In-car alcohol sensors aim to stop drunken drivers in their tracks

A Waltham company is working on high-tech solutions it believes could save many of those lives.
Preventable deaths steered researchers to developing the driver alcohol-detection system for safety.
"We hope to reduce fatalities by 7,000 every year," said Bud Zaouck, director of transportation solutions at Qinetiq.
Researchers have narrowed down their focus to two technologies. One is breath-based, and the other is touch-based.
Zaouck said the breath-based system is different from ignition locks already used to stop repeat drunken drivers.
"The devices that we are looking at are non-invasive. They're not obtrusive. You get into vehicles, and in less than half a second it can detect the amount of alcohol and whether you are above or below the legal limit," said Zaouck.
If you are above the limit, you will not be able to drive the car. Another part of the $10 million project focuses on testing blood alcohol content when the driver touches the car's ignition button.
"In that button itself there's an infrared light that will shine into the finger. And the reflection contains an optical signature of the alcohol. That's how we figure out how much alcohol there is," said Zaouck.
The American Beverage Institute, a trade group representing thousands of chain restaurants, opposes the technology. They say "targeting all Americans with alcohol sensor technology...could eliminate many people's ability to have a glass of wine with dinner, a beer at a ballgame, or a champagne toast at a wedding, and drive home."
Quinetiq says the sensors will only stop the car if the driver is above the legal limit of 0.08.
 "I call it the seat belt of our generation because it's the single biggest opportunity to save lives today on the roads," said Zaouck.
The project is funded by the major car manufacturers and the federal government. The technology could become optional, or standard equipment in the next decade.

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Cops get advanced alcohol sensors

The traffic police are now better equipped to deal with people driving under the influence of alcohol, after a batch of new Alco sensors was handed over to them. These alcohol sensors do not necessarily need the driver to breath into the device, since it can analyse slightest exhaled breath. The new sensors are also touted to last longer, with more reliable data storage.

Sources said the new devices can store data entry of up to 50,000 challans and breath analysis tests, while the older ones could handle the record of only a few recent tests. Most importantly, the new sensors can accept breath samples even if a person doesn't blow air into it.

Sources said there have been instances when some drivers have refused to blow into device or was so injured in an accident that analyzing his breath was difficult. However, with the new machines, the sample can be collected from any breath exhaled from the person's mouth. The heightened sensitivity makes sample collection far more feasible.

"It has two modes, active and passive. The active mode is when the person blows into the sensor, while, in the passive mode the sample is collected from the air exhaled from the mouth while speaking or breathing," said a source from the traffic department.

The new sensors can issue challans much faster and can store much higher data. After taking the data, the new sensors display the alcohol content in milligrams per 100 millilitre. If the alcohol content is high, the challan can be printed using the wireless printer.

There are 20 units of new Alco Sensors purchased by the department. Each unit costs around Rs 40,000. The sensors were brought in on Monday, and the traffic cops were trained for two days before launching the sensors. The sensors will be stationed at the hubs where there are more pubs like Cyber City, MG Road, Golf Course Road, Sector 29 Market and Galleria.

"The old sensors would take longer to issue challans as a result drunken drivers were even let go. But these sensors are far more effective," said Bharti Arora, JCP (traffic).

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Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 will use UV sensor to offer advice to protect against sunburn

Between our smartphones, apps like MyFitness Pal, and the various fitness trackers available today, our phones are already doing a lot to help us monitor our health. However, it looks like Samsung is going to take things one step further with the as-yet-unconfirmed Galaxy Note 4. Samsung has yet to officially announce its flagship Galaxy Note for 2014, but has confirmed that a new version of the phablet is coming in the second half of this year.

Just last month there was talk that the Note 4 would have a UV sensor. Now, Sammobile is reporting that the sensor will be baked into Samsung’s S Health application and will measure the sun’s UV radiation. It will offer guidance based on the current measurements, hopefully protecting Note 4 users from painful sunburn, skin damage, and melanoma. 

S Health will offer advice based on five different levels of UV reading, low, moderate, high, very high, and extreme. It’ll then offer advice like “wear sunglasses,” “stay int he shade,” “avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.,” and more. This is all information we all know but frequently forget. The will also supply a list of true and false statements about spending time in the sun in an attempt to educated Note 4 users on the dangers of not covering up or applying enough sunscreen.

Really, it’s hard to believe the Note 4 will be the first smartphone to ever offer this kind of information via its own sensor. Sure, you can just as easily get a reading from your local weather service, but it’s not going to be as accurate as the reading on your phone. The only issue is that you, obviously, need to be outside for this reading to be measured.

According to Sammobile, you’ll need to maintain a 60+ degree angle of elevation towards the sun against the back of the sensor for S Health to be able to report the UV index. In other words, unless you’re already carrying sun screen, a big hat, and a pair of sunglasses, everywhere you go, you should still check the UV index online before you leave the house.

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Non-Optical Semiconductor Sensor Market

Non-optical semiconductor gas sensors include magnetic sensors, inertial sensors, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors, among others. Inertial sensors comprise accelerometers and gyroscopes. Key end-user segments include automotive, consumer electronics, industrial, chemical, oil and gas, defense, among others. Accelerometers are dominant product type in inertial sensors category and are expected to register robust growth over the coming years. Accelerometers find major application in automotive sector; however, their application in other applications including gaming peripherals such as golf and tennis swing simulators, and as rotational sensors in mobile phones and GPS navigational aids has been experiencing significant growth. Demand for magnetic sensors is driven by growing use of mobile phones. Non-optical pressure sensors include piezo-resistive, electromagnetic, resonant solid state and capacitive sensors. These sensors are finding increased application across different sectors including automotive, petrochemicals, consumer electronics, industrial and utilities.

However, these pressure sensors are increasingly facing competition from optical pressure sensors. It is anticipated that non-optical temperature sensors would find increasing demand across different application segments driven by the strong emergence of aftermarket sales and government regulations. Currently, the temperature sensors market is being dominated by contact type sensors such as RTDs (resistance temperature detectors) and thermocouples but non-contact temperature sensing technologies such as infrared (IR) temperature sensors are also expected to find increasing demand in coming future. IR sensors growth is anticipated to be driven by increasing demand in the plastic, food and beverage, and metal industry, among others. In the recent years, emergence of MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) sensors has been a major growth driver for non-optic semiconductor sensors. The growing demand of MEMS sensors is driven by increasing demand for miniaturization of sensors among end-users. A major future opportunity in non-optic semiconductor sensors market is wearable electronics.

North America has been a major market for non-optical semiconductor sensors and is expected to see continued demand over the coming years owing to surge in automotive sales in recent years. Further, increased regulatory pressures in North American region such as mandatory implementation of tire-pressure monitors and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems are also expected to aid in the growth in demand of non-optic sensors over the coming years. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market during the coming years as the automotive sector in the region is experiencing significant growth in the region.

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Position sensor market by type expected to worth 5.85 billion USD by 2022

According to the new market research report "Position Sensor Market by Type (Linear & Rotary), Contact Type (Contact & Non-Contact), Output, Application (Test Equipment, Material Handling, Machine Tools, Motion Systems, & Robotics), Industry, and Region - Global Trend and Forecast to 2022" , the position sensor market is estimated to reach USD 5.85 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 6.1% between 2016 and 2022. The increasing integration of position sensors in automotive and growing trends of industrial automation among others are the major drivers for the position sensor market.

Browse 70 market data tables and 84 figures spread through 195 pages and in-depth TOC on “Position Sensor Market".

Linear position sensors are expected to lead the position sensor market
Linear position sensors are one of the most commonly used devices for position sensing. The growth is precedential due to the growing adoption of linear sensor types such as encoders, linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs), magnetostrictive sensors, potentiometers, and others in application areas such machine tools, material handling, robotics, and others to determine the linear position or displacement of the target and provide information in the form of feedback to facilitate control activities.

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Configuring Dielectric and Conductivity Sensors

For a thermoset, the ion viscosity is the frequency independent resistivity (ρ_DC). In most cases, ion viscosity varies in proportion to mechanical viscosity prior to gelation, and to modulus after. This makes ion viscosity a useful measure of material state through the entire cure.

Dielectric Cure Curve

Figure 1 shows the typical ion viscosity behavior of a thermoset with one temperature ramp step and one temperature hold step.

Figure 1. Typical ion viscosity behavior of a curing thermoset

The dielectric cure curve is characterized by four Critical Points (CP):

• CP(1)—A user defined level of ion viscosity, generally applied to determine the onset of material flow.
• CP(2)— Ion viscosity minimum, which closely corresponds to the mechanical viscosity minimum.
• CP(3)—Inflection point, when the reaction rate begins to slow, can be related to gelation but does not indicate gelation.
• CP(4)—A user defined slope to define the end of cure.

Dielectric/Conductivity Sensors

Dielectric instrumentation quantifies the resistance (R) and capacitance (C) between two electrodes at a specific frequency. It is possible to model the Material Under Test (MUT) between the two electrodes as a resistance in parallel with a capacitance (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Electrical model of dielectric Material Under Test

Figure 3 shows simple parallel plate electrodes, which are capable of measuring the dielectric properties of material between them. The A/D ratio is a figure of merit, where ‘A’ is the electrode area and ‘D’ is the distance between them. A larger A/D ratio represents greater sensor sensitivity.

Figure 3. Comparison of parallel plate and interdigitated electrodes

The A/D ratio is also the scaling factor used to calculate permittivity from capacitance, and resistivity from resistance. However, the value D can vary with pressure or with material expansion and contraction, leading to erroneous results.
Interdigitated electrodes, shown in Figure 3, are the alternative solution, where the electrodes are supported by a rigid substrate, and therefore the planar structure remains unchanged with pressure or with MUT expansion and contraction. A bulk measurement is made by the parallel plate sensor, whereas a surface measurement is made by an interdigitated sensor.
As a rule of thumb, interdigitated electrodes with the same width and separation “see” into material to a depth roughly equal to the width of the electrode. The A/D ratio can also be applied to interdigitated electrodes as a figure of merit, and is the scaling factor to calculate resistivity and permittivity. A typical disposable dielectric/conductivity sensor is shown in Figure 4, with interdigitated electrodes of 100 µm width.

Figure 4. Disposable dielectric/conductivity sensor on polyimide flex circuit

This sensor is built as a Kapton^® flex circuit, and is thin enough to be introduced between the plys of a laminate, and may be disposed of after use. A large A/D ratio of 160, with correspondingly high sensitivity, will be the result of the narrow electrodes, which are too small to be identified in the figure. The trade-off is measuring dielectric properties only within 100 µm of the surface.
A reusable dielectric/conductivity sensor embedded in a platen for a small press is shown in Figure 5. This sensor is built with interdigitated electrodes embedded in ceramic. It has an A/D ratio of 10. When installed as depicted, the sample can be placed, heated and compressed in the press, and Reusable sensors are ideal for QA/QC applications, where repetitive testing is common. Figure 5 shows the wider electrodes. This sensor can measure more deeply into the material, but has lower sensitivity due to the smaller A/D ratio.

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UV-Sensors with SiC photodiode signal output

• The sensors are intended for monitoring UV lamps in water/air purification and disinfection systems
  for detecting relative UV irradiance values. (UV values are indicated in "%" or via "traffic light" with the appropriate UV-monitor)
• These UV sensors simply consists of a silicon carbide (SiC) diode without any internal electronic to allow high quality cost efficient projects. The measurement window adpater MF001-A allows the adaptation of the 1/4 inch sensor types SiC001/SiCT001 to reactors with ISO228 G1 inch threads.
• The required external amplification is be maintained using ZED UV Monitors or ZED signal converters. Depending on UV monitor type the sensitivity adjustment according to the UV lamp output is performed automatically during initial setup or manually via potentiometer.
• Due to the low silicon carbide diode (SiC) output signal the max. recommended cable length is 3m in environments with low interferences.
• Silicon carbide (SiC) diodes are used in all ZED sensors. These daylight insensitive semiconductor material is said to be the best available material for UV sensors. Depending on application a further limitation of the spectral range might be needed. For that means types with additional UV-C filter elements are available
• The measurement window adpater MF001-A allows the adaptation of the 1/4 inch sensor types D-SiC131/D-SiCT141 to reactors with threads for measurement window MF001 (ISO228 G1 inch)

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Microfabricated semiconductor Gas Sensors for VOC sensing

Sensing Principle
The MSGS miniature semiconductor gas sensors are manufactured using standard microelectronic technology and silicon micromachining techniques. Their gas sensitive element consists of a semiconducting metal oxide layer deposited on a thin membrane containing a micro-heater element. The sensitive area is thermally insulated from the silicon substrate to minimize electrical power consumption.

The measurement of specific oxidizing or reducing gases is based on a reversible conductivity change of the sensing element at an appropriate working temperature.

Detectable Gaseous Compounds

• CO, NOx, H2, CH4
• Volatile organic compounds (VOC)
• Volatile sulfuric compounds (VSC)
• Solvents

Key Specifications

• Typical concentration range:
  1 ppm - 10'000 ppm
• High sensitivity at low concentrations lower detection limit : < 5 ppm
• Low power consumption
• Continous mode at 400degC: 120 mW
• Pulsed mode: 1 mW
• Fast response time (90% signal level) : < 30 sec.

Product Families:

• Packaged single gas sensors: MSGS 3000i and MSGS 5000i (see Product page)
• Gas sensor modules: MGSM 5000i (see Product page)

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Infrared Combustible Gas Sensor Module 5100-28-IT

Sierra Monitor’s infrared fixed gas sensor, the 5100-28-IT, monitors combustible gases such as Methane, Propane, Hexane and others, detecting and alarming users when gases reach between 0 to 100% lower explosive limit (LEL) concentrations. 

The 5100-28-IT module is based on infrared (IR) technology, an accurate and stable method of detection that requires low maintenance and can operate in high combustible gas and/or low oxygen environments. 

As the industry-wide top choice network-enabled fixed gas sensor, the FM-approved 5100-28-IT module utilizes Non-Dispersive Infrared technology to monitor for combustible gases. This technology also allows the module to rapidly recover after exposures to high concentrations of hydrocarbon gas and operate in environments where catalytic bead poisons might exist. The module also has minimal maintenance requirements and only requires one year calibration intervals. Although the 5100-28-IT module can be used as a stand-alone sensor, it can also be used as a 4-20 mA component or as a Modbus RTU node. For higher level system capability, the module can interface directly to Sierra Monitor’s Sentry IT Controller to enable system level Modbus serial communications, area and zone alarm management, extensive system diagnostic features, WebServer interface, and multiplexing sensor connections. 

The fixed Infrared Combustible Gas Sensor Module 5100-28-IT is approved and certified by a variety of third party agencies, including UL, FM, SIL-2, ATEX, CSA, and ABS. These approvals and certifications assure our customers that we carry only the highest quality of products.

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Digital Temp & Humidity Sensor (25')

Monitor temperature, humidity and heat index (feels like temperature) with AVTECH's Digital Temperature & Humidity Sensor. This sensor provides real-time temperature values from -40 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit and/or -40 to 85 degrees Celsius when used with any Room Alert environment monitoring device. Temperature accuracy is within + / - 0.5 degrees. The humidity range is from 5% to 95% relative humidity (RH) non-condensing. Humidity Accuracy is within + / - 3.5%.

Each AVTECH Digital Temperature & Humidity Sensor provides real-time temperature values from -40 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit and/or -40 to 85 degrees Celsius. Accuracy is within + / - 0.125 degrees. The humidity range is from 5% to 95% relative humidity (RH) non-condensing. Accuracy is within + / - 3.5%.

This is a dynamic sensor that provides temperature and humidity values every two seconds and feeds temperature and humidity in real-time data back to the Room Alert ID box for data logging, alerting and automatic corrective action. This is an instant 'Plug & Play' sensor via one of the standard RJ-11 jacks on any compatible Room Alert monitor.

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Using a passive alcohol sensor to detect legally intoxicated drivers

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

We examined whether a passive alcohol sensor could be used for mass screening of motorists to accurately and quickly detect drivers whose blood alcohol concentration exceeded a variety of levels often established as per se evidence of legal intoxication.

METHODS:

In a voluntary roadside survey, 1181 late-night drivers in Minnesota were interviewed. Breath measurements were taken with both a passive alcohol sensor and an evidentiary quality portable breath-test device.

RESULTS:

Measurements could be taken much more easily and quickly with the passive sensor, whose readings correlated very strongly (r = .87) with the evidentiary device. Moreover, for criterion blood alcohol concentration levels ranging from 100 mg/dL to 20 mg/dL, a large proportion of motorists could be accurately identified as being above or below the criterion, with relatively few false-negative or false-positive identifications.

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of passive alcohol sensors at sobriety checkpoints should allow motorists to be processed very quickly with minimal inconvenience. At the same time, detection of legally intoxicated motorists will probably be substantially increased and the general deterrent value of per se alcohol-impaired driving laws enhanced.

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What Is a CO2 Sensor?

Carbon dioxide is a deadly gas that can kill a person before they realize what is happening. Because it is odorless and colorless, you may not even know it is present without a detector. Exposure to carbon dioxide can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting and even death. A Co2 sensor (or carbon dioxide sensor) detects the presence of carbon dioxide in an area. This device indicates the quality of indoor air, and it is ideal for industrial and commercial applications.

How Co2 Sensors Operate

Carbon dioxide sensors have a wide range of applications. They are ideal for the HVAC industry to measure the quality of indoor air, as well as ventilation on air conditioning systems. They monitor the level of carbon dioxide in a building to tell the HVAC system when fresh air is needed to restore optimal airflow. They measure air quality in terrestrial and space applications, measure Co2 levels in greenhouses, and are useful in many other industries.

NDIR Co2 Sensors

Two basic types of Co2 sensors exist. The first is the non-dispersive infrared (or NDIR) Co2 sensor. A NDIR sensor is a spectroscopic sensor that uses a light tube, an infrared source, infrared detector and a wavelength filter. The highest quality of these devices measures gas with sensitivities between 20 and 50 PPM. Waves of light go through the tube towards an infrared light detector while the gas absorbs the light. All remaining light is absorbed, except that absorbed by the carbon dioxide. The detector reads the amount not absorbed by either the CO2 or the filter. The measured difference tells how many carbon dioxide molecules are in the air.

Chemical Co2 Sensors

The second type of carbon dioxide sensor is a chemical Co2 sensor. It uses as many as three electrodes and an electrolyte. The carbon dioxide passes through the chemical sensor to produce a measurable electrochemical reaction. One of the popular options in this category is the nanotechnology based chemical sensor. It is portable, and provides high sensitivity and low cost and power needs. Chemical Co2 sensors are valuable in space applications.

Calibrating a Co2 Sensor

Carbon dioxide sensors that measure air quality may need calibration to ensure accurate results. This requires using either outdoor air or a calibration gas. When calibrating with outside air, users must place the device away from objects that release carbon dioxide, such as running vehicles and heavy vegetation. Once the device has been calibrated, it is ready to use.

Top Brands of Co2 Sensors

Several manufacturers make CO2 sensors for various applications. Honeywell is renowned for HVAC sensors that ensure the correct quality of air for air conditioners and ventilation systems. They sell wall-mounted sensors that connect to the HVAC system. These infrared systems measure the air in a duct or an open area.

GE manufactures Co2 sensors for use in residential and industrial applications. They work with HVAC systems, and measure refrigerant in automobiles and commercial refrigeration systems. This company provides a range of products with many of them being self-calibrated. They are often wall-mounted with easy wiring installation. Buyers have the option to choose a water-resistant product for use in specific projects.

Extech makes desktop air quality sensors with NDIR technology. Some items come with warning alerts to let users know when the quality of air is insufficient and carbon dioxide levels are too high. Some of these products calibrate themselves and require almost no maintenance to ensure accurate results.

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Note 4 is the first phone with UV sensor, protecting beachgoers since 2014

Samsung took the stage to unveil an impressive Note 4, which might be considered one of the boldest approaches in the franchise history so far. The phone cobbles together the latest and greatest in mobile tech at the moment, like a 5.7" Quad HD Super AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 805 processor, and a 16 MP camera with optical image stabilisation. Not only that, but it offers a new design with a steel frame, just like the premium Galaxy Alpha.

On the sensor side, however, Samsung has something completely new to offer us  - namely an UV sensor, for the first time on a mobile device. It comes adding to an already huge stable of mobile and biometric sensors, like an improved fingerprint scanner and heart rate sensor. The UV piece will be used to measure the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, and be incorporated to prevent users from burning their skin, bringing premature wrinkles and moles, and increasing the risk of melanoma.

There are a five UV index levels: Low, Moderate, High, Very High and Extreme, and the S Health app will issue tips for tanning and sun exposure, based on the place and time you are using the sensor to measure the radiation rating. For the measurement to happen, one will have to maintain more than a 60 degree elevation angle against the sun with the back of the sensor. What do you think about this new addition to Samsung's smartphone sensor stable?

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Multi-actual Force Sensors of the Future

With a continued trend towards ever greater automation of final assembly techniques, there have remained tasks which can still only be performed by humans. In sensitive scenarios the inherent intelligence and dexterity of human fingers are often more capable and attuned than even some of the most advanced robotic equipment at present. Noting irregularities or testing of ergonomic products often necessitates the gripping and feeling capabilities that only a human can contribute. 

This last bastion of manufacturing and product development, where human hands are needed, is however in decline. The use of infrared sensors enables the recognition of the smallest changes on the active surface of elastomers and guarantees that even the slightest imperfections are detected by the sensor surface and passed on. 

These transducers also need to be rugged enough to withstand challenging operating environments over long periods of time where they could be exposed to significant temperatures swings and other conditions such as vibration and exposure to fluids or dust.

In order to develop equipment for industrial automation and product development, it is crucial to seek solutions which are able to build upon the sensitivity and properties of specific sensor technology.

Optical force sensing Vs strain gauge technology

In simple terms, force sensing is the measurement of the deformation and deducting of a given applied load within the sensor itself. Since 1938 strain gauge technology has been seen as the most capable means to achieve these aims. The most common type of strain gauge sensor makes use of an insulated and flexible backing which supports a metallic foil pattern. The gauge is attached to the object and the electrical resistance felt by the sensor is then used to measure the deformity. 

However, this pre-existing technology has been limited in its take-up by practical limitations surrounding the brittle and delicate structure of sensors, their susceptibility to environmental conditions such as humidity and electro static discharge (ESD), additional weight that they can add, and the high cost of manufacturing them. Furthermore, in some applications, strain gauges add mass and damping to the vibration profiles of the hardware they are intended to measure. 

As such their usage has been limited to applications where their high cost and potential fragility can either be absorbed or accepted. What is required instead are sensors capable of dealing with the harsh environmental conditions which would be encountered in many industrial settings. 

Three-axis optical force sensing technology makes use of photodiodes, instead of foil based circuity, to measure the quantity of reflected light originally emitted by an LED upon the X, Y and Z axes. By comparing these measured values, and their effect upon the photodiodes, it is possible to accurately recreate the acting forces in a 3D model, which not only measures the magnitude, but also the direction of force. 

If a cluster of these three-axis sensors are coupled together they have the ability to measure not only the lateral forces upon them, but also the torque which is acting on the X, Y and Z axes, thus creating a 'six-axis sensor'.

A touch of intelligence

The Internet offers no shortage of videos featuring robotic hands, claws and vices, gripping fragile objects such as eggs and lightbulbs and seeking to demonstrate their capabilities. The reality is that few of these products have the ability to do so without prior preparation. 

For a sensor node to be able to pick up on the most subtle forces and pressures, it is necessary for the sensor to feature a more advanced method of measuring and responding to forces. In order to achieve this feat straight away, without pre-preparation, requires not only a more intelligent sensor and indeed a more intelligent material for the sensor to be made from. 

Silicone, with its varied manufactured textures and shapes, offers a material which can be custom designed to offer the most accurate measurements of deformities and deflections. This 'optical grade' silicone is not only able to detect a force of only a few hundred nanometres but also to withstand temperatures ranging from -40°C to +100°C

Automation and autonomy

While automation is nothing new to the manufacturing industry there still remain techniques and applications where humans offer a higher degree of quality assurance than machines. 3D sensors offer the capability to meet these parameters, however they are often limited by their fragility or great cost. 

Typical applications for 3D sensors include: grinding, polishing, finishing tasks with force control, robotic assembly and machine guidance. Furthermore, their sensing capabilities can easily be turned to advanced safety features such as ensuring collision detection from various angles.

Multi-actual force sensors

Sensors such as those from leading Hungarian manufacture OptoForce are able to respond effectively and with a high degree of accuracy to pressures of even the smallest magnitude. These sensors are capable of detecting the force of a feather being dragged across their surface, or even air movements. 

While other manufacturers have successfully developed and sold multi-actual force sensors, OptoForce have developed sensors that offer the robust characteristics that enable them to match the requirements of applications across the automation, manufacturing and development sectors. By offering a cost-efficient development kit it is possible to find markets and use for these sensors which would have been prohibitive before. 

Concurrently, the more rugged the sensor, the greater number of tasks it is capable of. Such applications in the industrial world could include polishing, grinding, deburring and assembly tasks. Indeed any task where the manufacturing equipment is required to follow the curvature of an object, while exerting the same amount of force or when it needs to detect if the object it is holding is in the right place. 

This even allows the potential for more advanced and capable walking robots. Prior to the development of this technology, force sensors were incapable of providing the required resistance to the shocks that are generated when the legs of such robots come into contact with the ground. With the greater degree of accuracy and durability these sensors offer the chance for robotic technology to be developed with a more intuitive sense of motion and balance.

Conrad and force sensors

It is the responsibility of distributors and retailers of advanced technologies to not only follow the curve of technological advancement but sometimes to also lead. As such, Conrad Business Supplies, has sought to offer its customers a range of force sensors including OptoForce's complete offering of 3D sensor-development kits.

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Micro Coriolis Mass Flow Sensor with Integrated Capacitive Readout

We have realized a micromachined micro Coriolis mass flow sensor with integrated capacitive readout to detect the extremely small Coriolis vibration of the sensor tube.

A special comb-like detection electrode design eliminates the need for multiple metal layers and sacrificial layer etching methods. Using differential readout signals significantly reduces the influence of parasitic capacitances.

In addition, the sensing electrodes have been realized on a suspended tube structure which will allow for tuning of the electrode separation by a DC current. First measurements using water, ethanol and white gas indicate that true mass flow is measured by the sensor and that sensor output is linear with mass flow. The measurement error is currently in the order of 2% of the full scale of 1.2 ml/hr for all measured liquids (which corresponds to 1.2 g/hr in the case of water).

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