Design and realization of an optical bi-axial inclination sensor

Author

Clijnen, J. ; Meeusen, W. ; Reynaerts, D. ; Van Brussel, H. ; Simons, R. ; Plessers, K.

Author_Institution

Dept. of Mech. Eng., Katholieke Univ., Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium

Volume

2

fYear

2002

fDate

2002

Firstpage

870

Abstract

This paper presents the design and realization of an optical bi-axial miniature inclination sensor. This sensor determines its rotation based on the movement of a mass under the influence of the gravity field. The movement of the mass is measured optically in two directions using a PSD and LED. The key focus with this sensor is the integration of all mechanical functions in one monolithic structure. Not only both axes are integrated in one symmetrical structure, but also the housing and the emergency stops are made of the same piece. This results in a complex three-dimensional structure, machined by wire-EDM and micro-EDM. The final bi-axial inclination sensor has a size of 9mm × 9mm × 11. 5mm and a resolution of 0.1 degrees.

Keywords

angular measurement; electrical discharge machining; micro-optics; micromachining; microsensors; optical sensors; LED; PSD; gravity field; mass motion; micro-EDM; micromachining; micromechanical structure; monolithic structure; optical bi-axial inclination sensor; rotation measurement; three-dimensional structure; wire-EDM; Gravity; Light emitting diodes; Mechanical engineering; Mechanical sensors; Optical design; Optical sensors; Reservoirs; Rotation measurement; Springs; Structural beams;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Sensors, 2002. Proceedings of IEEE

Print_ISBN

0-7803-7454-1

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/ICSENS.2002.1037222

Filename

1037222