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Printed soft angular/torque sensors using carbon black-silicone composite

Muyang Li (Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand)
Mahtab Assadian (University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand)
Maziar Ramezani (Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand)
Kean C. Aw (University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand)

Sensor Review

ISSN: 0260-2288

Article publication date: 19 June 2019

Issue publication date: 26 July 2019

235

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.

Keywords

Citation

Li, M., Assadian, M., Ramezani, M. and Aw, K.C. (2019), "Printed soft angular/torque sensors using carbon black-silicone composite", Sensor Review, Vol. 39 No. 4, pp. 598-603. https://doi.org/10.1108/SR-11-2018-0290

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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