Strain sensors having ultra-high dynamic range
OwnerKarl Friedrich Voss, Keith H. Wanserinventors
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Abstract
A sensor configuration increases the usefulness of Fiber Optic Displacement Sensors by mounting them on an elastomer substrate. The sensor configuration can also be used for most other sensors. The elastomer substrate is used to pre-mount the sensors, making field installation easier, increasing the range of the sensors, allowing strain sensors to measure compression and elongation, and providing a mechanism whereby the sensors can be protected from failure due to excess strain. The sensing range of the sensor is increased by employing an elastomer substrate to which only a portion provides mounting for the fiber, thereby significantly enhancing the dynamic range of the sensor.
Claims15
A strain sensor for measuring the strain between at least two points on an object;
- the sensor comprising:
- a sensor device exhibiting at least one measuring characteristic responsive to the distance between two spaced points to which the sensor device is attached;
- an elongated elastomeric substrate extendable in a selected direction between a relaxed condition and an extended condition;
- said sensor device being affixed to said elastomeric substrate at two spaced attachment points for measuring the distance between said two attachment points irrespective of the extension of said substrate between said points on said object.
A sensor for measuring strain between two points on an object;
- the sensor comprising:
- a distance measuring transducer;
- and
- a stretchable substrate;
- the transducer being connected to said substrate at a plurality of attachment points for measuring the distance between said attachment points irrespective of the stretch length of the substrate between said two points on said object.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.