The 2020’s are an exciting time to be in Product Engineering. ‘Smart’ products are not just technically feasible and economically viable: they also transform the value of a product for the end-user by providing more than just the core functionality.
By embedding sensors into a product, engineers can monitor and measure the force, pressure, or load on a component. Design engineers use the information resulting from collected sensor signals to build ‘intelligence’ into products: systems monitoring, automatic control, performance optimization, autonomous operation, and other ‘smart’ behaviours.
When standard sensors don’t fit the job, HBK will create custom OEM sensor solutions to deliver the data that is essential for real-time feedback and control. Innovative OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) choose HBK as their partner because we provide a full-service solution for sensors based on strain gauges:
From sensors that survive hundreds of autoclave cycles to hospital beds, and infusion pump pressure sensor, nearly every medical device with a plug has a pressure, force, strain gauge, load or torque sensor monitoring mechanical influences. As an example, we engineer sensors that are designed to give force feedback and can be built to withstand the rigors of multiple autoclave cycling.
Down force, load pins, and torque measurements in tractors, planting and harvesting machines to allow closed looped feedback on all types of critical mechanical movements. For example, downforce sensors can ensure seeds are planted at a predetermined depth across multiple rows and varied farm terrain. By measuring these forces accurately, depth of seeding becomes consistent across rows and terrain for best possible yield. The application of fertilizer or the spreading of seeds can be optimally adapted to soil conditions in the field.
Joint twist torque sensors and load sensors are designed to measure the torque in the wrist or load in the foot in robots (grippers and actuators).
From the on-board vehicle pay load, to overload conditions and commercial vehicle scales, our rugged load and torque sensors are manufactured using robust and corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel and aluminum. We design sensors that provide the highest level of environmental protection and durability as well as to meet ANSI requirements. One example includes load sensing systems for boom lifts that are designed to ensure accuracy and efficiency, saving time, money, and resources.
Customized OEM force and torque sensors provide accurate measurements on the drive and control systems that determines a proportional amount on the assisted motor power. The better the motor control, the better and more intuititive the experience will be for the rider. We design customized force sensors which can be designed to fit on the pedal, or torque sensors on other rotating parts to measure the feedback.
Engineers are constantly working on ways to create innovative products. Building sensors into products often creates technical challenges because off-the-shelf sensors rarely meet the technical requirements.
HBK experts can guide you safely through all the stages of your project, from custom sensor design to rapid development of prototypes, to lean manufacturing of scalable volumes.
Discover how in this short video!
Time, size, distance, speed, direction, weight, volume, temperature, pressure, force, sound, light, and energy. These are all physical properties that we measure and take for granted. Life as we know it would not be possible without measurement.
There is one thing that we expect from monuments and that is that they withstand the passage of time, standing strong and proud. But what if they don’t? Our company’s restoration of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is a good case in point.
When you need to measure strain on an object, you are often doing so in a short timeframe. If the strain gauge is improperly installed, you can receive false measurements, which may cause you to spend even more time correcting these mistakes.
