From: aes@seas.gwu.edu (Amit Shalev)
Subject: TECH: building simple force sensors on gloves... help
Date: 1 Apr 1996 11:32:15 -0500
Organization: George Washington University


Hi,

Does someone have any references to previous work done on building sensors
which can measure contact forces?  

I'm designing a glove that will measure the force between the thumb and
forefinger (and possibly others as well)...  

The simplest thing I can think of to do would be to put some kind of
material on each fingerpad which changes resistance when squeezed, or
build some kind of capacitor, half on the thumb, half on the
forefinger, which will change capacitance relative to the force
applied as both halves are squeezed together.  Another, bit more
complicated, idea is to have some kind of air-filled ball that the
user can squeeze and which can measure the force.

Does anyone know of any off the shelf parts that fit my needs?  I've
been thinking of using the conductive foam in which CMOS chips are
usually delivered (as a resistor), but have not come up with a good
way to secure it on the glove.  Where can I find electrically
conductive glue?

Any pointers, anecdotes, or other advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks very much,

Amit Shalev
aes@seas.gwu.edu