Multi-range force sensors utilizing shape memory alloys

Patent · Tue Apr 15 00:00:00 EDT 2003

OSTI ID:921439

Varma, Venugopal K ^[1]

---

1. Knoxville, TN

The present invention provides a multi-range force sensor comprising a load cell made of a shape memory alloy, a strain sensing system, a temperature modulating system, and a temperature monitoring system. The ability of the force sensor to measure contact forces in multiple ranges is effected by the change in temperature of the shape memory alloy. The heating and cooling system functions to place the shape memory alloy of the load cell in either a low temperature, low strength phase for measuring small contact forces, or a high temperature, high strength phase for measuring large contact forces. Once the load cell is in the desired phase, the strain sensing system is utilized to obtain the applied contact force. The temperature monitoring system is utilized to ensure that the shape memory alloy is in one phase or the other.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-96OR22464
• Assignee: UT-Battelle (Oak Ridge, TN)
• Patent Number(s): 6,546,806
• Application Number: 09/398,138
• OSTI ID: 921439
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English