Aspects of this disclosure relate to force based on movement of magnetically sensitive material. In embodiments, first magnetically sensitive material and second magnetically sensitive material can be in an initial position. According to such embodiments, one or more sensors to detect force based on relative position of the first magnetically sensitive material and the second magnetically sensitive in a second position. Related systems and methods for force detection are disclosed.

The invention involves utilizing variable reluctance measurement technology (VRMT) sensors to monitor forces and stresses on drilling risers and riser towers. The tension monitoring system described herein includes an optimized configuration of variable reluctance measurement technology sensors, wherein the sensors have increased wire turns around each end of their C-cores or alternatively are mounted on mechanical amplifiers or both. An array of optimized variable reluctance measurement technology sensors can be configured at multiple points on a riser system. The VRMT sensors may be integrally attached to the risers or flexible joints for the risers, or may be installed on existing riser or flexible joint systems.

A variable inductance force transducer includes a variable inductor including an induction coil having a wire configured as a plurality of turns with a hollow center having an inner opening. An inner core is within the induction coil that can move in and out responsive to an applied pulling force to change its inductance depending on a magnitude of a pulling force applied to the inner core. A spring has an end for securing to a fixture and an opposite end secured to a first end of the inner core which has a second end opposite the first end having a coupling feature attached thereto for attaching a load which provides the pulling force.

In one embodiment, a compliant force/torque sensor includes an orthoplanar spring including a central platform and multiple legs that extend out from the platform, a support member configured to support the orthoplanar spring, wherein the legs of the orthoplanar spring are mounted to the support member in a manner in which the central platform of the orthoplanar spring can move relative to the support member, and sensor elements configured to sense movement of the central platform of the orthoplanar spring relative to the support member.

A device for measuring forces or a weighing device includes at least one sensor, at least one force input device configured to elastically deform in relation to an external force acting on the device, and a casing coupled to the sensor and the force input device. The sensor is configured such that, when the force is applied to the device, the sensor detects the force in relation to the elastic deformation of the force input device, and the casing is configured to accommodate the sensor in the casing in at least two different positions.

A force sensing system for determining if a user input has occurred, the system comprising: an input channel, to receive an input from at least one force sensor; an activity detection stage, to monitor an activity level of the input from the at least one force sensor and, responsive to an activity level which may be indicative of a user input being reached, to generate an indication that an activity has occurred at the force sensor; and an event detection stage to receive said indication, and to determine if a user input has occurred based on the received input from the at least one force sensor.

A two-dimensional force sensor for measuring a first force in a first direction and a second force in a second direction. The sensor comprises a first resilient plate oriented in the second direction, a first end of the first resilient plate being arranged for being coupled to a reference point; a second resilient plate oriented in the first direction, a first end of the second resilient plate coupled to a second end of the first resilient plate and a measurement probe coupled to a second end of the second resilient plate. The measurement probe is mounted on an extension device mounted to the second end of the second resilient plate. The extension device positions the measurement probe at a position deviating from an imaginary cross-section point of the first resilient plate and the second resilient plate by no more than 20% of a length of the extension device.

A two-dimensional force sensor for measuring a first force in a first direction and a second force in a second direction. The sensor comprises a first resilient plate oriented in the second direction, a first end of the first resilient plate being arranged for being coupled to a reference point; a second resilient plate oriented in the first direction, a first end of the second resilient plate coupled to a second end of the first resilient plate and a measurement probe coupled to a second end of the second resilient plate. The measurement probe is mounted on an extension device mounted to the second end of the second resilient plate. The extension device positions the measurement probe at a position deviating from an imaginary cross-section point of the first resilient plate and the second resilient plate by no more than 20% of a length of the extension device.

A flexible tactile sensor includes a conductive target positioned in a first plane, at least three coils forming an array within a second plane, the second plane spaced apart from the first plane, a pliable material coupling the conductive target to the at least three coils, and an electronic device electrically coupled to each of the at least three coils, the electronic device configured to induce an AC signal within each of the at least three coils and measure a change in inductance in the at least three coils in response to movement of the conductive target.

A flexible tactile sensor includes a conductive target positioned in a first plane, at least three coils forming an array within a second plane, the second plane spaced apart from the first plane, a pliable material coupling the conductive target to the at least three coils, and an electronic device electrically coupled to each of the at least three coils, the electronic device configured to induce an AC signal within each of the at least three coils and measure a change in inductance in the at least three coils in response to movement of the conductive target.