Space Sensor: 3D Sensing with Ease and Affordability

Overview

History

• helicopter hovering: Bell Helicopter and NASA
• 2D and aircraft corrosion measurement
• JK Controls linear transducer with gimballed mounting and angular measurements at each fulcrum
• laser 3D
• gantry devices
• inertial devices
• wheelchair motion

Benefits

• ease of use: less than 10 minutes of self-training required
• simplicity of setup: place it, power it, and measure
• affordable price: less than 5000.00 USD
• multiple ranges: 1 foot to 50 feet (2.54 m to 15.24 m) or more

Applications

• vehicle accident investigation/documentation
• wheel monitoring
• aircraft refueling
• earthquake measurement
• house inspection: final checkout and post-event (earthquake, hurricane, etc.)
• helicopter hover sensing
• animation data acquisition
• sports performance data acquisition
• flight simulator sensors
• 6DOF actuation platform sensors (Stewart platforms and similar)
• space vehicle docking
• space vehicle tethering and manipulation feedback
• ship and aircraft (flightway) docking monitoring
• macro-accuracy CMM (coordinate measurement machine)
• box / package / crate dimensional measuring
• wing morphing (flight controls)
• electric train / bus sensor for "contact arms"
• aircraft repair documentation
• corrosion initiation and growth monitoring
• aircraft skin waviness measurement
• human body measurement: medical studies, chiropractic, human performance

Industries

• Aerospace: simulation, repair, maintenance, and retrofit
• Automotive: models, prototypes
• Boats & Yachts: reverse engineering, prototyping, construction
• Casting and Moldmaking: pre-cast molding, composite tooling
• Consumer Goods
• Forensics & Accident Research
• Furniture
• Heavy Equipment
• Medical Systems
• Metal Fabrication
• Tool and Die: master molds, tool setup

Details

• add inertial sensors (http://www.microstrain.com/inclinometers.aspx ?), gimbal, or ball in socket for 5 or 6 DOF sensing

Application Types

• feedback to control > Space Sensor
• feedback for data acquisition > Space Digitizer
• handheld using wireless primarily for data acquisition > Space CMM Lite

Data Sheet: Cable Sensor For 3D Electronic Data Collection

SpaceAge Control has developed a compact 3D displacement sensor that uses a retractable displacement cable to measure 3-dimensional coordinates, distances, and angles over a 13-foot (3.96 m) radius.

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Raw sensing is performed using a patent-pending gimbal head with three high-resolution. indexed incremental encoders as inputs into a powerful microcontroller-based signal conditioner. Repeatability is better than .05% of the operating radius.

• Field calibration* - Space Sensors can be field re-certified without a NIST-traceable calibrated length standard.

With the Space Sensor 3D displacement sensor, expensive, cumbersome, or immobile fixtures and mounts are a thing of the past.

History

• Helicopter hover monitoring
• 3D cable-tracking (RoundAbout)
• SHOW PHOTOS OF BOTH

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Accessories

• Standard
  • user manual
  • RS-232 to USB adapter
• Optional
  • vehicle power adapter
  • cradle with handle
  • mobile tripod
  • wrist lanyard
  • storage and transportation container
  • halo to keep out of "no man's land"
  • magnetic mounting base
  • probe tip kit
  • LED worklight
  • see competitor sites also: AGM, etc.

Specifications - Mechanical

• Mass: 5 pounds (2.27 kg) maximum

Specifications - Electrical

• 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz or battery

Multiple user interface options are available:

• Position data communicated directly to a PC via RS232 or wireless Bluetooth connection.
• SpaceTrack software provides numeric and graphical feedback with data collection utilities.
• CANbus digital communications available standard.
• Optional LCD display and push-button control panel (integral with sensor) for control and feedback without the PC link.
• For OEM customers, the sensor can be provided with only raw encoder data output for lowest cost.

Specifications - Environmental

Configurations and Prices

Volume Discount Schedule

Warranty

2 years

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