Tracing Type Artificial Active Antenna

Abstract

This paper discusses a new sensing system termed as Tracing Type Artificial Active Antenna composed of a flexible beam anchored at the base with moment sensor, and an actuator for moving it. We consider a sufficient condition for detecting the surface shape by using the sensing system. We show that a straight-lined beam with one-axis moment sensor can achieve the requirement irrespective of contact friction, while a curved beam can not do it. We experimentally show that a straight-lined beam can detect the surface irregularity with pretty high sensitivity (≤5 [μm] ), even under different contact frictions. Knowing of such excellent sensitivity of the sensing system, we apply it for detecting the effective length of threads of mechanical parts after tapping.