scholarly journals Low-Cost Force Sensors Embedded in Physical Human–Machine Interfaces: Concept, Exemplary Realization on Upper-Body Exoskeleton, and Validation

Sensors ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 505
Author(s):  
Niclas Hoffmann ◽  
Samet Ersoysal ◽  
Gilbert Prokop ◽  
Matthias Hoefer ◽  
Robert Weidner
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Testing Machine ◽  
Measurement Data ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Testing Environment ◽  
Physical Support ◽  
Pressure Distributions ◽  
Human Machine Interfaces ◽  
Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor ◽  
Material Testing Machine

In modern times, the collaboration between humans and machines increasingly rises, combining their respective benefits. The direct physical support causes interaction forces in human–machine interfaces, whereas their form determines both the effectiveness and comfort of the collaboration. However, their correct detection requires various sensor characteristics and remains challenging. Thus, this paper presents a developed low-cost sensor pad working with a silicone capsule and a piezoresistive pressure sensor. Its measurement accuracy is validated in both an isolated testing environment and a laboratory study with four test subjects (gender-balanced), and an application integrated in interfaces of an active upper-body exoskeleton. In the material-testing machine, it becomes apparent that the sensor pad generally features the capability of reliably determining normal forces on its surface until a certain threshold. This is also proven in the real application, where the measurement data of three sensor pads spatially embedded in the exoskeletal interface are compared to the data of an installed multi-axis load cell and a high-resolution flexible pressure map. Here, the consideration of three sensor pads potentially enables detection of exoskeletal support on the upper arm as well as “poor” fit conditions such as uneven pressure distributions that recommend immediate system adjustments for ergonomic improvements.

scholarly journals Acoustic Emission and K-S Metric Entropy as Methods for Determining Mechanical Properties of Composite Materials

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 145
Author(s):  
Lesław Kyzioł ◽  
Katarzyna Panasiuk ◽  
Grzegorz Hajdukiewicz ◽  
Krzysztof Dudzik
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Acoustic Emission ◽  
Composite Material ◽  
Composite Materials ◽  
Testing Machine ◽  
Measurement Data ◽  
Entropy Method ◽  
Displacement Sensor ◽  
Metric Entropy ◽  
Plastic Phase

Due to the unique properties of polymer composites, these materials are used in many industries, including shipbuilding (hulls of boats, yachts, motorboats, cutters, ship and cooling doors, pontoons and floats, torpedo tubes and missiles, protective shields, antenna masts, radar shields, and antennas, etc.). Modern measurement methods and tools allow to determine the properties of the composite material, already during its design. The article presents the use of the method of acoustic emission and Kolmogorov-Sinai (K-S) metric entropy to determine the mechanical properties of composites. The tested materials were polyester-glass laminate without additives and with a 10% content of polyester-glass waste. The changes taking place in the composite material during loading were visualized using a piezoelectric sensor used in the acoustic emission method. Thanks to the analysis of the RMS parameter (root mean square of the acoustic emission signal), it is possible to determine the range of stresses at which significant changes occur in the material in terms of its use as a construction material. In the K-S entropy method, an important measuring tool is the extensometer, namely the displacement sensor built into it. The results obtained during the static tensile test with the use of an extensometer allow them to be used to calculate the K-S metric entropy. Many materials, including composite materials, do not have a yield point. In principle, there are no methods for determining the transition of a material from elastic to plastic phase. The authors showed that, with the use of a modern testing machine and very high-quality instrumentation to record measurement data using the Kolmogorov-Sinai (K-S) metric entropy method and the acoustic emission (AE) method, it is possible to determine the material transition from elastic to plastic phase. Determining the yield strength of composite materials is extremely important information when designing a structure.

scholarly journals Pressure Sensor System for Customized Scoliosis Braces

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1153
Author(s):  
Franz Konstantin Fuss ◽  
Asliza Ahmad ◽  
Adin Ming Tan ◽  
Rizal Razman ◽  
Yehuda Weizman
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Sensor ◽  
Testing Machine ◽  
Force Plate ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Mobile Systems ◽  
Sensor System ◽  
Closed Cell ◽  
Hard Shell ◽  
Energy Absorbers ◽  
Material Testing Machine

Hard-shell thoracolumbar sacral orthoses (TLSOs) are used for treating idiopathic scoliosis, a deformation of the spine with a sideways curvature. The pressure required inside the TLSO for ideal corrective results remains unclear. Retrofitting TLSOs with commercially available pressure measurement systems is expensive and can only be performed in a laboratory. The aim of this study was to develop a cost-effective but accurate pressure sensor system for TLSOs. The sensor was built from a piezoresistive polymer, placed between two closed-cell foam liners, and evaluated with a material testing machine. Because foams are energy absorbers, the pressure-conductance curve was affected by hysteresis. The sensor was calibrated on a force plate with the transitions from loading to unloading used to establish the calibration curve. The root mean square error was 12% on average within the required pressure range of 0.01–0.13 MPa. The sensor reacted to the changing pressure during breathing and different activities when tested underneath a chest belt at different tensions. The peak pressure reached 0.135 MPa. The sensor was further tested inside the scoliosis brace during different activities. The measured pressure was 0.014–0.124 MPa. The results from this study enable cheaper and mobile systems to be used for clinical studies on the comfort and pressure of braces during daily activities.

A New Stress Sensor Based on Amorphous Alloy for Dynamic Weigh Rail

2011 ◽  
Vol 204-210 ◽  
pp. 608-611
Author(s):  
Yan Ping Shi
Keyword(s):  
Amorphous Alloy ◽  
Testing Machine ◽  
Material Testing ◽  
Static Characteristic ◽  
Stress Sensor ◽  
Actual Experiment ◽  
High Measurement ◽  
Material Testing Machine ◽  
Output Equation

In order to solve some problem of stress sensor in dynamic weigh rail, a new kind of inductive stress sensor based on magnetostriction effect of amorphous alloy was developed. First, the principle of sensor, and inferred its output equation were discussed. Second, the static characteristic experiment and the actual experiment on the material testing machine and the mine haulage rail were separately made. The results of the test have showed that this stress sensor has some characteristics as high measurement sensitiveness and accuracy. Also being simple, convenient and solid to install and use, so it is feasible to apply the sensor for the dynamic weigh rail.

Development of Bioimpedance Sensors and Measurement System for Biomedical In-Vitro Applications

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 496-499
Author(s):  
Stadler B. Eng. Sebastian ◽  
Herbert Plischke ◽  
Christian Hanshans
Keyword(s):  
Measurement System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Measurement Data ◽  
Impedance Measurement ◽  
Microtiter Plate ◽  
Label Free ◽  
Single Chip ◽  
Do It Yourself ◽  
Store And Forward

Abstract Bioimpedance analysis is a label-free and easy approach to obtain information on cellular barrier integrity and cell viability more broadly. In this work, we introduce a small, low-cost, portable in vitro impedance measurement system for studies where a shadow-free exposure of the cells is a requirement. It can be controlled by a user-friendly web interface and can perform measurements automated and autonomously at short intervals. The system can be integrated into an existing IoT network for remote monitoring and indepth analyses. A single-board computer (SBC) serves as the central unit, to control, analyze, store and forward the measurement data from the single-chip impedance analyzer. Various materials and manufacturing methods were used to produce a purpose-built lid on top of a modified 24-well microtiter plate in a “do it yourself” fashion. Furthermore, three different sensor designs were developed utilizing anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes and gold-plated electrodes. Preliminary tests with potassium chloride (KCl) showed first promising results.

scholarly journals Characterization of Three-Dimensional Printed Composite Scaffolds Prepared with Different Fabrication Methods

2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 645-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Szlązak ◽  
J. Jaroszewicz ◽  
B. Ostrowska ◽  
T. Jaroszewicz ◽  
M. Nabiałek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Engineering ◽  
Fused Deposition Modeling ◽  
Testing Machine ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Gravimetric Analysis ◽  
Solution Casting ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Optimal Method ◽  
Fused Deposition ◽  
Material Testing Machine

Abstract An optimal method for composites preparation as an input to rapid prototyping fabrication of scaffolds with potential application in osteochondral tissue engineering is still needed. Scaffolds in tissue engineering applications play a role of constructs providing appropriate mechanical support with defined porosity to assist regeneration of tissue. The aim of the presented study was to analyze the influence of composite fabrication methods on scaffolds mechanical properties. The evaluation was performed on polycaprolactone (PCL) with 5 wt% beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) scaffolds fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM). Three different methods of PCL-TCP composite preparation: solution casting, particles milling, extrusion and injection were used to provide material for scaffold fabrication. The obtained scaffolds were investigated by means of scanning electron microscope, x-ray micro computed tomography, thermal gravimetric analysis and static material testing machine. All of the scaffolds had the same geometry (cylinder, 4×6 mm) and fiber orientation (0/60/120°). There were some differences in the TCP distribution and formation of the ceramic agglomerates in the scaffolds. They depended on fabrication method. The use of composites prepared by solution casting method resulted in scaffolds with the best combination of compressive strength (5.7±0.2 MPa) and porosity (48.5±2.7 %), both within the range of trabecular bone.

scholarly journals Compression Characteristics of Solid Wastes as Backfill Materials

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Li ◽  
Jixiong Zhang ◽  
Rui Gao
Keyword(s):  
Large Diameter ◽  
Testing Machine ◽  
Deformation Modulus ◽  
Compression Tests ◽  
Initial Portion ◽  
Filling Materials ◽  
Backfill Materials ◽  
Material Testing Machine ◽  
Compression Characteristics ◽  
The Relationship

A self-made large-diameter compression steel chamber and a SANS material testing machine were chosen to perform a series of compression tests in order to fully understand the compression characteristics of differently graded filling gangue samples. The relationship between the stress-deformation modulus and stress-compression degree was analyzed comparatively. The results showed that, during compression, the deformation modulus of gangue grew linearly with stress, the overall relationship between stress and compression degree was approximately nonlinear, and the deformation of gangue was rather large during the initial portion of the test. Gangue sample mixed with Talbot Formula provides the best deformation resistance capacity, followed by fully graded and single-graded gangue samples. For applications, with adjustment of the gradation of filling materials and optimal design of compacting equipment, surface subsidence may be better controlled.

A Comparison of Immersion Gold and Tin Surface Finishes on Sensing Electrodes for PCB Environmental Saltwater Concentration Sensors

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 (1) ◽  
pp. 000557-000562
Author(s):  
Robert N. Dean ◽  
Frank T. Werner ◽  
Michael J. Bozack
Keyword(s):  
Surface Finish ◽  
Printed Circuit Board ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Circuit Board ◽  
Testing Environment ◽  
Printed Circuit ◽  
Sensor Performance ◽  
Sensing Applications ◽  
Surface Finishes

Abstract Printed circuit board (PCB) sensors using low-cost commercial printed circuit board fabrication processes have been demonstrated for environmental sensing applications. One configuration of these sensors uses exposed electrodes to measure saltwater concentration in freshwater/seawater mixtures, through monitoring the resistance between the electrodes when they are immersed in the saltwater/freshwater solution. The lowest cost commercial PCB processes use an immersion Sn HASL surface finish on exposed copper cladding, including the sensing electrodes. This commercial PCB process has been demonstrated to make an effective, low-cost, short-lifetime sensor for saltwater concentration testing. The Sn finish, however, may not be optimal for this application. Sn oxidizes, which can interfere with sensor performance. Additionally, Sn and Sn oxides are potentially reactive with chemical constituents in seawater and seawater/freshwater solutions. An immersion Au (ENIG) surface finish is certainly less reactive with the atmosphere and chemicals likely present in the testing environment. However, an immersion Au finish increases the cost of the sensors by 30% to 40%. To investigate if the possible benefits of the more expensive Au surface finish are worth the extra expense, a study was performed where identical PCB sensors were procured from a commercial vendor with their standard low-cost Sn HASL finish and with their standard ENIG surface finish. Both sets of sensors were then evaluated in concentrations of seawater and freshwater, from 0% to 100% seawater concentration, using freshwater samples from a natural freshwater source near the coast where the seawater was obtained. Testing demonstrated an insignificant difference in sensor performance between the Sn HASL and the ENIG coated sensing electrodes. The results of this investigation indicated that for applications where the sensors will not be used for long periods of time, the added expense of an immersion Au surface finish is not worth the added cost.

scholarly journals Effects of Zr, Y on the Microstructure and Properties of As-Cast Cu-0.5Y-xZr (wt.%) Alloys

Metals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1084
Author(s):  
Dong Liang ◽  
Ning Wang ◽  
Yuxiang Wang ◽  
Zhenjie Liu ◽  
Ying Fu
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Copper Alloys ◽  
Testing Machine ◽  
Elongation Rate ◽  
Nominal Composition ◽  
Microstructure And Properties ◽  
Universal Material Testing Machine ◽  
Material Testing Machine

In this paper, the microstructure and properties of as-cast Cu-Y-Zr alloys with different Zr content were studied in order to investigate whether the precipitates in copper alloys would interact with each other by adding Y and Zr simultaneously. As-cast Cu-0.5Y-xZr (wt.%, x = 0.05 and 0.1, nominal composition) alloys were prepared by vacuum melting in this study. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to observe the microstructure of the alloys. The mechanical properties of the alloys were tested by universal material testing machine at room temperature. The effects of Zr content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloys were explored. As shown by the research results, in the as-cast Cu-0.5Y-xZr (wt.%) alloys, the precipitated phase was the Cu5Y/Cu5Zr phase and ranged from 10 nm to 70 nm in size; when the Zr content increased from 0.05 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%, both the tensile strength and elongation rate of the alloys increased; when the Zr content was 0.1 wt.%, the tensile strength was 225 MPa and the elongation rate was 22.5%.

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