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Frequently Asked Questions
The standard stretch sensor can be attached either by sewing, gluing or clamping etc. Sewing and clamping must be done in the “mechanical attachment zone” (see datasheet). Gluing can be done along the whole length of the sensor, but we advise to carry out tests to ensure the adhesion works and that the glue you choose does not damage the sensor (we can also provide limited advice). There are numerous other mechanical attachment methods including eyelets/holes, hook and loop fastening, tapes and more industrial fixings like metal plates and threaded features. Most customization features do not require expensive tooling. Contact us to discuss further on how we can comply to your requirements or application.
Sure, but be very careful with the series resistance of the sensor (see datasheet), as it is not a simple capacitor. Accurate measurement of these sensors requires extensive specific knowledge. Accuracy, speed, temperature and size requirements can all have a significant influence on what the best topology is for a given application. LEAP have many potential solutions to draw on that are not on the web site, please contact us.
Probably not. Due to the unique high series resistance that our sensors have, along with high capacitance, existing circuits are not advised. LEAP can supply circuits for quite a wide variety of application needs, so please ask us.
The standard stretch sensor requires approximately 6N to stretch to 80% strain. For the engineers, the stretchable zone of the sensor has a modulus of about 2MPa.
Essentially, no. There is an effect but the response is very small. The signal will change if the relationship between the area and thickness changes (of the stretchable zone). As such, the sensitivity to pressure in the thickness direction is many times lower than it is to stretching. For most applications, it can be ignored.
Absolutely. From the size of a postage stamp to breathing monitors for horses! So far, we have been able to accommodate all size requests we have received. We are working on a “specify your own dimensions” feature for our web site which will calculate the cost of a customized sensor. In the meantime, please contact us to find out more. The same goes for force sensors and other configurations. Our technology is extremely simple to scale!!
In most cases yes. A small limitation is due to the necessary black colour of our stretch sensors (strain gauges). It is challenging to cover them with an opaque colour without adding noticeable stiffness. This of course, does not apply to the sensors that are larger, like the force and displacement sensors. These are relatively easy to colour to specification. Future developments could result in a transparent sensor!
- The “stretchable zone” of the stretch sensor can be made as short as a few mm. We have made the stretchable zone also only a few mm wide, but keeping the electrical connection zone to a minimum of 10mm wide and 15mm long. More customization work is required to reduce this dimension further.
- With force sensors, they can be made much smaller as well, though their physical shape is related to the force range required. We’re always happy to discuss.
The sensor element it’s self is extremely accurate. It is the noise levels and the quality of the measurement electronics that have a larger effect on accuracy. However, LEAP routinely deliver systems with an absolute accuracy of between 1% and 0.1% of full scale, and with a resolution at least 10 times higher than that. Do you need to know more?
Yes! We have a version of the Stretch Sensor which comes with its own built-in electronics module. We call this a "Type B" sensor, see pages 4-6 of the sensor datasheet. The output of the signal of the B-type sensor is a voltage representation of the sensor's capacitance. This sensor can be read by Arduino, all you need is a DAC feature capable of measuring the 0-5V output voltage from the sensor, noting that we have a 12bit output DAC.
Yes. Our sensors are made almost entirely from silicone rubber and as such, work fine outdoors. However, note that changes in temperature will affect the sensor readings, so you might need to compensate. If you want to discuss this, just send us a message.
Yes. We have presented our sensors at many tradeshows, where they get serious abuse! The sensors will operate just fine up to around 100% for hundreds of thousands of cycles, and can be stretched to about 300% without mechanical failure. Please contact us if you would like to discuss more specific use cases.
Not at the moment, though we deliver all over the world. However, if you are a distributor interested in handling local interest in our technology, please get in touch.
Everywhere. We ship all over the world from our offices in Denmark.
Indeed they can. We have completed several projects related to “pedal pressure”, and also supplied sensors for in-shoe monitoring.
Yes it is! Because of the way we make our sensors, it is easy to make multiple segments sensitive to strain or pressure. Just let us know what you’re thinking of and we’ll do our best to help.