Yes it is for measuring power output in a rowing application. I am guessing the device is not going to be cheap to build (given component cost) so I wanted it to be easily transferable between boats/seats so it can be used by multiple athletes, hence using the oarlock.
It seems the logical point to measure force as it is the load point of the boat and hence unaffected by rigging changes. The added benefit is a rigging change can be analysed for whether it effects athletes effeciency.
Perhaps a redesign of the typical oarlock shape could allow force to measured more easily?
Merged post follows:
Consecutive posts merged
I have quickly drawn a picture of the two parts of the system.
1) The top image shows the oarlock from above (the red dot represents the pivot point).
2) The bottom image is the oar. The yellow part sits in the oarlock with a flat surface of it against the flat surface of the oarlock.
Hope this helps people better understand the problem.