A tactile sensor capable of mechanical adaptation and its use as a surface deflection detector

This paper proposes a sensor mechanism that detects temporal changes in shear strain. It is composed of a deformable capsule, viscous fluid filled in the capsule, single or multiple cantilevers projecting into the capsule, and strain gage(s) attached to the cantilever(s). When the capsule is being deformed, the cantilever receives bending force from the fluid. The mechanical adaptation function prevents mechanical damage to the strain gages and the saturation of the signal. We intend to use this sensor for a sheet metal inspection process in the automobile industry to detect surface deflection defects on the metal surfaces.