3D Printed Resistive Flexible Sensor for Motion Detection

Abstract

This paper presents a flexible resistive sensor developed using additive 3D printing technology. The sensor is designed in the shape of a rectangular strip. A commercially available conductive filament is applied in fused filament technology. If the sensor is subjected to bending, its resistance changes. The presented sensor enables only motion detection, displacement measurement is not reliable. The fabricated resistive sensor is connected to the voltage divider with a resistor of comparable value. The voltage variation on the sensor is measured using an oscilloscope. The deformation of the sensor is performed by an automated platform in order to test its proper operation and repeatability over a large number of cycles. Results for 10 and 60 cycles per minute and measurements for 1000 repeated load cycles are shown.