Smarter products with OEM solutions from Interfaceforce
In today's world, products need to be intelligent. Whether in the private or commercial sector, people expect additional functions from everything. From coffee machines and fitness equipment to large industrial machines used in massive infrastructure projects, sensors play a critical role in making these products smarter.
Sensor technologies enable smart products to collect and manage important user data, monitor product usage for durability and safety, enable automation, and personalize user applications and experiences. The OEMs of these smart products and their components are looking for quality sensors that offer robust features ideal for the needs of modern users.
Force sensors are the key to making products smarter, operating with greater accuracy and improving overall quality. Force sensors have the unique ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, including real-time monitoring and precise execution of automation functions.
Interface works with engineers and product designers to provide OEM solutions that can be implanted directly into a product or retrofitted to make products smarter. With our unique range of custom and off-the-shelf load cells, torque transducers and instrumentation options, including wireless components, our force sensors help improve the intelligent products of today and tomorrow.
Interface's white paper "Turning an Active Component Into a Sensor" details how Interface works with OEMs to incorporate sensors into products or retrofit them into existing products. To further illustrate the range of options available with Interface's sensors and gauges, we have created additional application notes to provide you with a broader perspective on using force sensors for OEM solutions.
Surgical robotic arm
A biomechanical medical company wanted strength, torque– and collect tactile feedback from its robotic arm during invasive surgeries. The surgeon's movements are mirrored by the robotic arm during surgery, and it is important that all haptic force feedback is measured to ensure safety during invasive procedures. Several Interface products for force and torque measurement were used in this OEM robot arm. These include the ConvexBT Load Button load cell, the SMTM Micro S-Type load cell and the MRTP Miniature Overload Protected Flange Style Reaction Torque Transducer. Force results were collected when connected to the 9330 high-speed battery-powered data acquisition device and viewed via a laptop. Each of Interface's force and torque transducers helped ensure the safety and functionality of robotic arms during invasive procedures. The force feedback measured by the robotic arm ensured that the robot applied the perfect force when using surgical tools that create incisions during operations. In addition, the torque generated was measured to ensure that the robot arm moved smoothly and at the correct speed.
PRV system (pressure relief valve)
A manufacturer wanted to perform a PRV (Pressure Relief Valve) test on their valve installation and monitoring equipment under full pressure loading. This was to ensure safety and reliability for customers while operating the product. In addition, the results should be recorded and displayed graphically. As part of an OEM system used by their customers, Interface proposed the 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile™load cell to be installed on a test frame above the pressure relief valve. As the pressure on the spring in the valve is increased, forces are applied to the load cell. Results can be recorded using the 9330 high-speed battery-powered data recorder. With this solution, the manufacturer's customers are able to determine the exact force required for their valve to release under a compressive load, increasing the overall longevity and safety of the product.
Monitoring of screw tension
A customer wanted to monitor the tension of bolts used in the installation of industrial pipes. Interface suggested installing multiple LWCF clamp load cells, each connected to WTS-AM-1E wireless strain bridge transmitter modules. The load cells are installed under the tightened screws of the pipes as part of the technical solution for force measurement. The load cells measure the compressive forces from the bolts, and the real-time results are wirelessly transmitted from the WTS-AM-1E to the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station. The real-time results of the LWCFs are displayed using the included Log100 software. Interface's load cell monitoring system successfully monitors the compressive forces of the screws in real time, providing an important installation solution for the OEM.
Smarter products, connected factories and greater efficiency are all made possible by sensors. Interface's force sensors are the leading solutions for automation, real-time monitoring and accurate data collection for OEM applications.