Leaf Spring with a Deform guide for the Torque Sensor

Author

Takeshima, Hirozumi and Kitano, Satoshi and Tawara, Tetsuo and Endo, Ken

Abstract

We developed a leaf spring with a deformation guide for application as a torque sensor. When a simple cantilever spring bends, stress concentrates at the fixed end. Therefore the other parts of the spring do not deform largely. We developed a deformation guide that supports a spring not to cause plastic deformation. A cantilever leaf spring with a deformation guide can endure a high force and achieve a large deformation that a spring without a guide cannot endure. We tested this spring with our artificial knee device. The experimental result shows that the sensor succeeded to measure the torque, and the resolution of the sensor is adjusted passively in relation to the applied force.