|
|
   |
   |
  |
|
While we make our own sensor devices at SensorTech, our primary purpose is to make other companies' products smarter by incorporating our material into them. Since our products offer durability, formability, simplicity, compactness and unique electrical properties, they are highly adaptable to a wide variety of applications.
Consider these applications as examples of our current R&D pipeline. We welcome the challenge to explore applications of yours that could benefit from our smart polymer technology.
Consider these applications as examples of our current R&D pipeline. We welcome the challenge to explore applications of yours that could benefit from our smart polymer technology.
Process Monitoring / Control
SensorTech can address a wide range of industrial and commercial applications in one of two ways:
If the pressure (measured in lbs. in this case) is not equal across the role, scrap is produced and the process must be shut down. This film winding process is subject to significant power surges which have knocked out traditional strain gauge based load cells in 3 months or less. SensorTech load cells have been successfully in place in this application for 11 months through November 2009 and are still working.
Blast & Impact Sensors
A couple of customers have approached SensorTech to create custom sensors for measuring the impact of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED's) or vehicle crashes in helmets or surrogate dummies. The specifications require a robust, very small, low cost device that is highly responsive to sudden force, compatible with their data acquisition systems, and draws little or no energy in a rest state (for use with a battery).
SensorTech's smart polymer sensor is hermetically sealed and has a max load of 2000 psi with an overload capacity to 10,000 psi. It can also measure forces as low as 0.15 psi. For this application, the sensor diameter is approximately 0.2 in. and only 0.03 in. thick. Response times are suitable for blast explosions. At rest, the device draws 0 amps.
Foot Force Sensors (2D & 3D)
SensorTech developed a foot force sensor for use in crash test dummy testing of airbags.The customer needed a custom size two-point sensor to measure the impact force of an airbag deployed against a crash dummy's shoe sole. We are also creating similar single point sensors for a customer with orthotic applications and for another customer interested in measuring pressure on athlete's feet around the toes - requiring a 3D thermoformed sensor.
SensorTech can address a wide range of industrial and commercial applications in one of two ways:
- SensorTech complete system sensors, e.g. load cells, transducers
- SensorTech sensor components, e.g. alternatives to strain gauges
- Load (lbf, kN)
- Tension (lbf, kN)
- Pressure (psi, Pa)
- Vibration (m2/s)
- Industrial weighing, e.g. vehicle, food, tank, storage, pallet/fork lift, etc.
- Automation Control, e.g. conveyors, robotics, winders/rollers, machinery, etc.
- Test & Measurement, e.g. scales, materials testing, etc.
If the pressure (measured in lbs. in this case) is not equal across the role, scrap is produced and the process must be shut down. This film winding process is subject to significant power surges which have knocked out traditional strain gauge based load cells in 3 months or less. SensorTech load cells have been successfully in place in this application for 11 months through November 2009 and are still working.
Blast & Impact Sensors
A couple of customers have approached SensorTech to create custom sensors for measuring the impact of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED's) or vehicle crashes in helmets or surrogate dummies. The specifications require a robust, very small, low cost device that is highly responsive to sudden force, compatible with their data acquisition systems, and draws little or no energy in a rest state (for use with a battery).
SensorTech's smart polymer sensor is hermetically sealed and has a max load of 2000 psi with an overload capacity to 10,000 psi. It can also measure forces as low as 0.15 psi. For this application, the sensor diameter is approximately 0.2 in. and only 0.03 in. thick. Response times are suitable for blast explosions. At rest, the device draws 0 amps.
Foot Force Sensors (2D & 3D)
SensorTech developed a foot force sensor for use in crash test dummy testing of airbags.The customer needed a custom size two-point sensor to measure the impact force of an airbag deployed against a crash dummy's shoe sole. We are also creating similar single point sensors for a customer with orthotic applications and for another customer interested in measuring pressure on athlete's feet around the toes - requiring a 3D thermoformed sensor.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery (pressure mapping)
SensorTech is pursuing "smart" trial tibial inserts to be used in knee replacement surgeries. These procedures are typically quite successful, but many implants fail before their expected lifespan of 10 years. Studies have identified the most sensitive alignments that cause these premature failures. These sensitive alignments need to be carried out with a high level of precision more easily and accurately obtainable with quantifiable pressure mapping data.
Our force measuring technology enhances the tibial insert process by delivering precise measurements of the pressure applied to each side of the implant. As a result, the soft-tissue balancing procedure can be carried out with more precision and can dramatically reduce the rate of early failure.
Prosthetics (pressure mapping)
As part of an Office of Naval Research contract, we are currently developing a multi-point sensor that will support an automated prosthetic manufacturing system. Currently, amputee patients are fitted by a prosthetist by inserting their residual limb into a mold, and measurements are taken from the mold. The method is not entirely accurate, resulting in numerous fitting adjustments and the reality that the prosthetic may never fit comfortably.
SensorTech's sensors are made into sheets of polymer composite with a grid of discrete sensing regions. With the sheet thermo-formed into the critical area of the check socket, data can be sent wirelessly to a readout device and a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software system. The prosthetist's job is made easier and the patient's solution is made all the more accurate and comfortable.
Security Sensors and Switches
SensorTech has created a couple of new form factors for sensors and switches targeting customers with security needs. These products also have potential for use in facility automation and device controls because of their flexibility and thinness. They can be made to be field calibrated to user determined pre-load and actuation forces.
The first form factor is a security "tape" made in rolls that can be wrapped around cylindrical objects like fences, posts, rails, and steel girders.
The second form factor is a thin composite sheet that can be made to most any size and hidden under flooring or other building or device "skins". One customer is testing this for use with ATM intrusion protection.
SensorTech is pursuing "smart" trial tibial inserts to be used in knee replacement surgeries. These procedures are typically quite successful, but many implants fail before their expected lifespan of 10 years. Studies have identified the most sensitive alignments that cause these premature failures. These sensitive alignments need to be carried out with a high level of precision more easily and accurately obtainable with quantifiable pressure mapping data.
Our force measuring technology enhances the tibial insert process by delivering precise measurements of the pressure applied to each side of the implant. As a result, the soft-tissue balancing procedure can be carried out with more precision and can dramatically reduce the rate of early failure.
Prosthetics (pressure mapping)
As part of an Office of Naval Research contract, we are currently developing a multi-point sensor that will support an automated prosthetic manufacturing system. Currently, amputee patients are fitted by a prosthetist by inserting their residual limb into a mold, and measurements are taken from the mold. The method is not entirely accurate, resulting in numerous fitting adjustments and the reality that the prosthetic may never fit comfortably.
SensorTech's sensors are made into sheets of polymer composite with a grid of discrete sensing regions. With the sheet thermo-formed into the critical area of the check socket, data can be sent wirelessly to a readout device and a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software system. The prosthetist's job is made easier and the patient's solution is made all the more accurate and comfortable.
Security Sensors and Switches
SensorTech has created a couple of new form factors for sensors and switches targeting customers with security needs. These products also have potential for use in facility automation and device controls because of their flexibility and thinness. They can be made to be field calibrated to user determined pre-load and actuation forces.
The first form factor is a security "tape" made in rolls that can be wrapped around cylindrical objects like fences, posts, rails, and steel girders.
The second form factor is a thin composite sheet that can be made to most any size and hidden under flooring or other building or device "skins". One customer is testing this for use with ATM intrusion protection.