Force Sensing Clevis Pins/Bolts

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Standard and Custom Load Pins

When choosing between standard and custom force sensors, consider the application’s specific requirements.

Strainsert specializes in the design and manufacturing of custom load pins, however in addition offers standard load pin sensors for a range of common hardware installations, and are available at a lower price and quicker delivery. In addition, our standard CPA series products are many times incorporated into our customers’ designs during their development process in order to take advantage of the lower pricing and faster delivery.

Custom force sensors offer tailored solutions for unique requirements, including specific geometries, challenging conditions, different types of loading conditions and/or harsh environments. They also offer enhanced accuracy, reliability, and integration capabilities for specialized applications.

For more information about how Strainsert Load Pins are designed and work, read below for a detailed explanation:

General Introduction to Load Pins

Force sensing load pins or bolts are a unique force sensor developed by Strainsert (U.S Patent 3,695,096). They utilize the internal strain gage process perfected and used by Strainsert since 1960 in our load pins, tension links, tensile bolts and load cells.

The force sensing load pins offer precision force measurement by simply replacing any existing shear pins, clevis bolts, shear axles or other types of pinned joints used in the aerospace, automotive, military and marine industries. The internally gaged load pin is typically a double-shear clevis arrangement with two shear sensing planes as shown in the drawing below, however, cantilever load pins with a single shear plane are also available.

Typically force P is applied at the center eye of the pin and the pin is supported at each end (P/2) by the clevis. The strain gages are sealed inside small axial holes and are positioned at two sensing locations at the clevis-to-clevis eye interfaces. To sense only those strains which are induced by the shear forces at these two sections, the gages are positioned and oriented with great precision, at a neutral plane relative to one specific direction of pin loading.

The four strain gages (two at each location) are electrically connected to form a full bridge, the signal from each gage being additive so that the bridge output is proportional to the sum of the loads transmitted by the shear planes of the pin. The circuit typically includes temperature compensating, signal trim (optional) and balance resistors terminating in suitable connector socket or integral cable. All circuitry and instrumentation is internally installed and sealed to protect all components from the environment allowing for years of service.

If the force F is applied to the pin at other than the specified direction, the theoretical bridge output will be due to the component of the force along the sensitive direction, i.e. F cos X (Figure 2). Therefore, typical pins incorporate an anti-rotation device for proper alignment. (See Load Pin Installation Instructions for details)

Standard CPA, CBA, SPA, RCP And SPHC Performance & Specifications*

Custom Pin Performance

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Please contact us to discuss your application or requirements with an engineer or ask questions about our force sensing Load Pins.