The measurement of large forces and the presence of errors due to dimensional coupling are significant challenges for multi-dimensional force sensors. To address these challenges, this paper proposes an over-constrained six-dimensional force sensor based on a parallel mechanism of steel ball structures as a measurement module. The steel ball structure can be subject to rolling friction instead ...

In this article, we report the development of a flexible, 3D printable piezoresistive pressure sensor capable of measuring force and detecting the location of the force. The multilayer sensor comprises of an ionic liquid-based piezoresistive intermediate layer in between carbon nanotube (CNT)-based stretchable electrodes. A sensor containing an array of different sensing units was embedded on t...

The cytosolic protein α-catenin is a postulated force transducer at cadherin complexes. The demonstration of force activation, identification of consequent downstream events in live cells, and development of tools to study these dynamic processes in living cells are central to elucidating the role of α-catenin in cellular mechanics and tissue function. Here we demonstrate that α-catenin is a fo...

In this study, we propose a force sensor using a shape-memory polymer (SMP) whose stiffness varies according to the temperature. An SMP can be deformed above its glass transition temperature (Tg) by applying a small load. A deformed SMP maintains its shape when cooled below Tg and returns to its predefined shape when subsequently heated above Tg. The reversible change in the elastic modulus bet...

This paper describes a micro-force sensing device where a H-infinity control scheme is used to actively balance the external force and provide the measurement. The force sensing principle is based on the active control of the electrostatic bipolar actuator (comb-drive) within the sensor. An external load force acts on the sensor and displaces the probe. The controller is set to balance the appl...

In this paper, we report on a 15-cantilever-type, force-sensormounted palatal plate capable of high sensitivity and accurate measurements of the palatolingual contact pressure and pattern that occur during consonant phonation. This paper also describes measurements of tongue force based on the results of the palatolingual contact pressure measurements that the 15-cantilever-type, force-sensor-m...

We present a novel force sensor designed to facilitate force measurement deployment in various applications such as load cells or force sensitive surfaces. This force sensor can indeed inherently sense out-of-plane forces. It is a monolithic structure that integrates two resonators and provides a steady area. If a perpendicular force is applied on this steady area, a frequency shift of the two ...

We demonstrate a simple force-based label-free strategy for the highly sensitive sensing of adenosine. An adenosine ssDNA aptamer was bound onto an atomic force microscopy (AFM) probe by covalent modification, and the molecular-interface adsorption force between the aptamer and a flat graphite surface was measured by single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS). In the presence of adenosine, the m...

The use of different optical-fiber sensors for weighing measurements is Abstract described. By using three different mechanical stressing mechanisms, the operation of the fiber-to-fiber transducer systems are tested and the results are presented. Parameters such as sensitivity, hysteresis, resolution, and dynamic range are measured. A comparison of the results has shown that the sensor system m...

This work describes a plantar force measurement system. The MEMS pressure sensor, as the key sensing element, is designed, fabricated and embedded into a flexible silicon oil-filled bladder made of silicon rubber to constitute a single sensing unit. A conditioning circuit is designed for signal processing and data acquisition. The characteristics of the plantar force sensing unit are investigat...