Flexiforce Pressure Sensors

Flexiforce Pressure Sensors

Flexiforce pressure sensors can measure force between almost any two surfaces and is durable enough to stand up to most environments. Flexiforce has better sensor properties, linearity, hysteresis, drift and temperature sensitivity than any other thin film force sensor.

Typical Sensor Response:

The Flexiforce single element sensor acts as a resistor in an electrical circuit. When the sensor is unloaded, its resistance is very high. When a force is applied to the sensor, this resistance decreases. The resistance can be read by connecting an ohm meter to the outer two pins of the sensor connector and applying a force to the sensing area.

There are many ways to integrate the sensor into an application. One way is to incorporate it into a force-to-voltage circuit. A means of calibration must be established to convert the output into the appropriate engineering units. Depending on the setup, an adjustment could then be done to increase or decrease the sensitivity of the sensor.

Physical Properties:

Thickness: 0.005" (0.127 mm)
Length: 8.000" (203 mm) - End of connector to tip of sensor
Width: 0.55" (14 mm)
Active Sensing Area: 0.375" (10 mm) diameter
Connector: 3 pin Berg Clincher

Standard Force Ranges: (as tested with circuit shown below)

PS-01: 0 - 1 lb. (4.4 N)
PS-02: 0 - 25 lb. (111 N)
PS-03: 0 - 1000 lb. (4448 N)

Typical Performance:

Linearity (Error): < ±5% (Line drawn from 0 to 50% load)
Repeatability: < ±2.5% of full scale (Conditioned sensor, 80% of full force applied)
Hysteresis: < ±4.5% of full scale (Conditioned sensor, 80% of full force applied)
Drift: < 3% / logarithmic time (Constant load - 25 lb.)
Rise Time: < 20 µsec (Impact load - recorded on oscilloscope)
Operating Temperature: 15º F - 140º F (-9º C - 60º C)*

* Force reading change per degree of temperature changing = ±0.2% / ºF (0.36% / ºC)
* For loads less than 10 lb., the operating temperature can be increased to 165º F (74º C)

Applications:

To measure contact between any two mating surfaces.
As a variable force control for computer game joysticks.
As a measurement device in mechanical assemblies (e.g. to measure clamp load from a tightening bolt).
As a force probe when laminated to a shim stock.
To measure weight distribution when attached to the four corners of a floor panel.
To measure forces from explosions and crash tests.
As a design tool to measure proper fit.
To measure grip on steering wheels / bicycle handle bars.
As a force monitor when palpating a patient.
As a virtual reality force sensor in gloves.
To detect seat occupancy.
As a variable control switch for automotive, process control, and recreational game manufacturers.
To measure fill rate and pressure when inserted into molds.
As a physical rehabilitation force feedback mechanism.

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