| 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. In this Design Guide is 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 1980s a new product was being developed to be a thin (< 0.005" typ.) light weight potentiometerwhich, when integrated into a industrial 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 ofthe sensor making it an ideal solution to many issues 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. |