Magnetic suction compression-type gap sensor based on fiber Bragg grating sensing

Abstract

Purpose

A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor was designed to measure the door gap of automobile bodies.

Design/methodology/approach

The gap sensor was designed through a combination of the sliding wedge and cantilever beam, involving a magnetic force installation and arc structure of the force transmission point. Moreover, the sliding block adopted an anti-magnetic and wear-resistant material and the temperature compensation of the two FBGs was conducted. The magnetic force and contact stress of the sensor were examined to ensure that the sensor exhibited a certain magnetic attraction force and fatigue life. The performance of the gap sensor was examined experimentally.

Findings

The sensor could measure gaps with dimensions of 5 mm to 11 mm, with a sensitivity and measurement accuracy of 150.9 pm/mm and 0.0063% F.S., respectively. Moreover, the sensor exhibited a small gap sensitivity, with a repeatability error of 0.15%, anti-creep properties and magnetic interference abilities.

Originality/value

The sensor is compact and easy to install, as well as use for multiple sensor locations, with a maximum size of 43 mm, a mass of 26 g and installation type of magnetic suction. It can be used for high-precision static and dynamic measurements of the door inner clearance with a resolution of 0.013 mm to improve the efficiency of internal clearance on-line analysis and assembly quality inspection.

Citation

Meng, L., Li, X. and Tan, X. (2021), "Magnetic suction compression-type gap sensor based on fiber Bragg grating sensing", Sensor Review, Vol. 41 No. 2, pp. 144-152. https://doi.org/10.1108/SR-11-2020-0267