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Title: Silicon force sensor and method of using the same

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1327919

The various technologies presented herein relate to a sensor for measurement of high forces and/or high load shock rate(s), whereby the sensor utilizes silicon as the sensing element. A plate of Si can have a thinned region formed therein on which can be formed a number of traces operating as a Wheatstone bridge. The brittle Si can be incorporated into a layered structure comprising ductile and/or compliant materials. The sensor can have a washer-like configuration which can be incorporated into a nut and bolt configuration, whereby tightening of the nut and bolt can facilitate application of a compressive preload upon the sensor. Upon application of an impact load on the bolt, the compressive load on the sensor can be reduced (e.g., moves towards zero-load), however the magnitude of the preload can be such that the load on the sensor does not translate to tensile stress being applied to the sensor.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
Assignee:
Sandia Corporation (Albuquerque, NM)
Patent Number(s):
9,459,161
Application Number:
15/170,355
OSTI ID:
1327919
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 2016 Jun 01
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (3)

Silicon pressure sensor with decreased pressure equalization between measured pressure and reference chamber patent July 2007
Apparatus and method for minimizing drift of a piezo-resistive pressure sensor due to progressive release of mechanical stress over time patent March 2013
Mechanical characterization in failure strength of silicon dice conference January 2004

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