Abstract
Purpose: This paper aims to propose the need for soft and flexible sensors that actually measure the turning angle and torque of a joint. Conventional rigid angular/torque sensors have compatibility issues in wearable applications due to its bulkiness, non-compliance and high rigidity.
Design/methodology/approach: The sensing element of the sensor is based on carbon black (CB)/Ecoflex composite, deposited via extrusion printing technique. A simple finite element analysis was used to explain the non-linearity and non-symmetricity behaviours of the sensor.
Findings: This prototype can measure the angular rotation up to ±180° and a maximum torque value of 0.6 Nm. The geometry of the printed CB/Ecoflex composite as piezoresistive trace has a significant effect on the output (resistance change) response.
Originality/value: This research explored an extrusion printing techniques that allow customization to construct a soft piezoresistive strain sensor, which can be used as an angular/torque sensor.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 598-603 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Sensor Review |
| Volume | 39 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2019 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Carbon black composite
- Polymer sensors
- Sensors
- Soft and flexible
- Twist angle/torque sensor