Importance

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Abstract

A force measuring apparatus includes a platform construction on which forces may be exerted, as for example, by an individual stepping upon a top plate of the platform construction. Apparatus of this nature is commonly referred to in the art as a 'Biomechanics Platform', and may include a bottom plate, a top plate deformable by forces exerted thereon and a plurality of load cell members arranged to yieldably support the top plate in spaced relation to the bottom plate. The load cells are constructed with strain ring means having strain gage elements suitably supported thereon, and the cells further include composite anchoring means for connecting the top plate with strain rings of respective load cells in a unique manner. Each of the composite anchoring means includes a compliant or elastic member which is arranged to transmit, at any given time, an entire load exerted between the top plate and its respective load cell. Also included in each composite anchoring means are retaining elements arranged to engage with a respective elastic member as well as adjacent top plate and strain ring portions. The elastic member is further characterized by a compliance with respect to rotation and lateral translation of the top plate greater than the compliance of the entire load cell structure, thereby to eliminate to a very large extent transmission of erroneous force signals resulting from deformation of the top plate.

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First Claim