A cost effective multi-axis force sensor for large scale measurement: Design, modeling, and simulation

Multi-axis force sensors have been investigated for several decades, but existing multi-axis force sensors are limited in range by their resolutions. They are sensitive to noises, when subjected to signal draft, and they are still relatively expensive. To address these problems, this paper presents the conceptual design of a novel two-dimensional force sensor capable of resolving two perpendicular forces with large range and relatively high resolution. The conceived force sensor features a compliant parallel architecture to generate deformation. Four linear Hall effect sensors are employed to sense the induced deformation. In this paper, an accurate theoretical model for calculating the static and dynamic performance of the sensor is developed. Finite element simulations are conducted in order to optimize the design as well as validate the theoretical model. Both the analytical and numerical results show that the proposed force sensor is compact and effective.