Microstrain has developed a wireless sensor system that can monitor strain and fatigue in various hardware components, such as large trucks all the way down to welding joints, accurate to millionths of a meter.

"This is like a nervous system...By predicting when welds may fail based upon actual severity of usage; users are able to streamline the maintenance requirements for each machine." 

Sensors are literally changing our world and laying a firm foundation of advanced sensing technology for the future. Combined with wireless networks and self-powering devices, gives the reigns to the next generation of smarter and safer machines, civil structures and implanted devices.

Sensors

Displacement
MicroStrain® has developed and patented temperature compensated differential variable reluctance transducers (DVRT®). Due to their extremely small size, high accuracy and ability to withstand high temperatures, temperature gradients, saline and pressurized oil environments, the MicroStrain® DVRT® stands out from other sensors in the market.

MicroStrain`s sophisticated sensor technology has applications with medical instruments, health monitoring of civil structures (bridges, dams, buildings) and aerospace sensing.

In the automotive industry, MicroStrain`s DVRTs provide feedback for electronic valve control in automotive engines, an advance that will allow the elimination of camshafts, and permit more precise control of valve timing. International Truck & Engine Corp has used these sensors in prototype engines and plans to replace camshafts with electronic valve control by 2007.

In the medical arena, MicroStrain® has applied its sensor technology to build improved miniaturized implantable ligament strain sensors for the University of Vermont and biomedical researchers worldwide. MicroStrain`s sensors were also used to test the Rear Release System ski boot technology developed by Pierce Instruments of Stowe.

Orientation
MicroStrain`s inclinometers and orientation sensing modules combine micro electro mechanical sensors (MEMS) and smart embedded microcontrollers to create angle sensors with both static and dynamic response. Developed for use as feedback for the re-animation of paralyzed limbs, these systems are now being used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other military applications.

Wireless
Leading early sensor development in wireless technology, MicroStrain® launched the Micro Datalogging Transceiver in 2001. This is a high-speed system that enables wireless data collection from up to 8 channels of sensor input. It can be triggered to initiate data collection remotely or by any specified sensor exceeding a programmable threshold.

The scalable Wireless Web Sensor Network allows the transmission of data from 1,000 unique sensors to one web based receiver, enabling massive amounts of data to be shared globally in real time. This network can be used in structural, agricultural, environmental, military and industrial applications. The system can not only collect data from hundreds of nodes, but can then, utilizing the web based system, allow the information to be shared with an unlimited number of users with secure access. For example, in an earthquake situation, the sensors can report information to construction engineers as well as fire, police and safety workers to intelligently assist critical emergency response.

Arthroscopically Implantable Force Probe - AIFP
Smaller than a no. 2 pencil tip, this submergible micro-force transducer is ideal for medical research applications. The AIFP® is constructed from micro-machined stainless steel and heat treated to form an elliptical spring microstructure, which deforms elastically when loaded. This construction allows the device to accurately and reproduceably measure applied forces.

Virtual Corset®
The Virtual Corset™ has been described as "a gentle reminder to stand up straight". A more erect posture can reduce trunk muscle activity, and may reduce the loads borne by the spinal column.

By combining an inclinometer, data logger and silent vibrating alarm in a tiny pager enclosure, the Virtual Corset™ keeps track of trunk inclination, and warns the wearer when a prescribed inclination angle limit has been reached. The clinician or therapist sets the unit`s inclination limits, sample frequencies, and data save intervals using the serial port of a personal computer (PC); once programmed, the Virtual Corset may be disconnected from the PC. In the field, it performs its pre-programmed datalogging and biofeedback tasks while worn anywhere: during work, play, exercise, and rest.