Calculate horizontal and vertical force components

[Thomas Fuglsang]

I have a construction containing two force sensors.

http://postimg.org/image/3zv76lo3b/

The sensors are not able to divide the force into components. If a force is applied that ´tips´ the upper plate, I was wondering if it was then possible to divide the force into horizontal and vertical components?

Maybe using the difference between the readings of the sensors?

 

[jack action]

What this set up will be able to measure is the moment applied to the tipping plate, which may or may not be due to a horizontal force component (It could be a horizontal displacement of a vertical force for example).

But if you design your geometry right for a particular application, it can be used the way you intend. Just do a free body diagram.