3. Implementation of the measure

3.1 Static force measurement

We've already pointed out that measuring mechanical actions is a tricky business, since the sensor is always part of the mechanical chain. Its presence (stiffness, mechanical links) is therefore likely to modify the actions that would normally be exerted (in its absence). This always leads to the presence of special links (e.g. ball-and-socket joints in the case of force measurement) which ensure that the mechanical actions seen by the sensor are those which would exist in its absence. The stiffness of the transducer must also be taken into account: in most cases, it must be high in relation to the stiffness of the object to be measured, so as not to disturb it. Indeed, low stiffness results in large displacements, which are not necessarily desired....