TY - JOUR
T1 - A new method for rapid prototyping of purpose-specific sensor enclosures
T2 - Example application and implications for data coherence
AU - Maniatis, Georgios
AU - Hoey, Trevor
AU - Sventek, Joseph
PY - 2013/12/11
Y1 - 2013/12/11
N2 - Sensors deployed in natural environments, such as rivers, beaches and glaciers, experience large forces and damaging environmental conditions. Sensors need to be robust, securely operate for extended time periods and be readily relocated and serviced. The sensors must be housed in materials that mimic natural conditions of size, density, shape and roughness. We have developed an encasement system for sensors required to measure large forces experienced by mobile river sediment grains. Sensors are housed within two discrete cases that are rigidly conjoined. The inner case exactly fits the sensor, radio components and power source. This case can be mounted within outer cases of any larger size and can be precisely moulded to match the shapes of natural sediment. Total grain mass can be controlled by packing the outer case with dense material. Case design uses Solid-WorksTM software, and shape-matching involved 3D laser scanning of natural pebbles. The cases were printed using a HP DesignjetTM 3D printer that generates high precision parts that lock rigidly in place. The casings are watertight and robust. Laboratory testing produces accurate results over a wider range of accelerations than previously reported.
AB - Sensors deployed in natural environments, such as rivers, beaches and glaciers, experience large forces and damaging environmental conditions. Sensors need to be robust, securely operate for extended time periods and be readily relocated and serviced. The sensors must be housed in materials that mimic natural conditions of size, density, shape and roughness. We have developed an encasement system for sensors required to measure large forces experienced by mobile river sediment grains. Sensors are housed within two discrete cases that are rigidly conjoined. The inner case exactly fits the sensor, radio components and power source. This case can be mounted within outer cases of any larger size and can be precisely moulded to match the shapes of natural sediment. Total grain mass can be controlled by packing the outer case with dense material. Case design uses Solid-WorksTM software, and shape-matching involved 3D laser scanning of natural pebbles. The cases were printed using a HP DesignjetTM 3D printer that generates high precision parts that lock rigidly in place. The casings are watertight and robust. Laboratory testing produces accurate results over a wider range of accelerations than previously reported.
KW - Environmental sensors
KW - Rapid prototyping
KW - Robust enclosures
KW - Wireless sensors
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85015906246&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3390/jsan2040761
DO - 10.3390/jsan2040761
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85015906246
SN - 2224-2708
VL - 2
SP - 761
EP - 779
JO - Journal of Sensor and Actuator Networks
JF - Journal of Sensor and Actuator Networks
IS - 4
ER -