German ELAN sensors ELAN models ELAN prices

ELAN sensors are devices that convert optical signals into electrical signals. Their operating principle is based on the photoelectric effect. The photoelectric effect refers to the phenomenon where electrons in a material absorb photon energy when light strikes certain substances, resulting in corresponding electrical effects. Based on the different manifestations of the photoelectric effect, it is classified into three categories: external photoelectric effect, internal photoelectric effect, and photovoltaic effect. Photoelectric devices include phototubes, photomultiplier tubes, photoresistors, photodiodes, phototransistors, and solar cells. The performance and characteristic curves of photoelectric devices are analyzed.

ELAN sensor introduction

Sensors used in robots to emulate tactile functions. Tactile sense is an important sensory function when humans directly contact the external environment. Developing tactile sensors that meet requirements is one of the key technologies in robot development. With the advancement of microelectronics technology and the emergence of various organic materials, a variety of development schemes for tactile sensors have been proposed. However, most are currently at the laboratory stage, with few reaching productization. Tactile sensors can be roughly classified by function into contact sensors, force-torque sensors, pressure sensors, and slip sensors.

ELAN sensor classification

Slip sensors are used to determine and measure the slippage of objects when a robot grips or handles them. They are essentially displacement sensors. Based on whether they have sliding direction detection capability, they can be divided into three categories: non-directional, single-directional, and omni-directional. 1) Non-directional sensors include probe-earphone types, which consist of sapphire probes, metal buffers, piezoelectric Rochelle salt crystals, and rubber buffers. Sliding causes the probe to vibrate, which is converted into corresponding electrical signals by the Rochelle salt. The buffer's role is to reduce noise. 2) Single-directional sensors include drum photoelectric types. Slippage of the gripped object causes the drum to rotate, leading to a photodiode receiving light signals transmitted through a code disk (mounted on the drum's circular face). The object's slippage is measured via the drum's rotation angle signal. 3) Omni-directional sensors use metal balls surfaced with insulating material and composed of alternating conductive and non-conductive areas arranged in a latitude-longitude distribution. When the sensor contacts an object and slippage occurs, the ball rotates, causing the conductive and non-conductive areas on the ball's surface to alternately contact electrodes, thereby generating on/off signals. By counting and judging these on/off signals, the magnitude and direction of slippage can be measured. This type of sensor requires high manufacturing precision.

ELAN sensor applications

Tactile sensors are used to determine whether a robot (mainly referring to limbs) is in contact with external objects or to measure the characteristics of the contacted objects. Types of tactile sensors include micro switches, conductive rubber, carbon-impregnated sponge, carbon fiber, and pneumatic reset devices. 1) Micro switch: Composed of a spring and contacts. When the contacts touch an external object, they move away from the base, causing the signal path to break, thereby detecting contact with the external object. The advantage of this normally closed (always connected when not in contact) micro switch is its ease of use and simple structure; the disadvantage is that it is prone to mechanical oscillation and the contacts are susceptible to oxidation. 2) Conductive rubber type: It uses conductive rubber as the sensing element. When the contacts touch an external object and are compressed, the conductive rubber is pressed, changing its resistance and thus altering the current flowing through the conductive rubber. The disadvantage of this sensor is that due to variations in the material formulation of the conductive rubber, drift and hysteresis characteristics are inconsistent; the advantage is its flexibility. 3) Carbon-impregnated sponge type: It features an elastic body made of sponge mounted on a substrate, with carbon-impregnated sponge arranged in an array within the sponge. When the contacted object is compressed, the resistance of the carbon-impregnated sponge decreases. By measuring the magnitude of the current flowing through the carbon-impregnated sponge, the degree of compression can be determined. This sensor can also be used as a pressure sensor. Advantages include simple structure, good elasticity, and ease of use. Disadvantages are that the uniformity of carbon distribution directly affects measurement results, and recovery capability after compression is poor. 4) Carbon fiber type: Uses carbon fiber as the top layer, a substrate as the bottom layer, and urethane and metal electrodes installed in between. When contacting an external object, the carbon fiber is compressed and makes contact with the electrodes to conduct electricity. The advantage is good flexibility, allowing installation on curved surfaces of robotic arms, but hysteresis is significant. 5) Pneumatic reset type: It has a flexible insulating surface that deforms under pressure, and uses compressed air as the resetting force when contact is broken. When in contact with an external object, the internal elastic dome (beryllium copper foil) contacts the lower contacts to conduct electricity. Advantages are good flexibility and high reliability, but a compressed air source is required.

Weidou Intelligent Technology specializes in selling German ELAN sensors, ELAN proximity sensors, ELAN distance sensors, ELAN vision sensors, ELAN displacement sensors, ELAN torque sensors, ELAN speed sensors, ELAN photoelectric sensors, ELAN position sensors, ELAN angle sensors, ELAN tactile sensors, ELAN temperature sensors, ELAN pressure sensors, ELAN flow sensors, ELAN level sensors, ELAN motion sensors, ELAN process sensors. Original German imports. Welcome inquiries and orders from customers.