A sensor whose resistance changes as it bends.
Description:
This device is a variable resistor that reacts to bending.
How It Works:
The semi-conductive material on this flexible sensor becomes more conductive when it is squeezed together as the sensor flexes.
Connect It:
This device has two wire leads, and is often connected to the analog input of a microcontroller. Flex sensors are not polarized, which means they can be connected either way around.
How It Is Used:
Select the device during simulation and drag it up and down to change its flexing angle.
Get Started:
Drag the starter circuit below into your design for a working example of how to use this part.
More About Flex Sensor:
To add a Flex Sensor in Tinkercad, search for "Flex Sensor" in the component library, drag it onto your breadboard, and connect its terminals with wires to other components in your circuit. You can then click on the Flex Sensor to set its name for easy identification.
A flex sensor is a type of resistor that changes its resistance in response to bending or flexing. They are commonly used in applications like robotics, wearable technology, and motion detection systems. There are primarily two types of flex sensors: analog flex sensors and digital flex sensors. Analog flex sensors provide a variable resistance output depending on the degree of bending, while digital flex sensors convert the flex into a binary signal. The most common form is the bendable resistive flex sensor, which has a flexible substrate embedded with a conductive material that alters resistance as it is bent. Key specifications for flex sensors include their resistance range, which typically spans from 10kΩ to 100kΩ in the unbent state, and can change to a higher or lower resistance value depending on the degree of bending. The working range or bend angle is usually from 0° to 180°, with some high-end models capable of detecting flexes beyond 180°. The voltage rating is typically low, with 5V or 3.3V being common operating voltages, and they often require a small power supply, typically around 1mW to 10mW for low-power applications. Flex sensors typically have a response time in the range of milliseconds and are rated for a mechanical life cycle of around 1,000,000 bends. The operating temperature range usually spans from -40°C to +85°C, making them suitable for a wide variety of environments. Specifications for flex sensors are typically measured in ohms (Ω) for resistance, volts (V) for voltage, milliwatts (mW) for power, and degrees Celsius (°C) for temperature.
1. SparkFun Electronics - Flex Sensor Guide
Website Title: SparkFun Electronics
Website Page URL: https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/flex-sensor
URL recommended for: A beginner-friendly guide explaining what flex sensors are, how they work, and how to integrate them into your projects. Great for hands-on learners looking for tutorials and examples.
2. Adafruit - Flex Sensors
Website Title: Adafruit
Website Page URL: https://learn.adafruit.com/flex-sensor
URL recommended for: A simple, easy-to-follow tutorial on using flex sensors in electronic projects, complete with explanations on wiring, coding, and applications.
3. All About Circuits - Flex Sensor
Website Title: All About Circuits
Website Page URL: https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/projects/using-a-flex-sensor/
URL recommended for: A more in-depth look at how to use flex sensors in real-world applications, including tutorials and practical examples. Ideal for those who want to deepen their understanding.
4. Pololu - Flex Sensors
Website Title: Pololu
Website Page URL: https://www.pololu.com/category/111/flex-sensors
URL recommended for: A collection of flex sensors available for purchase along with specifications and datasheets. Great for comparing different models and understanding the technical details of flex sensors.
5. Digi-Key - Flex Sensors
Website Title: Digi-Key Electronics
Website Page URL: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/filter/flex-sensors/748
URL recommended for: A wide range of flex sensors with detailed technical specifications, useful for selecting the right sensor for specific applications.
6. Tinkercad - Flex Sensor Simulation
Website Title: Tinkercad
Website Page URL: https://www.tinkercad.com/learn/circuits
URL recommended for: A beginner-friendly platform for simulating flex sensor circuits virtually. Great for learning how flex sensors behave in circuits without needing physical components.
7. Learn Robotics - Flex Sensor
Website Title: Learn Robotics
Website Page URL: https://learnrobotics.org/tutorials/flex-sensor/
URL recommended for: A practical guide on using flex sensors in robotics, with specific examples of how they are used for movement detection and control.
8. Instructables - Flex Sensor Projects
Website Title: Instructables
Website Page URL: https://www.instructables.com/howto/flex+sensor/
URL recommended for: A collection of step-by-step projects involving flex sensors, perfect for those who want to get hands-on experience building projects with flex sensors.
Note: Autodesk® and TinkerCAD® are trademarks of their respective company
TinkerCAD Circuits Platform related Interesting Links:
TinkerCAD Circuits Reference Handbook eBook: About Page
Quickly Master Electronics with the TinkerCAD Circuits Reference Handbook
…till next post, bye-bye & take care.
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