Guide

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2015 Flexpoint Sensor Systems Page 3 of 15
Introduction
This Design Guide is designed to help electrical designers build interfaces that result in the successful
integration of Bend Sensor
®
components into products. Flexpoint Inc. has successfully developed and
marketed products incorporating Bend Sensor
®
products. Most successful Bend Sensor
®
interfaces start
with the same building blocks. This Design Guide comprises a collection of circuits that effectively
empower the designer to modify and build customized circuits that complement their product.
Bend Sensor
®
Potentiometer
In the late 1980’s, a new product was being developed to be a thin (< 0.005” typ.) light weight
potentiometer which, when integrated into a glove could provide analog feedback showing finger
movement. After substantial development efforts a new product utilizing a bend sensitive ink was
created. This new product known as the Bend Sensor
®
potentiometer was integrated for use in a
consumer product known as the Nintendo Power Glove. Many companies have since recognized the
simplicity and reliability of the sensor making it an ideal solution which very effectively addresses many
issues and challenges associated with standard potentiometers.
Description of the Bend Sensor
®
Potentiometer
The Bend Sensor
®
potentiometer is a product consisting of a coated substrate such as plastic that
changes in electrical conductivity as it is bent. Electronic systems can connect to the sensor and
measure with fine detail the amount of bending or movement that occurs. A movement of only one inch
can yield over 200,000 data points.
An example application is one where a sensor is attached to a door. As the door is opened one can
measure how far the door has opened and how fast it is moving. The sensor is light weight, small, easily
packaged and very reliable. The breadth of the applications for the Bend Sensor
®
is limited only by the
customer’s imagination.
Deflection of the sensor may be
achieved through many
mechanical
options.
0
50
100
150
200
250
dA
dB
dC
dD
dE
dA
dB
dE
Film Layer coated
w/sensor material
Deflection
Resistance (k ohms) vs. Deflection of Sensor
R
e
s
i
t
a
n
c
e
s