초록 ▼

A membrane weight sensor incorporates a plurality of membrane switch elements, each characterized by a distinct activation force threshold determined by the effective diameter and activation travel distance of the associated membrane. A plurality of membrane switch elements is incorporated into a si

A membrane weight sensor incorporates a plurality of membrane switch elements, each characterized by a distinct activation force threshold determined by the effective diameter and activation travel distance of the associated membrane. A plurality of membrane switch elements is incorporated into a single membrane switch pad. The membrane switch pad is aligned with a pair of first and second plates, one of which incorporates a plurality of protrusions, each operatively coupled to a different membrane switch element for purposes of deflecting the associated membrane. The signals from each of the associated switch elements are encoded and combined so as to form a single analog output signal having a plurality of discrete levels indicative of the amount of force applied to the membrane weight sensor.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A sensor for measuring a compressive load, comprising:a. a first plate having first and second sides;b. a plurality of protrusions on said second side of said first plate;c. a second plate having first and second sides, whereby the compressive load is applied across respective said

[ I claim:] [1.] A sensor for measuring a compressive load, comprising:a. a first plate having first and second sides;b. a plurality of protrusions on said second side of said first plate;c. a second plate having first and second sides, whereby the compressive load is applied across respective said first sides of said first and second plates; andd. a plurality of membrane switch elements interposed between respective said second sides of said first and second plates, each said membrane switch element of said plurality of membrane switch elements having an associated activation force threshold whereby when the compressive load exceeds said associated activation force threshold said membrane switch element is closed, at least two associated activation force thresholds are substantially different from one another, each said membrane switch element comprising:1) a flexible and elastic first substrate having first and second sides, wherein said first side of said first substrate is operatively coupled to one of said protrusions and said second side of said first substrate is conductive over at least a portion of the surface of said second side so as to constitute a first conductor;2) a second substrate having first and second sides, wherein said first side of said second substrate is operatively coupled to said second side of said second plate and said second side of said second substrate is conductive over at least a portion of the surface of said second side so as to constitute a second conductor; and3) a spacer having an aperture, wherein said protrusion operatively coupled to said first substrate is operative within said aperture and said spacer is interposed between respective said second sides of said first and second substrates, whereby when the magnitude of the compressive load exceeds said associated activation force threshold of said membrane switch element, said protrusion operatively coupled to said first substrate causes said first substrate to deflect such that at least a portion of said first conductor also contacts at least a portion of said second conductor thereby closing said membrane switch element.