Table of Contents
How does a flex sensor work?
As a variable printed resistor, the Flex Sensor achieves great form-factor on a thin flexible substrate. When the substrate is bent, the sensor produces a resistance output correlated to the bend radius—the smaller the radius, the higher the resistance value.
What does the flex sensor detect?
A flex sensor or bend sensor is a sensor that measures the amount of deflection or bending. Usually, the sensor is stuck to the surface, and resistance of sensor element is varied by bending the surface.
Why is flex sensor used?
A flex sensor is a kind of sensor which is used to measure the amount of defection otherwise bending. The carbon surface is arranged on a plastic strip as this strip is turned aside then the sensor’s resistance will be changed. Thus, it is also named a bend sensor.
How do you think flex sensors are used?
4. Other Applications – Flex sensors are common in different technological products, such as automotive and industrial controls, computer peripherals, joysticks, and measuring devices. These are also present in fitness products, musical instruments, and assistive technology systems of modern vehicles.
Are flex sensors linear?
The FLEX SENSOR internal resistance changes almost linearly with its flex angle. So by sticking the sensor to the instrument we can have the flex angle in electrical parameter of resistance.
How do you test a flex sensor?
The easiest way to read the flex sensor is to connect it with a fixed value resistor (usually 47kΩ) to create a voltage divider. To do this you connect one end of the sensor to Power and the other to a pull-down resistor.
How accurate are flex sensors?
They can be as accurate as measuring 5 degrees (depending on the configuration) but as long as you are willing to calibrate it, that is often the difficult bit. Make sure you set it up in such a way that you can replicate it and do your own tests. You may even be able to get it better than the requirements.
How sensitive is a flex sensor?
The Flex Sensor is a unique component that changes resistance when bent. An unflexed sensor has a nominal resistance of 10,000 ohms (10 K). As the flex sensor is bent the resistance gradually increases. When the sensor is bent at 90 degress its resistance will range between 30-40 K ohms.
Can you cut flex sensors?
One of the more common FAQs we receive here at Tekscan concern whether it’s possible to trim a FlexiForce™ sensor. The simple answer is yes – FlexiForce sensors are printable circuits that should maintain their sensing capabilities when trimmed.
Is a flex sensor analog or digital?
Flex Sensor placed on finger to measure the level of flex on the finger (Utilized in glove to translate Sign language): The reason that analog to digital conversion is required is so that the changing voltage values due to bend, will be in a format (digital) which the FPGA can utilize.