2-Axis Force Sensors Basics

Two-axis (biaxial) sensors, such as the 2-axis force sensors Interface's advanced sensors represent a significant advancement in force and torque measurement. These sophisticated sensors go beyond the limitations of single-axis sensors and are designed to accurately measure forces or torques in two perpendicular directions simultaneously with a single, integrated device.

The core technology is based on internal Strain gauges, which are mounted on a specially designed metal structure, which is considered Bending body This is referred to as a sensor. When mechanical strain is applied, the measuring strips convert this deformation into a proportional electrical signal.

It is noteworthy that the 2-axis design incorporates multiple, isolated strain gauge bridges within a single sensor body. While a uniaxial sensor uses one bridge to measure force along one axis, such as tension or compression, a 2-axis sensor employs additional bridges to generate separate, independent output signals for the orthogonal axes. This enables the simultaneous measurement of pairs, such as:

Force in X and force in Y for measuring shear or transverse forces.
Axial force and torsional torque for measuring compression/tension and twisting.

Advantages of multi-axis technology

The primary technical advantage of a multi-axis design is the ability to capture more comprehensive and detailed data on force interactions from a single measurement point. This consolidation of measurements simplifies the entire testing process while significantly improving data quality.

Advantage #1 – Minimizing crosstalk

A key technical challenge in multi-axis design is crosstalk, where the load on one axis unintentionally affects the output signal of another. Interface sensors are designed with low crosstalk characteristics to ensure the highest accuracy and signal fidelity for each independent channel. This results in more reliable data for evaluating structural integrity, load distribution, and performance characteristics.

Advantage #2 – Efficiency and Integration

By replacing multiple single-axis sensors, the 2-axis design offers a compact form factor that saves physical space, simplifies setup by reducing the required number of sensors, cables, and connections, and maximizes the return on investment for complex test equipment. This makes it ideal for integration into robotics, aerospace, and advanced materials testing environments where space is limited.

Advantage #3 – Increased reliability

The increased data density achieved by tracking power in multiple directions inherently improves the non-repeatability and overall reliability of test results, providing engineers and researchers with a more comprehensive understanding of complex force dynamics.

Interface for 2-axis force sensors

Interface 2-axis force sensors simultaneously measure any two forces or torques, have minimal crosstalk, are available from stock as standard and are high-precision sensors.

Critical technical specifications of 2-axis force sensors

When integrating a 2-axis sensor, key specifications define its operability and precision:

Accuracy indicators These are precision definitions quantified by specifications such as nonlinearity (deviation from a straight calibration curve) and hysteresis (output difference during loading and unloading). Both are crucial for maintaining confidence in the force data across the entire full-scale (FS) range.
Temperature behavior The compensated range specifies the ambient temperature window within which the sensor is guaranteed to maintain its specified accuracy. Additionally, performance metrics such as impact on zero (zero output shift) and impact on output (sensitivity change) define the sensor's degradation.
Safety thresholds are used to prevent structural failure; engineers must adhere to the specified safe overload (maximum load without permanent damage) and maximum overload (ultimate load without structural failure).

TIPP: Use the ForceEDU interface 2-Axis Force Sensor Cheat Sheet as a reference for these types of sensors.

Diverse applications of 2-axis sensors – from wearables to joysticks

While the technical specifications of 2-axis sensors highlight their precision, an examination of their applications reveals their indispensable versatility across various industries. The ability to simultaneously measure axial force (compression/tension) and torsional torque (twisting) in a single, compact package makes these sensors ideal for both demanding durability testing and critical operational monitoring.

Case 1: Testing the resilience of wearable technology

Engineers developing consumer electronics like smartwatches face the constant challenge of ensuring durability under repeated, complex stress. Smartwatch bands, for example, are subjected to stretching, pulling, and twisting during daily use. To guarantee the highest quality standards, testing required a precise method for measuring the tensile force needed to loosen or deform the band.

Interface's solution includes the integration of 1216 2-Axis Axial Torsional Force Sensor into a specialized force and torque testing machine. The sensor was mounted on an actuator to accurately capture the applied forces. The 1216 measures the primary axial tensile forces on the strap while simultaneously monitoring any torsional forces caused by rotational movements. With this biaxial data, engineers can successfully identify weak points in strap materials and connections, thus optimizing the design for improved long-term reliability and comfort before mass production. See the Smartwatch strap pull test-Application instructions.

Case 2: Monitoring of critical aircraft controls

At the other end of the complexity spectrum, 2-axis sensors are essential for critical operational safety and monitoring in aerospace manufacturing. One aircraft manufacturer aimed to continuously track the forces and torques applied to the aircraft's control yoke (steering wheel) to ensure proper function and responsiveness.

Interface recommends the AT103 2-Axis Axial Torsional Force SensorThis sensor can be discreetly installed within the control yoke assembly itself. The AT103 is uniquely capable of measuring pilot inputs, including the torque generated by rotating the control yoke and the axial force from pushing or pulling the yoke forward or backward. By combining the AT103 with a data acquisition system, such as the SI-USB4 4-channel USB interface moduleThe aerospace equipment manufacturer can accurately measure and monitor these dual inputs. This data is crucial for flight control systems to ensure that pilot inputs are reliably translated into aircraft movements and to validate the proper operational status of the controls. Read more: Aircraft control yoke torque measurement.

Conclusion

These two examples illustrate the wide range of applications, from ensuring the mechanical integrity of a small consumer device to validating the real-time functionality of a critical aerospace control system. In both cases, the efficiency and comprehensive data provided by a single 2-axis force sensor for measuring both linear and rotational forces are essential for making confident engineering decisions.

With their inherent precision, low crosstalk, and durable, fatigue-resistant design, Interface 2-axis force sensors are ideally suited for critical applications requiring detailed multi-axis analysis. These applications include prosthetic design optimization, force analysis in automotive wind tunnels, and structural load monitoring in military and aerospace structures.

Learn more about Interface multi-axis sensors.

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2-Axis Force Sensors: Fundamentals