9 Load Sensors and Pressure Sensing Technologies – Review Questions

(PC: “Hand holding magnifying glass among a lot of questions. Finding answers to questions and solving problems” by wuestenigel is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

Questions to review:

1. Multiple Choice: Strain gauges are a type of load sensor. How do strain gauges convert applied force into an electrical signal? a) By measuring a change in resistance due to physical deformation. b) By generating a voltage proportional to the force applied. c) By detecting a change in magnetic field. d) By measuring the light intensity emitted by the sensor.

2. Short Answer: Explain the difference between bonded-wire strain gauges and semiconductor strain gauges. Which type might be preferable for a high-precision force measurement application, and why?

3. Application Problem: An automated assembly line requires a sensor to detect when a robot arm has properly inserted a delicate component. What factors would you consider when selecting a suitable force sensor for this application?

4. Challenge Question: Imagine you are designing a self-adjusting bicycle suspension system. How could pressure sensors be used to improve the riding experience?

5. True or False: Pressure sensors can only measure the pressure of liquids.

6. Open Ended: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using hydraulic pressure sensors compared to electronic pressure sensors for monitoring fluid pressure in a large industrial machine.

7. Matching: Match the following pressure sensor types with their corresponding applications:

    a) Piezoelectric sensor
    b) Bourdon tube pressure sensor
    c) Diaphragm pressure sensor
    d) Differential pressure sensor

    i) Measuring pressure difference across a filter
    ii) Detecting high-frequency pressure fluctuations
    iii) Monitoring boiler pressure in a power plant
    iv) Measuring air pressure in a car tire

8. Design Challenge: You are tasked with designing a system to weigh packages on a conveyor belt. Describe two different approaches you could take using load sensors, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

9. Think-Like-an-Engineer: Pressure sensors are often used in conjunction with other sensors in automation applications. Explain why this might be necessary and provide an example.

10. Research and Report: Choose a specific pressure sensor application mentioned in the module (e.g., blood pressure monitoring, aircraft altitude measurement) and research the specific sensor technology used. Prepare a short report detailing the sensor type, its operating principle, and its advantages for that particular application.