Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for locating, measuring, counting or aiding in the handling of drill pipes 106. The system 100 comprises at least one camera 102 capable of gathering visual data 150 regarding detecting, localizing or both, pipes 106, roughnecks 116, elevators 118 and combinations thereof. The system 100 further comprises a processor 110 and a logging system 114 for recording the gathered visual data 150. The method 200 comprises acquiring visual data 150 using a camera 106, analyzing the acquired data 150, and recording the acquired data 150.

Abstract: A robot arm assembly for detecting a pose and force associated with an object is provided. The robot arm assembly includes an end effector having a plurality of fingers, and a deformable sensor provided on each finger. The deformable sensor includes a housing, a deformable membrane coupled to the housing, an enclosure filled with a medium, and an internal sensor disposed within the housing having a field of view directed through the medium and toward an internal surface of the deformable membrane. A processor is configured to receive an output from each internal sensor, the output including a contact region of the deformable membrane as a result of contact with the object. The processor determines an amount of displacement of the contact region based on the output from each internal sensor, and determines the pose and the force associated with the object based on the amount of displacement.

Abstract: An assembly includes a supporting structure and a measuring device. The measuring device includes a first flexible coupling which is torsionally stiff and non-rotatably connected to the supporting structure, a rod having a longitudinal axis and being non-rotatably connected to the first flexible coupling, and an angle-measuring device including a first component group non-rotatably connected to the rod and a second component group non-rotatably connected to the supporting structure. The first component group is disposed to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the rod relative to the second component group, and the angle-measuring device is configured to allow measurement of a relative angular position between the two component groups. By such an assembly, a torsion of the supporting structure about the longitudinal axis of the rod caused by mechanical loading is determinable by measuring the relative angular position between the two component groups.

Abstract: A sensor device including a deflectable membrane made of a 2D nanomaterial, a first optical waveguide for guiding light, disposed adjacent to the membrane and extending along the surface of the membrane at least in a first section, as well as a measuring device for measuring, within the first section the influence of the membrane on an evanescent wave range of the light guided along the first optical waveguide. The influence of the membrane on the light guided in the optical waveguide, in particular on the evanescent wave range of the light, can be measured interferometrically by detecting phasing differences or phase shifts. This allows for a force-free readout of the membrane deflection. By using very thin 2D nanomaterials, the membrane can also react to very quick changes in force.

Abstract: This overload preventing device is mounted on a mobile work machine, and is provided with: a storage unit which stores lifting performance data; and a work machine control unit which controls operation of the mobile work machine on the basis of the actual load and the lifting performance corresponding to the present operation state of the mobile work machine. A third lifting performance configured for a transition region, a first switching angle defining the boundary between the front region and the side region and the boundary between the back region and the side region when the outriggers are in different states of deployment, and a second switching region defining a transition region in the side region are configured on the basis of stability calculations and strength factors such as jack strength.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting pose and force against an object are provided. A method includes receiving a signal from a deformable sensor comprising data from a deformation region in a deformable membrane resulting from contact with the object utilizing an internal sensor disposed within an enclosure and having a field of view directed through a medium and toward a bottom surface of the deformable membrane. The method also determines a pose of the object based on the deformation region of the deformable membrane. The method also determines an amount of force applied between the deformable membrane and the object is determined based on the deformation region of the deformable membrane.

Abstract: A displacement sensor that includes a stationary printed circuit board which includes a first capacitor pad, an indicator, and a battery electrically communicating with the first capacitor pad and the indicator and a sliding card which includes a second capacitor pad, the first capacitor pad and the second capacitor pad being orientated to face each other and in an overlapping relation to each other. An overlap being defined by the first capacitor pad and the second capacitor pad, wherein the overlap of the first capacitor pad and the second capacitor pad generates a capacitance, the generated capacitance changes as the sliding card moves as a result of a change in the overlap of the first capacitor pad and the second capacitor pad. The indicator is activated when the generated capacitance change reaches a threshold value.

Abstract: A method for classifying a status of a winding clamping of a power transformer immersed in an oil filled transformer tank, the power transformer including at least one transformer coil with at least one clamped electrical winding arranged on a transformer core, includes the following steps: applying a mechanical force impulse on an impact area of the transformer tank, so that the at least one clamped electrical winding is mechanically excited to vibration and a voltage is induced within the at least one clamped electrical winding; measuring the induced voltage of the at least one clamped electrical winding for a period of time during vibration to generate measurement data; transferring the measurement data from the time domain into the frequency domain and providing a respective dataset comprising the measurement data in the frequency domain; and searching for local maxima within the measurement data in the frequency domain of the dataset.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an array substrate, a display panel and a display device. The array substrate comprises a substrate, a transistor and a photosensitive element above the substrate. The transistor comprises a gate and is used for controlling display of pixels. The photosensitive element comprises a light-transmissive electrode and a photosensitive layer, the light-transmissive electrode being used for allowing sensitive light rays reflected by a surface of a fingerprint pressed thereon to pass through and impinge on the photosensitive layer, and the light-transmissive electrode being connected to the gate. By connecting the light-transmissive electrode to the gate, the array substrate achieves synchronization of image display and fingerprint identification without individually providing a scan function for fingerprint identification, which greatly facilitates the actual applications requiring synchronization of image display and fingerprint identification.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for improving fit checking at the bonding interface of a first component, such as a fan blade (1), and a second component, such as an edge guard (2) for the fan blade (1), to be bonded by adhesive. A bondline thickness profile over the area of the bonding interface is determined by interposing a compressible, flexible sensor layer between the components before they are bonded. The sensor layer contains an array of piezoelectric elements which indicate local bondline thickness by signalling pressure due to compression of the layer. The bondline thickness profile can be processed by a programmed control processor to produce an adhesive application schedule prescribing the shapes of pieces of adhesive film which, when applied over the bonding interface, will build up an adhesive layer corresponding in thickness to the bondline thickness. The sensor layer can be prepared as a kit of shaped panels or as a contoured preform (55) matching the form of the bonding interface.

Abstract: A device for measuring deformations of a rotor blade of a wind turbine generator system includes an angle measuring device and an arm. The angle measuring device includes a first and a second assembly. The first assembly is pivotable relative to the second assembly about an axis. The second assembly has a fastening site that is configured to be connected to the rotor blade. The angle measuring device is configured to measure a relative angular position between the first and the second assembly. The arm has a connection site disposed at a distance to the fastening site and is configured to be connected to the rotor blade at the connection site. The arm is mechanically coupled to the first assembly at a radial distance such that, in response to a change in the distance, a relative angular displacement is generated between the first and the second assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring bend radius and torque force exerted on a drill string. A sensor system is supported within a pipe section of the drill string and has a light source supported within the pipe section to emit a light beam within the pipe section. An optical sensing device is supported within the pipe section and spaced apart from the light source. The optical sensing device transmits a detection signal indicative of the position of the light beam on a surface of the optical sensing device to a processor that determines the bend radius and torque force exerted on the pipe section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transducer and a method for manufacturing same, and more particularly, to a transducer and to a method for manufacturing same, in which a first liquid and a second liquid are supplied such that, at the boundary therebetween, a deformation-generating part, including a perforated structure having one or more holes therein, is formed, and the effect of external pressure is negated by the action between the liquids.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical sensing apparatus for measuring a change in a first property. The optical sensing apparatus comprises first and second optical fibre portions and a sensing region for exposing both the first and second optical fibre portions to a change in an applied force. The force is, or is related to, the first property and has a component that is transversal to the optical fibre portions. The apparatus further comprises a holder for holding the first and second optical fibre portions in the sensing region. The first and second optical fibre portions are arranged relative to each other such that the change in the force results in a first change of an optical property of the first optical fibre portion and in a second change of the optical property of the second optical fibre portion and wherein the first change differs from the second change.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring pressure, temperature or both may be provided. The sensor may include a diaphragm that may respond to a change in temperature or pressure, a base connected to the diaphragm, a cavity, and an optical fiber that may conduct light reflected off of a surface of the diaphragm. The diaphragm and base may be sapphire elements. An interrogator may be provided for detecting a deflection of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a light source, a modulation layer, and at least one detector. The modulation layer includes a plurality of micropillars each having a fixed end and a free end. The fixed ends are each adjacent to the light source. The at least one detector is adjacent to the free ends of the plurality of micropillars. The detector is configured to detect light emitted from the light source.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring bend radius and torque force exerted on a drill string. A sensor system is supported within a pipe section of the drill string and has a light source supported within the pipe section to emit a light beam within the pipe section. An optical sensing device is supported within the pipe section and spaced apart from the light source. The optical sensing device transmits a detection signal indicative of the position of the light beam on a surface of the optical sensing device to a processor that determines the bend radius and torque force exerted on the pipe section.

Abstract: A clamping force sensor assembly for a transformer includes at least one sensor disposed within a casing. The design and configuration of the sensor assembly is such that it accurately measures clamping force values placed on the windings, without adversely impacting the operation of the transformer and with the ability to continue operating under electrical and thermal changes within the transformer. The sensor assembly can include loading members that distribute the pressure evenly over the casing that contains the sensor. The output of the sensor can indicate to an operator the extent of pressure changes experienced by the transformer windings. The output can be coupled with a process by which the damage to or the possibility of failure of the transformer is readily evaluated.

Abstract: Shown are a device (26) and a method for detecting the deflection of a plurality of elastic elements (22), wherein the elastic elements (22) can be deflected out of a rest position against a restoring force and are suitable as resonators and/or for measuring a force acting on a respective elastic element (22). The elastic elements (22) are arranged periodically, The arrangement of the elastic elements (22) is illuminated using light, the coherence length of which is larger than the average spacing of adjacent elastic elements (22). A diffraction image is hereby created of the illuminating light scattered on the arrangement of elastic elements (22), and at least a portion of the diffraction image is detected by an optical sensor (32) directly or after interaction with further optical components. The detected image or image signal is subsequently analysed in order to determine information relating to the deflection state of the elastic elements (22) therefrom.

Abstract: A fiber-optic force sensor, comprising an FBG fiber that has a force sensor region, to which bracing means to eliminate or decouple laterally effective forces and bending moments are assigned in such a way that the force sensor has a predominantly single-axis response characteristic to detect merely the magnitude of a force acting axially in the fiber direction.

Abstract: A force sensor includes a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface, the first surface translatable against a resilient force in a direction towards and/or from the second surface; a distance sensor, arranged to measure the distance between the first surface and the second surface; characterized in that the force sensor comprises a flexible coupling extending along the direction, flexibly coupling the first surface to the second surface; and in that the flexible coupling is provided with a resilient means to provide the resilient force; and a space encompassed by the flexible coupling together with the first surface and the second surface being accessible to the distance sensor, the space filled with a medium for providing the resilient force.

Abstract: A measurement device capable of sensing presence of an obstacle within a vessel from outside the vessel in operating a linear body inserted in the vessel is provided. According to this measurement device, an easy-to-use measurement device capable of measuring compressive force in a direction of longitudinal axis applied to the linear body that has a sheath thicker than the linear body, such as a wire having a coil for embolizing an aneurysm attached at a tip end, without lowering measurement accuracy, can be provided. In addition, a length of a restraint portion is minimized, to achieve a smaller size of the measurement device. Moreover, the measurement device capable of measuring compressive force in the direction of longitudinal axis applied to the linear body regardless of magnitude of buckling load of the linear body can be provided, and the same measurement device is applicable to linear bodies of various materials, which leads to cost efficiency.

Abstract: A mechanochromic coating composition is disclosed comprising a binder composition and a crystalline mechanophore. The mechanophore changes color upon application of a mechanical load to the coating composition.

Abstract: A clamping force sensor assembly for a transformer includes at least one sensor disposed within a casing. The design and configuration of the sensor assembly is such that it accurately measures clamping force values placed on the windings, without adversely impacting the operation of the transformer and with the ability to continue operating under electrical and thermal changes within the transformer. The sensor assembly can include loading members that distribute the pressure evenly over the casing that contains the sensor. The output of the sensor can indicate to an operator the extent of pressure changes experienced by the transformer windings. The output can be coupled with a process by which the damage to or the possibility of failure of the transformer is readily evaluated.

Abstract: A fiber optic force sensing assembly for detecting forces imparted at a distal end of a catheter assembly. The structural member may include segments adjacent each other in a serial arrangement, with gaps located between adjacent segments that are bridged by flexures. Fiber optics are coupled to the structural member. In one embodiment, each fiber optic has a distal end disposed adjacent one of the gaps and oriented for emission of light onto and for collection of light reflected from a segment adjacent the gap. The optical fibers cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a change in the intensity of the reflected light, or alternatively to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member. In another embodiment, the gaps are bridged by fiber Bragg gratings that reflect light back through the fiber optic at central wavelengths that vary with the strain imposed on the grating.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a force sensor apparatus is provided including a tube portion having a plurality of radial ribs and at least one fiber optic strain gauge positioned over each rib of the plurality of radial ribs. The strain gauges are comprised of a negative thermo-optic coefficient optical fiber material in one embodiment. A proximal end of the tube portion is operably couplable to a shaft of a surgical instrument that is operably couplable to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal end of the tube portion is proximally couplable to a wrist joint coupled to an end effector. In another embodiment, adjacent fiber optic strain gauges with differing thermal responses are used to solve simultaneous equations in strain and temperature to derive strain while rejecting thermal effects. In yet another embodiment, a thermal shunt shell is over an outer surface of the tube portion. An advantageous surgical instrument having improved temperature compensation is also provided.

Abstract: A clamping force sensor assembly for a transformer includes at least one sensor disposed within a casing. The design and configuration of the sensor assembly is such that it accurately measures clamping force values placed on the windings, without adversely impacting the operation of the transformer and with the ability to continue operating under electrical and thermal changes within the transformer. The sensor assembly can include loading members that distribute the pressure evenly over the casing that contains the sensor. The output of the sensor can indicate to an operator the extent of pressure changes experienced by the transformer windings. The output can be coupled with a process by which the damage to or the possibility of failure of the transformer is readily evaluated.

Abstract: A sensing element for sensing a mechanical property of a sample defining a sample surface using a contact force exerted the sample surface. The sensing element includes: a deformable element defining a contact surface and a deformable section in register with the contact surface, the deformable section being deformable between an undeformed configuration and a deformed configuration; a deformation sensor operatively coupled to the deformable section for sensing and quantifying a deformation of the deformable section between the deformed and undeformed configurations, the deformation sensor being an optical deformation sensor; and a force sensor operatively coupled to the deformable element for sensing the contact force exerted on the contact surface.

Abstract: A sensor array for measuring the deformation of an area caused by a force, comprises a first strip and a second strip arranged in the same plane on the area so as to form a tunnel junction of which at least the first strip is movably arranged on the area so that the gap between the two strips is increased when the area is deformed as a result of the action of the force.

Abstract: To measure contact pressure of each of a plurality of small protrusions arranged at a narrow pitch and contacting a flat surface, provided is a contact pressure detection apparatus comprising a sensor section that is contacted by a target and has pressure applied thereto by the target; a light source section that radiates light with a wavelength causing Raman scattering in the sensor section to which the pressure is applied; and a detecting section that receives light from the sensor section and detects the pressure between the sensor section and the target. Also provided is a contact point pressure measurement apparatus that measures contact pressure of an electrode of a device under test, comprising: a fixing section that has the device under test mounted thereon and fixes the electrode of the device under test in a manner to press against the sensor section; and the contact pressure detection apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for distributed pressure sensing. The apparatus comprises a series of Bragg gratings, a light guide incorporating the series of Bragg gratings and a plurality of moveable wall portions. The moveable wall portions are coupled to respective Bragg gratings so that the movement of one of the moveable wall portion causes a force on the respective Bragg grating resulting in a change in strain of the respective Bragg grating. The apparatus also comprises at least one rigid member that is attached at attachment regions between which a sensing region of at least one Bragg grating is defined. The rigid member is arranged so that a strain in the sensing region is not directly influenced by a change in strain of the light guide outside the sensing region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a film or a panel that may measure pressure while interacting with an electronic device. A pressure sensor according to the present invention includes: a light source unit to generate light; an optical waveguide to transfer, to a light receiving unit, the light that is generated by the light source unit; and the light receiving unit to receive the light that is transferred through the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide includes a pressure sensing unit to adjust the quantity of light that is transferred through the optical waveguide based on a pressure. The light receiving unit senses the pressure based on the change in the quantity of light that is generated by the light source unit and is transferred through the optical waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transducer and a method for manufacturing same, and more particularly, to a transducer and to a method for manufacturing same, in which a first liquid and a second liquid are supplied such that, at the boundary therebetween, a deformation-generating part, including a perforated structure having one or more holes therein, is formed, and the effect of external pressure is negated by the action between the liquids.

Abstract: A device for acquiring mechanical loads on mechanically loaded bodies is provided. The device exhibits a resonance-capable micro-bridge structure, an alternating voltage source with a variable frequency, an impedance measuring device for acquiring the impedance of the micro-bridge structure and an electronic unit for receiving determined impedance values and changing the frequency of the alternating voltage source. By exciting the micro-bridge structure and measuring its impedance, a conclusion can be drawn as to the expansion-dependent resonance frequency, which in return makes it possible to determine the expansion, and hence the mechanical load. Such a device is sufficiently accurate, and largely independent of outside influences.

Abstract: A catheter for diagnosis or treatment of a vessel or organ is provided in which a flexible elongated body includes a tri-axial force sensor formed of a housing and a plurality of optical fibers associated with the housing that measure changes in the intensity of light reflected from the lateral surfaces of the housing resulting from deformation caused by forces applied to a distal extremity of the housing. A controller receives an output of the optical fibers and computes a multi-dimensional force vector corresponding to the contact force.

Abstract: A multi-axis force sensing apparatus that is installed at an operational end of a surgery robot and is capable of measuring force acting upon the operational end and a robot arm including the force sensing apparatus includes a body that is elastically deformable and has a pipe form extending along an axial direction of the body, an optical fiber strain gauge attached to a surface of the body to measure a tension and compression of the body in at least three directions. The optical fiber strain gauge may include at least three fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) that are attached to the surface of the body and extended in an axial direction of the body, a light source providing light to each of the FBGs, and a light detector detecting light reflected by the FBGs or light that has passed through the FBGs.

Abstract: Nanowire array structures based on periodic or aperiodic nanowires are provided in various configurations for sensing and interacting with light and substances to provide various functions such as sensors for detecting DNAs and others and solar cells for converting light into electricity.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for sensing pressure using an optical waveguide sensor. The apparatus for sensing pressure using an optical waveguide sensor, includes: a light source radiating light; an optical waveguide panel emitting some of the radiated light outside through a plurality of light transmitting regions previously formed, and changing an amount of totally reflected light according to pressure applied to at least one of the plurality of light transmitting regions; a detector detecting the amount of light; and an analyzer determining intensity and a location of the pressure according to the detected amount of light.

Abstract: An ablation catheter system configured with a compact force sensor at a distal end for detection of contact forces exerted on an end effector. The force sensor includes fiber optics operatively coupled with reflecting members on a structural member. In one embodiment, the optical fibers and reflecting members cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member due to contact force. In another embodiment, a change in the intensity of the reflected light is detected to measure the deformation. The measured deformations are then used to compute a contact force vector. In some embodiments, the force sensor is configured to passively compensate for temperature changes that otherwise lead to erroneous force indications. In other embodiments, the system actively compensates for errant force indications caused by temperature changes by measuring certain local temperatures of the structural member.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for measuring a running direction of a substrate web (6). The method for measuring a running direction of a substrate web consists of the substrate web (6) being guided around a measuring roller (12), at least one bearing force of the measuring roller (12) being measured, and the running direction of the substrate web (6) being determined based on the measured bearing force. The device (10) for measuring the miming direction of a substrate web (6) comprises a measuring roller (12), with the substrate web (6) being guided around said measuring roller (12). Furthermore, the device (10) comprises at least one sensor (18a, 18b, 18c) for measuring a bearing force of the measuring roller (12) and comprises an evaluation circuit, said evaluation circuit being connected to the at least one sensor (18a, 18b, 18c) and being suitable for determining an alignment of the substrate web (6) based on the bearing force measured by the sensor (18a, 18b, 18c).

Abstract: A clamping force sensor assembly for a transformer includes at least one sensor disposed within a casing. The design and configuration of the sensor assembly is such that it accurately measures clamping force values placed on the windings, without adversely impacting the operation of the transformer and with the ability to continue operating under electrical and thermal changes within the transformer. The sensor assembly can include loading members that distribute the pressure evenly over the casing that contains the sensor. The output of the sensor can indicate to an operator the extent of pressure changes experienced by the transformer windings. The output can be coupled with a process by which the damage to or the possibility of failure of the transformer is readily evaluated.

Abstract: A tactile sensor may include at least one light source and multiple light sensors within a common, protective housing. Each light sensor may be oriented to detect light originating from the light source. The housing may include flexible material that deforms in response to force applied to an external surface of the housing. In turn, this may cause changes in the intensity of light that is detected by the light sensors. A signal processing system may generate information that is representative of the magnitude of the applied force in at least two orthogonal directions based on the intensity of light detected by the light sensors. Each light sensor may be contained within a cavity in the housing. The cavity may be configured such that its geometry affects the sensitivity of the light sensor to the applied force.

Abstract: This measurement device is a measurement device for measuring compressive force and pulling force in a direction of a longitudinal axis applied to a linear body having flexibility, and it includes a main body in which a through hole for inserting the linear body is formed. The through hole is formed to allow bending of the linear body in an arc shape in the through hole and variation in degree of bending of the linear body in accordance with compressive force and pulling force. This measurement device further includes a sensor for detecting a degree of bending of the linear body and a conversion circuit for converting the degree of bending detected by the sensor into a signal indicating compressive force and pulling force applied to the linear body.

Abstract: A device and process for measuring the deformation of a rotor blade under stress is provided. A twisting and, separately therefrom, a lateral displacement of a transmitter/receiver is measured and the error of measurement present otherwise due to the twisting is compensated.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring bend radius and torque force exerted on a drill string. A sensor system is supported within a pipe section of the drill string and has a light source supported within the pipe section to emit a light beam within the pipe section. An optical sensing device is supported within the pipe section and spaced apart from the light source. The optical sensing device transmits a detection signal indicative of the position of the light beam on a surface of the optical sensing device to a processor that determines the bend radius and torque force exerted on the pipe section.

Abstract: A catheter for diagnosis or treatment of a vessel or organ is provided in which a flexible elongated body includes a tri-axial force sensor formed of a housing and a plurality of optical fibers associated with the housing that measure changes in the intensity of light reflected from the lateral surfaces of the housing resulting from deformation caused by forces applied to a distal extremity of the housing. A controller receives an output of the optical fibers and computes a multi-dimensional force vector corresponding to the contact force.

Abstract: An impact sensor includes a piezoelectric transducer operatively connected to a chromic device. The chromic device includes a chromic material that changes from a first color state to a second color state in response to electric power generated by the piezoelectric transducer when exposed to a given level of impact force. The chromic material is bistable so that the chromic material remains in the second color state for a significant amount of time. An impact force to which the sensor has been subjected may be quantified by observing the chromic device. In one embodiment, the chromic material is an electrochromic material, such as a viologen, that changes through a color gradient of light transmission states from the first color state to the second color state. A printed color gradient may be used to aid in quantifying the impact force. In another embodiment, the chromic device includes a thermochromic material.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided, including: at least one articulatable arm having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one joint region disposed between the distal and proximal ends; an optical fiber bend sensor provided in the at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm; a detection system coupled to the optical fiber bend sensor, said detection system comprising a light source and a light detector for detecting light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor to determine a position of at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm based on the detected light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor; and a control system comprising a servo controller for effectuating movement of the arm.

Abstract: A force sensor and corresponding force monitoring mattress is provided. The force sensor (100) comprises: a first surface (102) and a second surface (104) located opposite the first surface (102), the first surface (102) is translatable against a resilient force in a direction towards and/or from the second surface (104); a distance sensor (110), arranged to measure the distance between the first surface (102) and the second surface (104). The force sensor comprises a flexible coupling (108) extending along the direction, flexibly coupling the first surface (102) to the second surface (104). The flexible coupling (108) is provided with a resilient means (106) to provide the resilient force.

Abstract: A measurement device can detect a degree of bending of a linear body with a sensor when compressive force in a direction of longitudinal axis is applied to the linear body as a result of contact of a tip end of the linear body with an obstacle. Then, the detected degree of bending of the linear body is converted to compressive force in the direction of longitudinal axis applied to the linear body based on predetermined correlation between the degree of bending and the compressive force, so that presence of an obstacle in a direction of travel of the linear body can be sensed based on increase in the compressive force. In addition, as the same measurement device is applicable to linear bodies of various shapes and materials, cost effectiveness is achieved.