A skeletal sensor with two-dimensional detection capability

Currently, existing skeletal sensors suffer from a one-dimensional detection, complex detection systems and low detection sensitivity. In this paper, a skeletal sensor with two-dimensional detection is proposed. The sensor consists of a substructure and detection elements. The substructure is composed of a negative Poisson's ratio structure to increase sensor sensitivity. The detection element is composed of magnetostrictive material 2826MB. Helmholtz coils and planar coils are used for reducing the detection complexity. A theoretical model of the interaction between the underlying structure and the magnetostrictive material is established. The sensor prototype is processed. Experimental platforms are set up for comprehensive testing of the sensor. Experimental results show that the sensor can perform two-dimensional force detection; it has a sensitivity up to 0.0381 mV/N and 0.6748 mV/N∙m. The maximum hysteresis error is only 2.659%, and its maximum load is 4.849 kN and 48.14 N∙m. The maximum load of the sensor fully meets people's daily life needs. The sensor system does not require complicated operations. All the above factors indicate that the proposed sensor is a good solution to the problems faced by skeletal sensors currently, and it has potential applications in future skeleton research.