Force plate with micro springs fabricated by a 3D printer for measuring the total ground reaction force of insects.

Abstract

This paper reports on a force plate with micro springs for measuring the total ground reaction force (GRF) of small insects. Small insects such as ants perform agile running and flies takeoff and land on the ground quickly. This kinetics remains unknown matters in terms of the GRF. To evaluate the GRF, we developed micro force plates which were composed of a plate of which four corners were supported by micro springs fabricated by a 3D printer. A laser displacement meter under the plate detects the displacement. From the displacement and the spring constant of the whole force plate, the GRF is measured when a target insect locates on the plate surface. The proposed force plate is easy to be fabricated and durable due to 3D spring structure. In addition, both high force resolution and stability are realized due to the laser displacement meter.