1319results about "Force measurement by elastic gauge deformation" patented technology

A fiber optic force sensing assembly for detecting forces imparted at a distal end of a catheter assembly. The structural member may include segments adjacent each other in a serial arrangement, with gaps located between adjacent segments that are bridged by flexures. Fiber optics are coupled to the structural member. In one embodiment, each fiber optic has a distal end disposed adjacent one of the gaps and oriented for emission of light onto and for collection of light reflected from a segment adjacent the gap. The optical fibers cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a change in the intensity of the reflected light, or alternatively to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member. In another embodiment, the gaps are bridged by fiber Bragg gratings that reflect light back through the fiber optic at central wavelengths that vary with the strain imposed on the grating.

A biometric sensor panel includes (a) a first flexible substrate, (b) a plurality of first electrodes formed on the first flexible substrate, the first electrodes being arranged in a first direction, (c) a semiconductor layer formed on the first electrodes, (d) a second flexible substrate, (e) a plurality of second electrodes formed on the second flexible substrate, the second electrodes being arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction, and (f) a pressure sensitive conductive layer formed on the second electrodes, wherein the first and second flexible substrates face each other such that the semiconductor layer is in contact with the pressure sensitive conductive layer.

An elastic strain sensor can be incorporated into an artificial skin that can sense flexing by the underlying support structure of the skin to detect and track motion of the support structure. The unidirectional elastic strain sensor can be formed by filling two or more channels in an elastic substrate material with a conductive liquid. At the ends of the channels, a loop port connects the channels to form a serpentine channel. The channels extend along the direction of strain and the loop portions have sufficiently large cross-sectional area in the direction transverse to the direction of strain that the sensor is unidirectional. The resistance is measured at the ends of the serpentine channel and can be used to determine the strain on the sensor. Additional channels can be added to increase the sensitivity of the sensor. The sensors can be stacked on top of each other to increase the sensitivity of the sensor. In other embodiments, two sensors oriented in different directions can be stacked on top of each other and bonded together to form a bidirectional sensor. A third sensor formed by in the shape of a spiral or concentric rings can be stacked on top and used to sense contact or pressure, forming a three dimensional sensor. The three dimensional sensor can be incorporated into an artificial skin to provide advanced sensing.

A device and method for measuring the pressure exerted at different points of a flexible, pliable and/or extensible fabric capable of being worn as a garment, lapel, or the like, which provides three stacked layers including a first insulating layer comprising an arrangement of insulating fibers and at least one row of at least one conductive yarn in contact with a first surface of a piezoresistive layer of fibers of a piezoresistive material, and a second insulating layer comprising an arrangement of insulating fibers, including at least one row of at least one conductive yarn, in contact with a second surface of the piezoresistive layer, and an electronic circuit capable of measuring the electric resistance variation when a pressure is exerted on the fabric, the pressure being a function of the resistance variation.

Automotive load cells having centralized, multi-axis, loose tolerance overload/limit stops provide improved strain gauge response. The modular, integrated stop assemblies magnify sensor substrate deflection by use of opposed concave (Belleville) springs are used in direct contact with the substrate to accommodate ±Z axis deflection and Mx/My moment angular rotation. A flanged guide member on the load stud permits a wide range of geometries. The substrate is thickened around the load stud hole and the outboard support bolt holes. Hollow rivets assist in design modularity. Strain gauges are placed at the yield zones symmetrically with respect to the X axis. The substrate hole Mx/My gap is larger than the stop bracket hole to insure a positive stop for Mx/My moments prior to yield. The inventive multi-axis stop assembly is used in any type load cell, including rectangular, thinned, notched, necked/dogbone, or cantilever substrates with any strain gauge layout configuration.

A mechanical deformation amount sensor includes a sensor structure which is formed by a semiconductor substrate or an insulating substrate and integrally includes a deformation portion deformable, when a physical quantity to be detected is applied to the sensor structure, due to the physical quantity and a support portion for supporting the deformation portion, a carbon nanotube resistance element which is provided on the deformation portion so as to be mechanically deformed in response to deformation of the deformation portion and a wiring pattern which is formed in a pattern on the sensor structure so as to be connected to the carbon nanotube resistance element. By applying a voltage to the carbon nanotube resistance element via the wiring pattern, a change of electrical conductivity of the carbon nanotube resistance element upon mechanical deformation of the carbon nanotube resistance element is fetched as an electrical signal.

An electrically conductive composite material includes metallic nanostrands distributed throughout a matrix constructed of a polymer, ceramic, or elastomer. The nanostrands may have an average diameter under four microns and an average aspect ratio over ten-to-one. Larger fibers may also be included to enhance electrical conductivity or other properties. The nanostrands and/or fibers may be magnetically oriented to enhance electrical conductivity along one direction. A pressure sensor may be formed by utilizing an elastomer for the matrix. Electrical conductivity through the composite material varies in proportion to deflection of the elastomer. A composite material may be applied to a surface as an electrically conductive paint. Composite materials may be made by cutting a blank of the nanostrands to the desired shape, inserting the matrix, and curing the matrix. Alternatively, a suspension agent may first be used to dispose powdered nanostrands in the desired shape.

A first pedaling force measurement device measures a plurality of pedaling force parameters acting on a first crank arm to one end of which a first pedal can be attached and to another end of which a crank shaft can be attached. The first pedaling force measurement device is provided with a strain-flexing part, a first parameter detection part and a first interference suppression part. Strain acting on the first crank arm is conveyed to the strain-flexing part. The parameter detection part is disposed on the strain-flexing part, and detects a plurality of parameters based on the strain being conveyed to the strain-flexing part. The interference suppression part suppresses interference in one parameter detected by the parameter detection part from the other parameters.

Apparatus are provided for sensor assemblies and related medical devices. An embodiment of a sensor assembly includes a rigid structure and a beam structure having an outer portion in contact with the rigid structure and an inner portion. The beam structure includes one or more beams extending between the outer portion and the inner portion of the beam structure and a cantilevered portion extending from the inner portion to inhibit displacement of the inner portion toward the rigid structure. Each beam has a sensing element disposed thereon.

A microfluidic embedded nanoelectromechanical system (NEMs) force sensor provides an electrical readout. The force sensor contains a deformable member that is integrated with a strain sensor. The strain sensor converts a deformation of the deformable member into an electrical signal. A microfluidic channel encapsulates the force sensor, controls a fluidic environment around the force sensor, and improves the read out. In addition, a microfluidic embedded vacuum insulated biocalorimeter is provided. A calorimeter chamber contains a parylene membrane. Both sides of the chamber are under vacuum during measurement of a sample. A microfluidic cannel (built from parylene) is used to deliver a sample to the chamber. A thermopile, used as a thermometer is located between two layers of parylene.