Sensors are an essential part of data collection, system monitoring, and control feedback. In motion control applications, sensors employ rotary or linear encoders for position feedback, sensors such as tachometers for speed sensing, and even proximity switches to start or stop certain machine actions. In hydraulic motion control systems, for example, pressure sensors are a critical part of the control.
Another commonly used position measurement sensor is the magnetostrictive linear displacement sensor (MLDT). The MLDT has the advantage of using a moving magnet that is not in contact with the sensor tube, avoids mechanical wear, and provides absolute position readings.
Sensors abound in industrial designs, consumer products, and everything in between. With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), sensors are beginning to penetrate into more application areas.
In the gaming world, for example, Silicon Valley-based Titanium Falcon sells a wearable smart ring, the Talon, that allows mobile gamers to play games and see more of the screen without touching their mobile devices. Juan Guo, co-founder and CEO of TItanium Falcon, said: "Traditionally, about 30% of the game screen is blocked by the user's hand or fingers. Using real-time 3D tracking, Talon outperforms on-screen 2D controls, allowing players to use Quick and easy waves and gestures to control the app.
Inside the Talon's electronics includes a microcontroller and a motion sensor that can track rotational and lateral motion (nine degrees of freedom). In contrast, traditional motion control in gaming devices such as the Xbox Kinect uses motion capture technology with limited precision and insufficient space for predefined settings. Talon is also 90% smaller than the traditional interface.
Through Shaft Sensor Provides Positional Accuracy in Harsh Conditions
In steer-by-wire applications, Piher's hollow-shaft PST-360 non-contact Hall-effect magnetic sensor provides accurate pedal or brake position. The sensor's through-shaft technology can wrap it anywhere on the shaft, allowing detection directly at the source. It allows engineers to integrate full-featured rotary sensors directly into existing shafts without packaging issues such as the gears that typically accompany encoders or other through-shaft sensing devices. With no mechanical interface, this "clean" configuration helps to obtain an accurate and precise output signal over the life of the sensor, which is 50 million cycles, and includes IP67 protective sealing.
The non-contacting Hall-effect magnetic sensor is a full-featured rotational sensor for precise pedal or brake positioning in on- and off-road vehicle steer-by-wire applications.
The sensor element is a rotating ring magnet. Inside, there are only two main non-contact parts - the magnet (the only moving part) and the electronics. Since the ring magnet never comes in contact with the sensing electronics, it is insensitive to dust or dirt and can therefore withstand high vibration cycles.
The PST-360 is especially suitable for extreme environment applications in on- and off-road vehicles such as tractors, forklifts, trucks, racing cars, etc.
Smart sensors support smart forklifts
Rely on smart sensors, industrial vehicles such as forklifts, reach stackers or automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Absolute measurement of position, angle, inclination, speed and lift height has become an increasingly integral part of smart industrial vehicles.
Sensors help save time, reduce human error, increase productivity, and most importantly, ensure increased levels of safety. Programs can be automated, or useful information is displayed to the driver, such as lift height, fork position or the inclination of the lift mast. To be able to implement these functions safely and easily, companies like SIKO offer line-driven encoders, angle sensors and tilt sensors.
The new redundant wire-by-wire encoders meet the safety requirements of the entire system up to SIL 2 and performance class d. The SG32, SG42 and SG62 new redundant wire encoders are used in forklift and AGV systems, making them more reliable when measuring the height of lifting masts.
SIKO offers three sensor products, including line drive encoders, angle sensors and tilt angle sensors, designed for industrial vehicles such as forklifts.
The SG32, SG42 and SG62 line drive encoders provide increased safety with special fully redundant sensor technology for measuring absolute positions. Two completely separate sensor systems measure the absolute position and give it separately as an analog signal. These wire drive encoders have a measurement range of between 3 meters and 6 meters and are ideal for measuring the absolute height of lifting masts on unmanned transport systems. For forklifts, versions up to 15 meters are available. All sensors are equipped with redundant interfaces, potentiometers, analog current or voltage and CANopen.
Complementing these encoders are angle sensors. The first is a space-saving and robust angle sensor called the AH25S, designed specifically to measure the steering angle of unmanned transportation systems. Working closely with the designers of such systems, a precise miniature angle sensor with a blind-hole hollow shaft has been developed, making it easy to assemble and offering a true alternative to existing plastic sensors in its robust die-cast housing. Precise sensing enables absolute measurements over 360° with 12-bit resolution and provides time-delay-free angular position via an analog interface.
Finally, in order to reliably detect the tilt angle of the lift mast as well as the entire vehicle, SIKO provides two tilt angle sensors IK360 and IK360L. The MEMS-based inclination sensor is fully sealed with a high IP69K protection rating and is available in two variants with accuracy (0.1° and 0.5°). Both sensors are available as single-axis variables (0 to 360°) or dual-axis variables (+/- 80°).
Zhejiang Synmot Electrical Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.synmot-electrical.com