Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor is provided. The piezoelectric sensor comprises a first base, a first conductive layer adjacent to the first base, a second base, a second conductive layer adjacent to the second base; and a first structure between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The first structure comprises a first layer with a first carbon-based material and a plurality of second structures with piezoelectricity. Each of the plurality of second structures comprises a second layer with a second carbon-based material and a third layer adjacent to the second layer. The third layer comprises a material of two-dimensional crystals of unconventional stoichiometries such as Na2Cl crystals.

Abstract: A rotation operation detection mechanism that includes a housing, an operation surface disposed on a first main surface of the housing, operation units formed integrally with the housing and protruding on the operation surface side, and a sensor that detects a stress generated in the housing when the operation units are rotated.

Abstract: A dispensing system (2) and method for dispensing unit dosage forms (38) from a blister pack (30) is disclosed. The system (2) comprises a housing (4) for receiving a blister pack (30), the blister pack (30) having a plurality of cavities (32) with at least one unit dosage form (38) sealed in each of the cavities (32), the housing (4) comprising at least one housing aperture. The system (2) also comprises a sensing layer comprising a plurality of apertures, each sensing layer aperture configured to substantially align with a corresponding one or more of the plurality of cavities (32) of the blister pack (30) when a blister pack (30) is received in the housing (4) and at least one sensing region. The system (2) further comprises an electronics unit and a power source for providing voltage to the sensing layer.

Abstract: An example pressure sensor is described. The pressure sensor includes a capacitor, a first of ridges formed on a first side of the capacitor, and a second set of ridges formed on a second side of the capacitor. The first set of ridges extends outward from the first side of the capacitor and defines a plurality of grooves. The second set of ridges extends outward from the second side of the capacitor. Ridges of the second set of ridges are aligned with grooves of the plurality of grooves such that, when a force is applied to the capacitor, the force increases a surface area of the capacitor by corrugating the capacitor along the first set of ridges and the second set of ridges.

Abstract: A device for pulling a trailer and/or retaining a load carrying unit that is mountable at the rear end of a motor vehicle body. The device comprises a supporting arm that is connected by a first end region to the motor vehicle body and is provided at a second end region with an element for attaching the trailer and/or for fixing the load carrying unit and furthermore which comprises sensors for capturing reversible deformations of the supporting arm caused by loads on the supporting arm. The device includes strain sensors which are affected by reversible deformations thereof are assigned to a supporting arm section of the supporting arm. For capturing at least one selected bending strain, at least one strain sensor is arranged on one side and at least one strain sensor on an opposite side of a surface region of a neutral reference surface assigned to the selected bending load. Each of the strain sensors are arranged at a distance from this surface region.

Abstract: Articles and methods of detecting an impact on an article using a resistor containing core shell liquid metal encapsulates are disclosed. Such core shell liquid metal encapsulates enable simple but robust impact sensors as such encapsulates comprise a highly electrically resistant metal oxide shell that prevents such encapsulates from coalescing. Yet when such shell is ruptured, the highly conductive bulk liquid metal is released. Such liquid metal changes electrical properties of a sensor comprising core shell liquid metal encapsulates which in turn is evidence of the aforementioned impact.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing; an elongate shaft extending from the housing; and a tool assembly supported by a distal portion of the elongate shaft, the tool assembly including first and second jaw member. The at least one of the first and second jaw members is moveable relative to the other jaw member between a neutral configuration in which the first and second jaw members are spaced apart relative to one another; and a clamping configuration in which the first and second jaw members are approximated relative to one another with tissue grasped therebetween, the first jaw member defining a cavity.

Abstract: A pressing detector and an electronic device that properly corrects an integrated value at any timing. An electronic writing instrument includes a housing, an operation unit, and a pressing detector, which includes a plurality of electrodes, a piezoelectric film, a base material, a strain resistive element, a base material, a ground electrode, and a circuit including a detection unit. When an operation surface is displaced due to pressing or release of pressing by an operator, a resistance value of the strain resistive element changes. As a result, the strain resistive element performs an output according to an amount of displacement of the operation surface. The detection unit can thus correct the integrated value by the output of the strain resistive element. Therefore, the pressing detector can properly correct the integrated value at any timing.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus may include a base layer and a sensing unit disposed on the base layer to sense a touch event. The sensing unit may include touch sensor unit configured to sense a position of the touch event and pressure sensor unit configured to sense a magnitude of the touch event. The touch sensor unit may include a touch sensing pattern including a first transparent electrode layer, a first metal layer, and a first resin layer. The pressure sensor unit may include a pressure sensing pattern including a second transparent electrode layer, a second metal layer, and a second resin layer.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a pill detection apparatus may comprise a blister pack receiving container, an elastomeric connector layer; and a printed circuit board (PCB) layer disposed beneath the elastomeric connector layer. The PCB layer may include a plurality of touch points, wherein each touch point of the plurality of touch points is configured to, when the blister pack is disposed on top of the elastomeric connector layer, sense whether a respective region of the blister pack is in contact with the elastomeric connector layer. The PCB layer may include a plurality of IR sensors sense properties of a respective region of the blister pack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a deformation detection sensor for a sealed secondary battery, that makes it possible to detect deformation resulting from swelling of a cell with a high degree of sensitivity, that does not restrict capacity, and that has excellent stability. The deformation detection sensor for a sealed secondary battery includes a polymer matrix layer 3 and a detection unit 4. The polymer matrix layer 3 contains a magnetic filler that is dispersed therein and that changes an external field in accordance with deformation of the polymer matrix layer 3. The detection unit 4 detects change in the external field. The polymer matrix layer 3 is sandwiched in a gap between adjacent cells 2 and mounted in a compressed state.

Abstract: This monitoring sensor is provided with polymer matrix layers 3 containing a magnetic filler and attached to an outer casing or an electrode group, and a magnetism detection unit 4 for detecting a change in magnetism. The magnetic filler is magnetized in the in-plane direction of the polymer matrix layers 3. An interface layer 5 is formed between the polymer matrix layers 3 that are arranged with edges thereof facing each other. The directions of magnetization of the magnetic filler on one side and the other side having the interface layer 5 interposed therebetween are opposite to each other and intersect with the interface layer 5 as viewed in the thickness direction of the polymer matrix layers 3. The magnetism detection unit 4 is disposed on a straight line L1 passing through the interface layer 5 and extending in the thickness direction of the polymer matrix layers 3.

Abstract: A power meter for a bicycle includes a body having a torque input section and a torque output section, the body configured to transmit power between the torque input section and the torque output section. The power meter also includes a printed circuit board (“PCB”) having a substrate and at least one strain measurement device attached to the PCB.

Abstract: A composite wafer level MEMS force dies including a spacer coupled to a sensor is described herein. The sensor includes at least one flexible sensing element, such as a beam or diaphragm, which have one or more sensor elements formed thereon. Bonding pads connected to the sensor elements are placed on the outer periphery of the sensor. The spacer, which protects the flexible sensing element and the wire bonding pads, is bonded to the sensor. For the beam version, the bond is implemented at the outer edges of the die. For the diaphragm version, the bond is implemented in the center of the die. An interior gap between the spacer and the sensor allows the flexible sensing element to deflect. The gap can also be used to limit the amount of deflection of the flexible sensing element in order to provide overload protection.

Abstract: A high-bandwidth AFM probe having a diffraction grating characterized by a diffraction characteristic that monotonically changes along the length of the diffraction grating is disclosed. AFM probes in accordance with the present invention are capable of high-sensitivity performance over a broad range of operating conditions, such as operating wavelength and measurement media. A method for estimating at least one physical property of a surface based on high-frequency signal components in the output signal from a high-bandwidth AFM probe is also disclosed. The method enables determination of tip-surface interaction forces based on the relationship between a first motion of the base of the AFM probe and a second motion of the tip of the AFM probe.

Abstract: A three-axis load sensor utilizing four piezoresistive devices on a flexible silicon membrane is provided. The load sensor further includes a mesa disposed on the membrane substantially equidistant from the piezoresistive devices. A six-axis load cell is provided by placing a plurality of load sensors disposed on a substrate, the substrate configured to attach to an object wherein forces applied to the object can be measured and/or determined. The load sensors can be manufactured using bulk microfabrication techniques on a single crystal silicon wafer, and can detect normal and shear loading applied to the membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus assembly of a medical apparatus is equipped for collision detection by attaching a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) cover assembly to at least one rigid surface of the apparatus assembly, with a resilient material between the PVDF cover assembly and the rigid surface. The PVDF assembly is composed of a PVDF foil with electrically conductive layers on opposite sides thereof. A protective layer covers the PVDF cover assembly. Electrical leads are connected to the conductive layers, and the piezoelectric property of the PVDF foil produces a voltage across the leads when a force associated with a collision acts on the PVDF foil. A detection circuit detects this voltage and initiates an appropriate response to the collision.

Abstract: Monitoring deformation of a flexible electronic apparatus. Changes in space within the apparatus between at least two measurement points are detected; and degree of deformation of the apparatus is determined based on the detected changes in the space within the apparatus between the at least two measurement points.

Abstract: An encasing film for a galvanic element has at least one force sensor for detecting an expansion state of the encasing film. The encasing film is produced from an elastic and electrically insulating material, e.g., plastic. The force sensor, which has a strain gauge, is situated on a surface of the encasing film.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical sensor is configured to measure a force, a pressure, or the like. The sensor includes a substrate and a measuring element. The measuring element includes at least two electrically conductive regions, and at least one of the electrically conductive regions is at least partly connected to the substrate. The sensor also includes at least one changing region, and the changing region lies at least partly between the electrically conductive regions. The changing region is configured in a substantially electrically insulating manner in an unloaded state and in a substantially electrically conductive manner in a loaded state.

Abstract: Provided herein is a multi-axis sensor including: a pair of electrodes positioned such that at least partial areas thereof face each other; an elasticity member having one of the pair of electrodes installed in its upper portion and another of the pair of electrodes installed in a lower portion; and a sensor unit electrically connected with the pair of electrodes, and configured to detect a change of capacitance value between the pair of electrodes and a change of resistance value of the elasticity member.

Abstract: A load cell for measuring load in a rod, the load cell is described. The load cell is formed by a cylindrical strain member having a cylindrical aperture there through. The cylindrical aperture sized to fit the rod. The strain member includes a plurality of slots that create contact points there between for strain member to contact the rod in a predicable manner. A plurality of strain gages located adjacent to the contact points, the strain gages producing an electrical voltage proportional to the load on the rod.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic force sensor that can precisely detect and correct variations in a magnetic field generated by a magnetic flux generating source. Therefore, a displacement magneto-electric transducer, which detects a change in the magnetic field caused by an external force, and a fixed magneto-electric transducer, where the change in the magnetic field caused by the external force does not occur, are provided to face end sides of magnetic poles of the magnetic flux generating source. The fixed magneto-electric transducer detects a variation of the magnetic field caused by, for example, changes with time and environmental variations such as a temperature rise in the interior of the sensor. On the basis of a detection amount thereof, an operational section performs a correction operation, so that a sensitivity coefficient or an offset of the displacement magneto-electric transducer is corrected.

Abstract: In order to improve a support unit for motor vehicles comprising a supporting structure mounted on a rear end portion of the motor vehicle a sensor unit is provided for detecting forces acting on the supporting structure and elastically deforming the same. The sensor unit is provided with a sensor base, comprising two fixation regions which are spaced apart and can be fixed to mounting regions of an elastically deformable supporting structure portion. A transformation region disposed between the fixation regions mechanically converts the movements of the mounting regions, and thus also of the fixation regions relative to one another. Movements are generated by the elastic deformation of the supporting structure portion, into a movement of measuring points of the transformation region relative to one another. The movement of the measuring points can be detected by the sensor unit.

Abstract: A force sensor comprising a substrate, a semiconductor body, and a piezoresistive element provided on a top surface of the semiconductor body. The semiconductor body is connected to the substrate in a force-fit manner, and includes a first wing which is provided on the top surface of the semiconductor body and being connected to the semiconductor body in a force-fit manner. A first force application area is provided on the first wing. A second wing has a second force application area provided opposite the first wing. The piezoresistive element is disposed between the first wing and the second wing. A force distribution component is connected to the first force application area and the second force application area in a force-fit manner. The force distribution component having a first surface which is oriented away from the top surface of the semiconductor body and includes a third force application area.

Abstract: This disclosure if directed to an improved pressure, force, and orientation sensing system, which may be applied to various industrial articles or sports equipment, fore remote performance analysis and user interface. Where applied to sports equipment, including a golf club, the sensor array of flexible and resilient piezo-resistive material permits collection of grip force data for an array of positions around and along the golf club grip handle; for the analysis, processing and communication of the data once collected, and a method of providing automated golf instruction using a force sensing golf grip of the present invention. Where applied to improved manufacturing lines and shipping of containers, force sensing packages may be equipped with the sensor arrays disclosed herein. The force sensing package is of similar shape to a standard sized package the ordinary forces on which are being tested and by the sampled force sensing package.

Abstract: A load cell structure for receiving strain gages to monitor applied torsional forces wherein the opposing force-receiving ends have a plurality of sensing beams spaced about an axis of rotation. Limit posts located between the ends each have a discontinuity therein that includes a U-shaped gap to limit relative rotation about the axis and thereby providing overload protection.

Abstract: A triboelectric power system includes a triboelectric generator, a rechargeable energy storage unit and a power management circuit. The rechargeable energy storage unit is associated to the triboelectric generator. The power management circuit is configured to receive an input current from the triboelectric generator and to deliver an output current corresponding to the input current to the rechargeable battery so that the output current has a current direction and a voltage that will recharge the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A conductive material of a plurality of separate conductive materials are coupled to a first participant, the conductive material configured to move when the first participant delivers an impact to a second participant. An impedance-based impact sensing mechanism including an impedance changing mechanism that changes impedance as the conductive material is moved towards and away from the impedance changing mechanism as the first participant delivers the impact. An impedance-based impact measuring scoring system determines that the impact occurred based on a change in impedance in the impedance changing mechanism.

Abstract: There is provided a displacement sensor which can precisely detect the amount of displacement given by an operator. A touch sensor which is a type of the displacement sensor has a piezoelectric element, a voltage converting unit and a detecting unit. The piezoelectric element instantaneously generates a voltage proportional to a pressing force (the amount of pressing). The voltage converting unit converts the voltage generated by the piezoelectric element, into a voltage proportional to a transition determined based on a predetermined time constant determined by an impedance of a resistor of the voltage converting unit and capacitances of a capacitor and the piezoelectric element, and a pressing force. The detecting unit integrates output voltages of the voltage converting unit, and calculates the pressing force (the amount of pressing) based on an integration value.

Abstract: A bearing device for bearing a shaft having a bearing, a supporting structure for supporting the bearing and at least on piezoresistive sensor incorporated in the supporting structure in an integrated manner which is arranged in the flux region of the bearing apparatus is provided. The electrical resistance of the sensor is influenced by the vertical force of the bearing having effect on the sensor such that the vertical force of the bearing may be electrically tapped on the sensor. A corresponding method for determining the static and/or dynamic vertical bearing forces of the shaft bearing of a shaft and a rotor system for determining the vertical bearing force of a shaft bearing are provided.

Abstract: Various sensor systems are described herein, including inserts having sensors thereon, which are configured to be received in an article of footwear. The inserts may be connected to a sole member of the footwear, or may function as a sole member. The sensors may be piezoelectric sensors in some configurations. The system may also include an electronic module that is overmolded into the sole structure and includes a connector for external access.

Abstract: Various systems and techniques may be used to enhance the sensing loads on a roof surface. In some implementations, an impact-resistant surface-mounted roof sensor system may include a sensor, a protective cover, and a load transfer mechanism. The sensor may be adapted to sense a load incident thereon, and the protective cover may be configured to span at least the width of the sensor and adapted to withstand impacts from dense media and an direct incident load. The load transfer mechanism may be adapted to mechanically transfer a load applied on the protective cover to the sensor.

Abstract: A displacement detection device includes a piezoelectric sensor. The piezoelectric sensor is provided with a piezoelectric sheet on both principal surfaces of which detection electrodes are formed. When stress is applied to the piezoelectric sensor, charge is generated, and an output voltage in accordance with this generated charge is detected in a DC voltage detector. A controller measures this output voltage at a predetermined time interval. Every time the controller measures the output voltage, the controller makes a short-circuit control of a switch, and causes the charge generated in the piezoelectric sensor to be released. The controller can thereby detect an amount of change in output voltage generated at the predetermined time interval in accordance with an amount of displacement of the piezoelectric sensor. By sequentially integrating this, the controller can accurately detect the amount of displacement of the piezoelectric sensor which changes across measurement timings.

Abstract: Systems and methods of creating a touch sensitive surface structure comprising a piezo structure in communication with a deformable surface such that the piezo structure, or any suitable pressure sensing device, is capable of sensing pressure from a touch upon the deformable surface and communicating that pressure signal to an actuating circuit. The actuating circuit, upon receiving a suitable pressure signal, sends a piezo actuating signal to the piezo structure. The piezo structure, upon receiving the piezo actuating signal, is capable of communicating a mechanical signal to the deformable surface, sufficient for a person's finger to feel a “click” and/or haptic sensation. In one embodiment, the piezo actuating signal comprises a first slow charging portion and a second fast discharging portion, sufficient for the piezo structure to communicate the click and/or haptic sensation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for detecting contact within a monitored area. A piezoelectric sensor is attached to one end of a detector which is positioned for contact by passing items or individuals. The detector may correspond to a plurality of parallel, rubber calendared cables or a strip of polycarbonate resin. Body deformations induced into the detector upon contact travel to the piezoelectric sensor and are detected as strain coupled to the piezoelectric sensor. The apparatus and methodology may be employed to detect vehicular traffic along travel paths, human contact with walls or floors, manufactured product contact with delivery systems or any other physical contact by animate or inanimate objects or individuals.

Abstract: A personal items network, comprising a plurality of items, each item having a wireless communications port for coupling in network with every other item, each item having a processor for determining if any other item in the network is no longer linked to the item, each item having an indicator for informing a user that an item has left the network, wherein a user may locate lost items. A method for locating lost personal items, comprising: linking at least two personal items together on a network; and depositing one or both of time and location information in an unlost item when one of the items is lost out of network.

Abstract: A detection unit includes a sensor that detects the presence of force and a force component separation mechanism that separates the magnitude and the direction of the force and a control unit that controls the detection action of the force component separation mechanism based on the detection result of the sensor.

Abstract: A pressure sensor comprising: a base film on which a conductor pattern having one or more electrodes is formed; a cover film laminated on the base film so as to cover the electrodes of the conductor pattern; and a spacer disposed between the cover film and the base film so as to form a hollow portion having a predetermined gap between the electrode and the cover film; wherein a portion corresponding to the hollow portion of the cover film is constructed such that it has a pressure sensing part which is able to deform in a direction to move toward and away from the electrode in accordance with pressure, and of which contact resistance changes in accordance with a contact pressure thereof with the electrode, so that the pressure sensing part detects the pressure by a change of the contact resistance.

Abstract: A dynamic quantity sensor includes a force receiving portion, a first movable portion that rotates in a first rotational direction around a first rotational axis according to dynamic quantity in a first direction that the force receiving portion receives, and rotates in the first rotational direction around the first rotational axis according to dynamic quantity in a second direction different from the first direction that the force receiving portion receives; and a second movable portion that rotates in a second rotational direction around a second rotational axis according to the dynamic quantity in the first direction that the force receiving portion receives, and rotates in an opposite direction to the second rotational direction around the second rotational axis according to the dynamic quantity in the second direction that the force receiving portion receives.

Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to methods, apparatus and systems for measuring snow stability and structure which may be used to assess avalanche risk. The disclosed apparatus includes a sensing unit configured to sense a resistance to penetration as the sensing unit is being driven into a layer of snow. The disclosed apparatus may also be configured to take other environmental measurements, including temperature, humidity, grain size, slope aspect and inclination. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for generating a profile of snow layer hardness according to depth based on the sensed resistance to penetration and identifying areas of concern which may indicate an avalanche risk. Systems and apparatus are also disclosed for sharing the generated profiles among a plurality of users via a central server, and for evaluating an avalanche risk at a geographic location.

Abstract: Flexible force/pressure sensors for producing electrical output signals proportional to forces or pressures exerted on the sensor include a thin, elastically deformable foam pad laminated between a pair of electrically conducive fabric sheets. A piezocapacitive embodiment of the sensor utilizes an elastically deformable perforated open-cell polyurethane foam pad preferably saturated with glycerin to increase the capacitance of the sensor. The piezocapacitive sensor section is preferably stacked onto a piezoresistive section having a second open-cell foam pad containing piezoresistive carbon particles to form a hybrid piezocapacitive/piezoresistive sensor. A third, “leaky dielectric” embodiment of a sensor includes a single open-cell foam pad which contains both a dielectric liquid and conductive particles. A low frequency such as d.c.

Abstract: A flexible force or pressure sensing mat includes a first sheet of electrically conductive first paths, a second sheet of electrically conductive second paths, and a sensing layer positioned between the first and second sheets. The first and second conductive paths are oriented transversely to each other, and the locations of their intersections define individual sensing areas or sensors. The sensing layer is made from materials that have first and second electrical characteristics—such as capacitance and resistance—that vary in response to physical forces exerted thereon. A controller repetitively measures the multiple electrical characteristics of each sensor in order to produce a near real time pressure distribution map of the forces sensed by the mat. The mat can be used on a patient support surface—such as a bed, cot, stretcher, recliner, operating table, etc.—to monitor and help reduce the likelihood of a patient developing pressure ulcers.

Abstract: Provided is a force sensor which can reduce a detection error caused by mutual interference between axes and detect a target force and moment with high accuracy. A force sensor includes a pedestal member, an action member arranged so as to face the pedestal member which is displaced by an exerted external force, and a displacement detecting unit which detects a displacement of the action member. The force sensor includes a rigid member arranged so as to face the pedestal member. The force sensor includes columnar elastic members extending in a perpendicular direction to the pedestal member, arranged about an axis at equal intervals, and connecting the pedestal member and rigid member. The force sensor includes elastic units arranged about the axis at equal intervals and connecting the action member and rigid member. The elastic units each include a pair of beam-shaped elastic members extending in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: Input device configurations are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a sensor substrate having one or more conductors and a flexible contact layer spaced apart from the sensor substrate. The flexible contact layer is configured to flex to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input of a computing device. The flexible contact layer includes a force concentrator pad that is configured to cause pressure to be channeled through the force concentrator pad to cause the flexible contact layer to contact the sensor substrate to initiate the input.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical sensor is configured to measure a force, a pressure, or the like. The sensor includes a substrate and a measuring element. The measuring element includes at least two electrically conductive regions, and at least one of the electrically conductive regions is at least partly connected to the substrate. The sensor also includes at least one changing region, and the changing region lies at least partly between the electrically conductive regions. The changing region is configured in a substantially electrically insulating manner in an unloaded state and in a substantially electrically conductive manner in a loaded state.

Abstract: A robotic system comprises an end effector including an electromagnetic clamp, a force sensor attached to the end effector for measuring force exerted by the clamp against a work piece surface, and a plurality of normality sensors. The normality sensors are positioned about the force sensor to determine whether the clamp is normal to the surface before the force sensor makes contact with the surface.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring load and an additional property using a sensor gasket embedded between two components. The sensor gasket may include a sensor layer and a conductive layer. A gap between the sensor layer and conductive layer may be filled with a load sensitive material. The thickness of the load sensitive material varies with the load applied to the two components between which the sensor gasket sits. The sensor operates in a first mode to obtain a sensor measurement that depends on the distance between the sensor layer and conductive layer. The sensor measurement then used to estimate the applied load. The sensor operates in a second mode to estimate a property of one or both of the components. The property of interest may be cracking, material loss due to corrosion, temperature, or another property of the component.

Abstract: An external force detection sensor includes a piezoelectric piece, excitation electrodes, an oscillation circuit, a movable electrode, and a fixed electrode. The fixed electrode forms variable capacitance with variation in capacitance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode that is caused by deflection of the piezoelectric piece. The piezoelectric piece, the excitation electrode, the movable electrode, and the fixed electrode constitute combinations of a first combination and a second combination. The first combination constitutes a first sensor unit by disposing a first piezoelectric piece on a first crystal plane of the crystalline body. The second combination constitutes a second sensor unit by disposing a second piezoelectric piece on a second crystal plane. The second crystal plane does not opposite to the first crystal plane of the crystalline body. A relative position of the second crystal plane with respect to the first crystal plane is obtained.

Abstract: A sensor (10, 80) for monitoring health of an associated article (A) (e.g., a fluid connector) including a sensing element (12, 84, 86) disposed along a length of an outer surface of the associated article, wherein the sensing element is configured to detect at least one physical property of the associated article and output an electrical signal in proportion to an amount of the physical property applied to the sensing element; and a mounting mechanism (14, 88) configured to secure the force sensing element to at least a portion of the outer surface of associated article.