Plug&Use portfolio of printed-flexible sensors
Author: Aakash Grewal
Tel. +49 7264 702-49-128, E-Mail a.grewal@binder-connector.de
Printed electronics for sensors is proven to be a solution for the challenges faced by conventional sensor industry. The ability to integrate the sensor and even fabricate it over any type of geometry makes it unique. In this quest, binder provides individual and customized solutions for flexible and printed Force Sensing Resistors for applications ranging from Automotive to Medical sector. The sensors are ready-to-connect and can be offered as completed device.
Binder ITZ, the innovation and technology center located in Bad Rappenau, serves as the hub for new technologies and products developed by Franz Binder GmbH & Co. Elektrische Bauelemente KG (Neckarsulm). Drawing upon our expertise in chemistry, electronics, physics, and process development, we specialize in applying printable electronic components directly onto 3D surfaces with utmost precision, achieving a seamless fusion of functionality and design. Our strength lies in delivering customer-specific solutions for diverse geometries and substrates. As pioneers in key printed electronics technologies such as printed sensors, Electroluminescence, heating elements, and fine conductive lines, we possess the unique ability to make any form of surface geometry conductive. Moreover, the rising demand for printed force sensors, specifically Force Sensing Resistors (FSR), underscores their versatility in applications ranging from robotic fingertips to sensitive touch buttons in car infotainment system. FSRs, characterized by a polymer thick film (PTF) design, exhibit a decrease in resistance as the applied force on the active surface increases. Optimized for touch control of electronic devices, FSRs possess properties akin to load cells and strain gauges, making them sought-after components in various industries.
The know-how of Force Sensing Resistors (FSRs) FSR is a type of sensor that changes its resistance when a force is applied. With the increase in applied force, the resistance of the sensor decreases hence allowing the detection of physical pressure, squeezing, and weight. Talking in the context of Printed Electronics, it means, a conductive polymer that exhibits variation in electrical conductivity when force is applied, for example, a printed Carbon/Graphite layer pressed against Interdigitated Silver electrode layer. The resistance change in the FSR can be measured using appropriate circuitry, such as a voltage divider or a Wheatstone bridge configuration. By monitoring the resistance, the magnitude of the applied force can be determined. By leveraging their unique principle, FSR sensors enable precise and responsive interaction with electronic systems, enhancing user experience in a variety of contexts. Although not being extremely precise, for most touch-sensitive applications FSRs are good cost vs. benefit deal. Flexible Sensor Realisation The challenge of printing an FSR sensor, which is also reproducible, is realised at our facility using Screen printing technology. Due to the very homogeneous deposition of conductive pastes with screen-printing, it is chosen to depose very finely spaced interdigitated silver electrodes on PET substrate. The other side of the sensor contains the active material Carbon paste, which is also printed on PET substrate. In between a plastic spacer is used. The idea behind this thicknesseswas to print low-cost material to obtain as good functioning as possible. Spacer material plays a crucial role in the functioning of sensor as it separates the two layers and depending on the thickness, the amount of force is determined. Different thickness of the tapes are tested. Another important task is to test the FSR sensor after fabrication as it is important to see in how much area we are applying force and what is the outcome. For that, specific masses of the same diameter as that of conductive film is taken and the resistance against the applied force is measured. The flexible substrate used for the FSR sensor provides much needed flexibility to integrate with any application and at any surface. The round shape can easily be customized as per application.
Electronics of the Sensor
The mechatronics of the sensor is also done in-house at Binder ITZ by a demonstratorhighly qualified team of Electronics Engineers. The demostrator is also presented in the image. The shunt-mode FSR proved to be an efficient solution in detecting force or pressure and convert these stimuli into user-specific data to read. At Binder ITZ, we are doing high-end research and provide solutions to our customers with much more eco-friendly and yet fully functional sensor with much lower production cost compared to conventional sensor fabrication methods. About binder binder, headquartered in Neckarsulm, Germany, is a family-owned company characterized by traditional values and one of the leading specialists for circular connectors. Since 1960, binder has been synonymous with the highest quality. The company works with more than 60 sales partners on six continents and employs around 2,000 people worldwide.
The binder group includes the binder headquarters, 16 affiliated companies, two system service providers as well as an innovation and technology center. In addition to Germany, the binder sites are located in Austria, China, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA.
1. FSR sensor Arduino circuit schematic and relationship graph.
Photo: binder
2. Layout of printed FSR sensor in ShuntMode Construction. Photo: binder
3. Printed Flexible FSR by binder ITZ. Photo: binder
4. Electronics & signal of Printed sensors by Binder ITZ
(Functional Prototype)
Fields of application
Human Machine Interfaces
Robotics and Automation
Medical and Healthcare
Automotive Industry
Virtual Reality and Gaming
Sports and Fitness
Industrial and Manufacturing
Internet of Things
Wearable Technology
Aerospace and Defense
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Features
Ready-to-connect and, if required, pre-assembled
Customizable as per demand and application
Integrated with a complete circuit to assist other applications
Self-sustaining and communicating printed circuit
Company address:
Franz Binder GmbH & Co. Elektrische Bauelemente KG
Roetelstrasse 27
D-74172 Neckarsulm/Germany
Tel. +49 (0) 7132 325-0
Fax +49 (0) 7132 325-150
info@binder-connector.de
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