FLEX SENSORS

Flex sensors are sensors that change in resistance depending on the amount of bend on the sensor. They convert the change in bend to electrical resistance the more the bend, the more the resistance value. They are usually in the form of a thin strip from 1 -5 long that vary in resistance. They can be uni-directional or bi-directional. The resistance range can vary from 1K-200K ohm. They are often used in gloves to sense finger movement.

Fig: Flex sensors used in gloves to sense finger movement

The below figure shows the Flex sensor with the different material.

Fig: Flex sensor with the different material

Basic Flex Sensor Circuit:

Fig: Basic Flex Sensor Circuit

Working principle
Flex sensors are analog resistors. They work as variable analog voltage dividers. Inside the flex sensor are carbon resistive elements within a thin flexible substrate. More carbon means less resistance. When the substrate is bent the sensor produces a resistance output relative to the bend radius. With a typical flex sensor, a flex of 0 degrees will give 10K resistance will a flex of 90 will give 30-40 K ohms. The Bend Sensor lists resistance of 30250 K ohms.

Fig: Different Gestures in flex sensors.

The flex sensor pictured below changes resistance when bent. It will only change resistance in one direction (out of the screen in relation to the picture below). An unflexed sensor has a resistance of about 10,000 ohms. As the flex sensor is bent, the resistance increases to 30-40 kohms at 90 degrees. The sensor measures 1/4 inch wide, 4-1/2 inches long and 0.19 inches thick.

Fig: Flex sensor

Dimensional Diagram - Stock Flex Sensor

Basic Circuits For Signal Sensing:

Adjustable Buffer A potentiometer can be added to the circuit to adjust the sensitivity range."

Fig: Adjustable Buffer

Variable Deflection Threshold Switch An op amp is used and outputs either high or low depending on the voltage of the inverting input. In this way you can use the flex sensor as a switch without going through a microcontroller."

Fig: Variable Deflection Threshold Switch

Resistance to Voltage Converter Use the sensor as the input of a resistance to voltage converter using a dual sided supply op-amp. A negative reference voltage will give a positive output. Should be used in situations when you want output at a low degree of bending."

Fig: Resistance to Voltage Converter