The present subject matter discloses a method of measuring a peak load, including the steps of placing an indenter between a first surface and a second surface, exerting a load on at least one of the first and second surfaces, measuring at least one of a width, depth, radial chord length, and cross-sectional area of an indentation formed by the indenter in at least one of the first and second surfaces; and converting the measured parameter into a load value. Certain methods further include the steps of converting the measured parameter into a load per length value and obtaining a load value by integrating along a circumferential length of the indentation. In still other methods, the exerted load is a compressive load.

An impact sensing laminate 2 has a first surface 211 on which an impact force acts; a second surface 222 brought in contact with a protection object OBJ; an impact absorption layer 21 and a first pressure-sensitive layer 22. When a direction heading for the second surface from the first surface is defined as a first direction, the first pressure-sensitive layer is in the first direction from the impact absorption layer. The first pressure-sensitive layer is a layer of sensing a first impact force as the impact force to have been attenuated by the impact absorption layer.

An impact sensing laminate 2 has a first surface 211 on which an impact force acts; a second surface 222 brought in contact with a protection object OBJ; an impact absorption layer 21 and a first pressure-sensitive layer 22. When a direction heading for the second surface from the first surface is defined as a first direction, the first pressure-sensitive layer is in the first direction from the impact absorption layer. The first pressure-sensitive layer is a layer of sensing a first impact force as the impact force to have been attenuated by the impact absorption layer.

In one general aspect, an apparatus includes at least two conductive elements disposed in a polymeric foam and at least two voltage detectors. Each voltage detector is coupled to a respective conductive element and configured to detect a charge generated by an impact to the polymeric foam within a sensing radius of the respective conductive element. In another general aspect, an apparatus includes a deformation sensor and a voltage detector. The deformation sensor includes a conductive element disposed in a polymeric foam, a portion of the conductive element extending beyond an outer wall of the polymeric foam. The voltage detector is coupled to the portion of the conductive element and detects a charge generated by the deformation sensor responsive to an impact to the polymeric foam.

In one general aspect, an apparatus includes at least two conductive elements disposed in a polymeric foam and at least two voltage detectors. Each voltage detector is coupled to a respective conductive element and configured to detect a charge generated by an impact to the polymeric foam within a sensing radius of the respective conductive element. In another general aspect, an apparatus includes a deformation sensor and a voltage detector. The deformation sensor includes a conductive element disposed in a polymeric foam, a portion of the conductive element extending beyond an outer wall of the polymeric foam. The voltage detector is coupled to the portion of the conductive element and detects a charge generated by the deformation sensor responsive to an impact to the polymeric foam.

Embodiments of the invention include a fracture ring sensor and a method of using the same to detect out of tolerance forces. Aspects of the invention include a product having a defined an out of tolerance force, a fracture ring sensor, and a mounting assembly coupling the fracture ring sensor to the product. The fracture ring sensor is patterned with a conductive trace and is manufactured to break when subjected to a predetermined amount of force. The predetermined amount of force is substantially equal to a percentage of the out of tolerance force of the product.

Embodiments of the invention include a fracture ring sensor and a method of using the same to detect out of tolerance forces. Aspects of the invention include a product having a defined an out of tolerance force, a fracture ring sensor, and a mounting assembly coupling the fracture ring sensor to the product. The fracture ring sensor is patterned with a conductive trace and is manufactured to break when subjected to a predetermined amount of force. The predetermined amount of force is substantially equal to a percentage of the out of tolerance force of the product.

Embodiments of the invention include a fracture ring sensor and a method of using the same to detect out of tolerance forces. Aspects of the invention include a product having a defined an out of tolerance force, a fracture ring sensor, and a mounting assembly coupling the fracture ring sensor to the product. The fracture ring sensor is patterned with a conductive trace and is manufactured to break when subjected to a predetermined amount of force. The predetermined amount of force is substantially equal to a percentage of the out of tolerance force of the product.

Embodiments of the invention include a fracture ring sensor and a method of using the same to detect out of tolerance forces. Aspects of the invention include a product having a defined an out of tolerance force, a fracture ring sensor, and a mounting assembly coupling the fracture ring sensor to the product. The fracture ring sensor is patterned with a conductive trace and is manufactured to break when subjected to a predetermined amount of force. The predetermined amount of force is substantially equal to a percentage of the out of tolerance force of the product.

An electro-mechanical fuse is provided and includes a chassis component, an extrusion disposed on a monitored component which is disposable proximate to the chassis component and a sensor. The sensor is mounted to the chassis component. The sensor is mechanically breakable in power-on and power-off conditions by the extrusion as a result of a predefined action of or relative to the monitored component. The sensor electrically signals an occurrence of the mechanical breakage during power-on conditions following mechanical breakage.