A fully modular sensors: from concept to realization, implementation and application

Purpose This paper aims to propose the concept of fully modular sensors, and an axial force-torque modular sensor (FTMS) was achieved on the basis of modularization ideology. Design/methodology/approach A mechanical structure that is suitable for the fully modular sensor was also designed. The sensor consists of three modules, namely, the axial force module, the connecting module and the torque module. The theoretical analysis of sensor performance shows the feasibility of modularization. Prototype processing and experimental verification were carried out. Findings The experimental results show that the dynamic errors of the axial force module and the torque module are 2.2% and 3.1%, and the hysteresis errors are 2.1% and 3.7%, respectively. The sensor has strong anti-interference ability. Originality/value Compared with nonmodular sensors, FTMS can change detection dimensions according to the detection environment, reducing hardware waste. Modular sensors have potential application prospects in cutting force detection, sealed gearboxes and other fields.