Magneto-elastic sensor, load pin, ball-joint and tow coupling comprising this sensor, method of determining a direction of a load vector

A magneto elastic sensor having a longitudinally extending shaft like member which is subject to a load, is provided. A magneto-elastically active region is directly or indirectly attached to or forming a part of the member in such a manner that the mechanic stress is transmitted to the active region. A magnetically polarized region of the active region becomes increasingly helically shaped as the application stress increases. A magnetic field sensor means is arranged approximate the at least one magneto elastically region for outputting a signal corresponding to a stress induced magnetic flux emanating from the magnetically polarized region. The magnetic sensor means is configured for determination of a shear stress and / or of a tensile or compressive stress. In particular, the sensor means comprises at least one direction sensitive magnetic field sensor, which is arranged having a predetermined and fixed spatial coordination with the member.