Sensors add new freedom to pressure mapping

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 14, 2006

Sensor Products has expanded its Tactilus line of dynamic electronic pressure mapping systems with the introduction of its Free Form sensor systems.

Sensor Products has expanded its Tactilus line of dynamic electronic pressure mapping systems with the introduction of its Free Form sensor systems.

The systems consist of up to 16 individual sensing points that can detect pressures up to 414kPa (60lb/in2) coupled with simple electronics and a USB interface.

These sensors can be used independently or assembled in a matrix in order to allow the user the flexibility to move from one application to the next without the need for a new system.

The Free Form sensor systems are ideal for diverse applications such as biomechanics, clamping, door seals, ergonomics, heat seals, LCD bonding, nips, presses, switches, lamination and more.

In most applications, engineers need a versatile off-the-shelf tool that can profile equipment for R and D, design, quality control, troubleshooting and maintenance processes.

This need for flexibility has driven the development of these systems.

In addition, while they are the most cost efficient pressure profiling sensing systems available, they maintain the unmatched accuracy and reliability of Tactilus.

The software allows for direct pressure readings without the need for calibration and pressure versus time tracking, which can allow not only a reading of pressure but actual real-time analysis of two contacting surfaces.

The software is also customisable by Sensor Products to display matrix configurations defined by the client.

This allows the user to provide a display for their application and enables pressure interpolation between the points.

Because of the many different sizes of sensors and pressure ranges, the company offers solutions for a wide variety of applications all based on the same Tactilus software platform.

"These new Free Form sensing points are unique because of their versatility and most importantly, their functionality", said Product Manager Carlos Ruiz.

"Engineers now have a viable and extremely adaptable technology for measuring pressure quickly, accurately and economically".

The Tactilus Free Form sensing systems are multichannel tactile surface sensing points that come equipped with all components necessary to collect data for comprehensive analysis, including up to 16 individual sensors that are customisable from 1 x 1mm, electronics controller and Windows-based Tactilus software.

The sensors themselves are inexpensive and can be sold separately to provide the client with various types of solutions and a means of interfacing existing equipment with new technology.

The Free Form sensor systems include robust sensors that can endure thousands of uses with consistent repeatability, and are highly resistant to electromagnetic noise, temperature, and humidity fluctuations.

Running on a standard laptop computer, the full-scale software allows users to customise for 2 and 3D imaging, region-of-interest viewing, longitudinal and latitudinal analysis, graphical displays of data in bar, pressure versus time, line scan, histogram and isobar charts, statistical analysis of average/minimum/maximum pressures, total force over any selected area and more.

The data may also be exported to virtually any third party software.

Additionally, the sensors are conformable to highly curvaceous surfaces and are ideal for use in invasive and intolerant environments.