German P+F sensor P+F model P+F price

P+F sensors are a general term for sensors designed to detect objects without physical contact, replacing contact-based detection methods such as limit switches. They convert information about an object's movement and presence into electrical signals. Detection methods that convert to electrical signals include those utilizing eddy currents generated in the metal body of the detected object due to electromagnetic induction, those detecting capacitance changes in the electrical signal caused by the approach of the detected object, and those using reed and guided switches.

P+F sensor introduction

Sensors used in robots to mimic 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 technical keys in robot development. With the development of microelectronics and the emergence of various organic materials, a variety of development plans for tactile sensors have been proposed, but 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.

P+F sensor classification

Slip sensors are used to judge and measure the slippage of objects when a robot grips or transports them. They are essentially displacement sensors. They can be divided into three categories based on whether they have sliding direction detection functionality: non-directional, single-directional, and omni-directional. 1) Non-directional sensors include probe-earpiece 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 surface). The object's slippage is measured via the drum's rotation angle signal. 3) Omni-directional sensors use metal balls coated with insulating material and composed of latitudinal and longitudinal distributions of conductive and non-conductive areas. When the sensor contacts an object and slips, 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.

P+F sensor applications

Tactile sensors are used to determine whether a robot (primarily its 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, breaking the signal circuit, thereby detecting contact with the external object. The advantage of this normally closed (continuously connected when not in contact) micro switch is ease of use and simple structure; the disadvantages are susceptibility to mechanical oscillation and contact oxidation. 2) Conductive rubber type: It uses conductive rubber as the sensitive 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 it. The disadvantage of this sensor is that drift and hysteresis characteristics vary due to differences in the conductive rubber material formulation; 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. Measuring the magnitude of the current flowing through the carbon-impregnated sponge determines the degree of compression. 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 after compression is poor. 4) Carbon fiber type: The upper layer is carbon fiber, the lower layer is the substrate, and polyurethane and metal electrodes are 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.

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