A New Six-axis Load Cell. Part I: Design

A new high precision six-axis load cell is presented in two companion papers. The first paper (this one) is focused on the presentation of the load cell, the conceptual design, the modelling and the embodiment design. The second paper refers to the error analysis, the construction and the experimental assessment of the performances. The new load cell is able to measure the three components of both a force and a moment acting on the load cell itself. The sensing structural element of the six-axis load cell is basically a three spoke structure. Strain gauges are conveniently located on highly stressed areas. The sensing structural element is constrained to the frame of the load cell by means of special joints conceived to avoid friction. The mechanical behaviour of the load cell is described by means of analytical equations that allow a quick preliminary design focused on the given technical specifications. A finite element model has been used to asses the mechanical behaviour of the load cell.