Tactile Pressure Measurement System

Screen shot from the I-Scan System showing pressure distribution on a transmission clutch.

The Structure and Component Characterization group is home to a Tekscan I-Scan Tactile Sensor System (TM), a state-of-the-art technology to measure static or dynamic force loading and pressure distribution in real time.

Applications of the I-Scan system include such diverse uses as determining wiper blade forces, dynamic torque converter clutch loading, and automobile seat cushion pressure distribution. We have extensive experience using this tactile sensor technology to solve various engineering problems, particularly in the automotive industry.  For example, information obtained has been employed to:

• Create thermal models incorporating unit loading
• Correlate - as well as disprove - FEA models
• Help identify failure modes in high load applications
• Provide localized pressure data in A/B compressive material comparisons
• Determine bore side-load variations
• Optimize clamping fixture designs

This system is only one part of our capability in component performance characterization.  We can provide test engineering, fixture design and fabrication, dimensional metrology, and data analysis to support your research requirements. For more information, please contact Paul Johnson.

Tekscan I-Scan tactile sensor system in operation.

Key elements of this unique measurement tool include:

• Real time data acquisition with sampling frequencies variable between one scan per hour to 125 scans per second.
• Dual-handle design allows for the maximum number of sensing elements (currently about 4500).
• Thin, flexible tactile sensors are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and pressure ranges to fit specific research applications.
• Capable of measuring dynamically changing pressure events (unlike Fuji paper-type solutions).
• Multi-frame “movie” files are displayed graphically and can be saved for subsequent analysis using Excel, MatLab, etc.
• Integrated data analysis provides Center of Force (COF), COF trajectory, moving peak, and object values.
• Reasonably portable package allows for in situ as well as lab-based measurements.