Abstract:
A double-side-coated surface stress sensor includes a sensing membrane structure portion where at least two ends opposite each other are fixed on a mounting portion; a receptor layer that coats both surfaces of the sensing membrane structure portion; and an element detecting a stress, which is provided in the vicinity of at least one of the fixed two ends, opposite each other, of the sensing membrane structure portion or at least one of the fixed two ends, opposite each other, of the mounting portion, in which in a detection output is obtained from the element based on the stress which is applied onto the receptor layer coating both of the surfaces of the sensing membrane structure portion. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a double-side-coated surface stress sensor which coats both surfaces of the sensing membrane structure portion by the receptor layer, thereby obtaining a sufficiently large detection output.
Abstract:
A vibration sensor includes at least one piezoelectric crystal having an upper surface and a lower surface; a base having an attachment section defining an attachment surface and an at least one calibration mass; wherein a one of the at least one piezoelectric crystal upper surface and lower surface attaches to the attachment surface of the base; and wherein the at least one calibration mass is external to the piezoelectric crystal.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a structural health monitoring system, for example a system used in the non-destructive evaluation of an aircraft structure. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for evaluating one or more anomalies within a structure using a structural health monitoring system that includes at least three transducers arranged in operative contact with the structure such that no two transducers are aligned to be parallel. A transducer excites an elastic wave that propagates through the structure, and reflections from any anomalies within the structure are collected by the three transducers. These collected signals are analysed to identify an anomaly within the structure. Time of flight techniques are used to determine the location of the anomaly.
Abstract:
A vibration-type force detection sensor includes: a piezoelectric resonator element provided with a vibration portion and a support portion connected to one end of the vibration portion; and a base which is provided with one main surface which is connected to the support portion and the piezoelectric resonator element is arranged, wherein the piezoelectric resonator element is in a state where the other end side of the vibration portion can oscillate so that the size of a gap between the vibration portion and the one main surface changes when a force acts in a direction which is orthogonal with the one main surface of the base, and is supported in parallel with the one main surface of the base so that an electric equivalent resistance of the vibration portion changes according to the change in the size of the gap.
Abstract:
A sensor interface is disclosed including a flexible substrate in which are embedded sensors for measuring physical parameters such as temperature, displacement, velocity, acceleration, stress, strain, pressure and force present between objects such as a railcar bearing and a truck side frame. The substrate is positioned between the objects of interest Electronic components such as a data processing unit, a data storage device, a communication device and a power source may also be embedded within the substrate. The electronic devices communicate with one another and the sensors to process signals generated by the sensors indicative of the parameters being measured.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for monolithic force transducers in which a sensed force is applied across only two ends of a pair of force sensing elements so that the pair of force sensing elements are loaded in series with one in compression and the other in tension, whereby the force sensed by each of the two force sensing elements are identically equal in magnitude but opposite in sense.
Abstract:
A sensor formed from a semiconductor material. The device comprises a support frame, a sensing element; and means for vibrating the sensing element at a frequency corresponding generally to a first resonant frequency vibration mode. Error detection means detects the resonant frequency vibration mode, the output of the error detection means being indicative of existence or otherwise an expected response of the resonant frequency vibration mode to the excitation. Means for detecting the deformation of the sensing element provides an output indicative of the parameter to be sensed, the deformation detecting means and error detection means being formed from the same elements.
Abstract:
A resonant sensor comprises a support structure comprising two support points; a laminar resonator suspended between said two support points of said support structure and comprising a plurality of substantially parallel flexural members which are responsive to relative movement of said support points; means for exciting said resonator into a balanced mode of oscillation and means for sensing motion of said resonator. Said means for sensing motion of said resonator is or are spaced from, and linked to, said flexible area of said resonator by means of levers. Said support points are preferably adapted to move relative to each other in response to a difference in pressure, force or acceleration.
Abstract:
A method of forming a thin film metallization layer having a predetermined residual stress and a predetermined sheet resistance and force measuring devices formed using the methods.