the BCEECA subsystem. A logic module compares the amplified output signals to a predetermined signal threshold and provides latching of enunciation in accordance with a selected delay after the threshold is surpassed. An enunciation element providing enunciation of the output signals surpassing the signal threshold in accordance with the logic module. The bridge circuit, the BCEECA subsystem, the power conditioning module, the logic module, and the enunciation element are contained and sealed within the housing. The invention includes a method for in situ testing of a shear load sensing system for a mechanical system.