Abstract

Disclosed is a sensor enabling positioning of a flexible element subject to applied forces. The sensor includes at least two spatially separated light permeable tubes, each having first and second ends arranged on respective first and second frame portions of the flexible element. At least one of the first or second ends of at least one light permeable tube are attached to a corresponding first frame portion by a joining unit. Each of the at least two spatially separated light permeable tubes includes at least one light detecting device, connectable to a processing unit, and arranged at a light detecting position of a corresponding light permeable tube to detect light from at least one light emitting device through the corresponding light permeable tube and transferring information including information relating to the detected light to the processing unit, enabling the processing unit to determine the bend of the light permeable tubes.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 11/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. optical strain gauge
• G01D 5/353 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells influencing the transmission properties of an optical fibre
• G01B 11/255 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures for measuring radius of curvature
• G01D 5/34 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells

Abstract

It is provided a sensor that enables a positioning of a flexible element subject to applied forces. The sensor comprises at least two spatially separated light permeable tubes 1, 10 each tube having a first end 1a, 10a arranged on a first frame portion 11a and a second end 1b, 10b arranged on a second frame portion 11b of the flexible element, wherein at least one of said first end 1 a, 10a or said second end 1b, 10b of at least one light permeable tube 1, 10 are attached to a corresponding first frame portion 11a, 11b by means of a joining means 120. Each of the at least two spatially separated light permeable tubes comprises at least one light detecting device 3, connectable to a processing unit 4, and arranged at a light detecting position of a corresponding light permeable tube 1, 10 and configured to detect light emitted from at least one light emitting device 2 through the corresponding light permeable tube 1, 10 and configured to transfer information comprising information relating to the detected light to the processing unit 4 to enable the processing unit to determine the bend of the light permeable tubes 1, 10.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 11/24 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures
• G01B 11/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. optical strain gauge
• G01B 11/255 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures for measuring radius of curvature
• G01D 5/26 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
• B25J 18/06 - Arms flexible

Abstract

b of the flexible element. Each of the light permeable tubes in the sensor includes a light detecting device 3, that is connectable to a processing unit 4, and arranged at a light detecting position of each of the light permeable tubes and configured to detect light emitted from a light emitting source 2 through each 10 of the at least two light permeable tubes 1, 10 and configured to transfer information including information relating to the detected light to the processing unit 4.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 11/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. optical strain gauge
• G01D 5/353 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells influencing the transmission properties of an optical fibre
• G01D 5/26 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
• B25J 18/06 - Arms flexible
• B25J 19/02 - Sensing devices