Proximity sensors

Inductive Proximity sensorsbyAhmed mahmoud ahmed

Components

An inductive proximity sensor has four elements:CoilOscillatorcreates a radio frequency field that is shaped and defined by the coil and coreTrigger circuitrectifies the AC sine wave signal to DCOutputIt changes according to the presence and absence of the target

Basic operationProximity sensors are one type of pre-touch sensors.

Inductive proximity sensors operate under the electrical principle of inductance where a fluctuating current, which by definition has a magnetic component, induces an electromotive force (emf) in a target object.

Basic operationWhen a conducting object is found in sensors domain it reduces the induced current in the electrodes.

This change in the electric field is detected by the sensors.

Specialized algorithms process the data and instruct the rest of the machine to take appropriate action

Example from IntelRobotic handThe researchers have incorporated the sensors into a robotic hand as well, allowing mechanical fingers to adjust to the size and shape of an object that they encounter.

The goal, is to improve the ability of robots to grasp objects in unstructured human environments.

The video

Wind turbines

Wind Turbines uses proximity sensors to determine the best direction to which it should be adjusted to get maximum wind possible

AdvantagesThey are very accurate compared to other technologies

Have high switching rate

Can work in harsh environmental condition

Minesweeper A robot to sweep over an object and collect EF information from it.

The algorithm then compares, in near real time, this data to a series of prerecorded signals that describe various shapes, sizes, and orientations of the object.

When the algorithm finds a reasonably certain match, it adjusts the robotic fingers so that they can grasp the object.

Disadvantages

It can detect only metallic targets

Operating range may be limited