FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bokam Introduces a high-precision and high reliability multi-axis force sensor system for industrial and marine applications
Santa Ana, Calif. -- To service the ever increasing demand for high precision, high reliability multi-axis force measurement systems Bokam Engineering Inc is
introducing a new sensor that combines lab instrumentation precision with reliable, miniature, multi-axis packaging suitable for demanding OEM applications. The goal of this product was to create a
device that allows for the introduction of high precision force measurement into packages that are capable of surviving the rugged environments of marine and industrial equipment. In the past force measurement was
divided into two categories: precision lab measurement, and low precision load indication for OEM use. To bridge the gap a new device had to be introduced.,
The DX-400 series was originally developed as a customized unit for an OEM manufacturer who needed both multiple axis of force measurement, high precision and sensitivity, as
well as survivability under diverse environmental conditions. After this device was first produced and shown to a few OEM customers Bokam's technical support staff discovered that this was not a solitary case of
demanding requirements but that there was a large number of undeserved OEMs who's applications have always called out for a device that would meet these type of requirements but who, for lack of one, had to get buy with
other methods and complicated solutions to what should have been a sensor requirement all along. The DX-400 series of sensors combines a rugged three axis full bridge force sensor with sophisticated
electronics which allow the user to actively adjust the sensitivity and initial settings without any modifications to the system. This feature along with the increased sensitivity of the multi-axis full
bridge design provides great stability and signal integrity as well with enormous flexibility for the OEM design group.
Sensor Construction and Technology The DX-400 series of sensors consists of a solid stainless steel body, (as do
the previous award winning Bokam sensors) but then contains a significantly more elaborate and miniaturized network of conductive thick-film strain-sensitive elements creating a full Whetstone Bridge in all three
axes. This newly re-designed sensor architecture virtually doubles the output signal of the device with the same force applied. The artwork is applied to a machined stainless steel surface as before using
proprietary methods for imbedding the strain sensitive materials onto the steel surface without the use of organic materials. The construction of the sensor is such that it is by its design sealed from the
environments and the only surface that comes in contact with the outside world is the stainless steel surface.
The strain-sensitive materials on the back of the sensor are capable of detecting even microscopic strain in the sensor base, and resolve the applied force into two
distinct outputs proportional to the X, Y and Z component of the force vector. The elastic nature of the steel surface and the absence of a bond or glue line between the
strain-sensitive materials and stainless steel surface combine with the full bridge architecture to yield a significantly higher output than that of ceramic or discrete strain gage on metal devices and even the standard
high output steel sensors produced by Bokam. The sensor portion of all DX-400 sensors consists of a monolithic stainless steel element with machined mounting ring, sensing circular plate. The force is
applied to the sensor of the circular plate either via a perpendicular post machined into the sensor or through an internal ring. The resulting signal is proportional and linear to the applied force.
The System and Signal Conditioning Electronics The signal conditioning electronics that complete the system provide amplification to the sensor signal and
produce a 0-5V output with a 5V power input. Since the sensor provide a linear proportional signal with input force the electronics must only magnify the output. The new electronics however provide
additional features that offer great flexibility by allowing the applications engineer to actively modify the sensitivity of the system by dialing in the gain right on the electronics board with infinite
resolution. In addition the customer can also re-adjust the no-load output of the electronics to offset any initial load on the sensor. These adjustments mean that the OEM design engineer can dial in the
capabilities of the device without having to change the physical sensor used in the system. This is made possible in part by the increased output sensitivity and signal stability of the sensor itself.
System Advantages The DX-400 series
comes with all of the technological innovations of Bokam's DX-300 product line and much more:
Ø Super ruggedized construction with overload capabilities. Ø Multi-Axis force resolution with full whetstone bridge in each axis of measurement. Ø Water sealed package for use underwater or in harsh environments Ø
Adjustable mechanical interface with any post height capability. Ø Actively adjustable sensitivity
Ø Stainless steel body allows operation of the sensor even when submerged in boiling water or exposed to temperature extremes or corrosive
chemicals. Ø Solid monolithic construction - no moving or rubbing parts ensure a virtually unlimited life
span, at least as long as the steel itself. Ø No bond or glue lines between the strain-sensitive materials and the
steel - strain-sensitive materials are embedded into the steel, creating an interface that does not creep or change with time, eliminating the need to ever re-calibrate. Ø Drop-in and use mechanical design - easy four-bolt circle for mounting and single tapped hole force input enable the sensor to be
inserted into virtually any application with minimal system redesign.
About Bokam Engineering Bokam Engineering's innovative sensing technology has gained wide
credence throughout the electronics industry. A previous Bokam sensor series, the DX-360/380, was recognized as Innovation of the Year by Electronic Design News (EDN) in 1998. Another model, The Aurora
Series, was named finalist for Innovation of the Year for 1997. Dr. Boris Kamentser, the company's founder, was a finalist for EDN's Innovator of the Year Award in both 1997 and 1998. The marine version of
the DX-360 product line was named one of top 100 new products of the year by a European Medical Design Magazine for 1999. And The DX-series was named Editors Choice by a leading Electrical Design Magazine.
BOKAM ENGINEERING, INC. was founded in 1980 to serve the design and development needs of customers who require state-of-the-art electromechanical technology. Rapidly
expanding beyond its initial charter, Bokam became a leader in high-tech sensor development and production, creating a unique product line that has continuously expanded to serve all major sensor and instrumentation
applications.
DX-400 Series SPEC SUMMARY
Parameter |
Capabilities |
Number of Sensing Axes |
1, 2, and 3 |
Maximum Force for Nominal Post Height |
Depending on Model |
Sensor Outside Diameters |
1 to 2 inches standard |
Nominal Sensor Output in Each Axis (Adjustable by electronics) |
2.5V+/- 0.02V |
System Repeatability |
0.25% |
Linearity |
0.5% |
Minimum System Resolution |
0.25% |
Temperature Range: Operational Non-Operational |
-40°C to 75°C -40°C to 125°C |
Humidity Range |
100% |
Submergibility |
May be submerged in up to 4 feet of water |
Operational Life |
1x107 cycles |
|
