Magnetostrictive Bioinspired Whisker Sensor Based on Galfenol Composite Cantilever Beam Realizing Bidirectional Tactile Perception

Abstract

A magnetostrictive bioinspired whisker sensor based on a galfenol/beryllium-bronze/galfenol composite cantilever beam was developed in this work. According to the new design concept, the proposed whisker can output positive and negative voltages under different bending directions. Besides, the proposed whisker sensor can realize the bidirectional distance and microforce perception. Using the classical beam theory, a theoretical model was used to predict the output performance of the whisker. An experimental system was established to test the whisker's output performance. In the experiment, the designed whisker, compared with a traditional unimorph whisker, displayed an output voltage range of −240 to 240 mV. The parameters were as follows: the distance was 0–22 mm, with the microforce sensing range of 9.8–2744 mN, the average distance was 10.90 mm/mV, and the force sensitivity was 11.4 mN/mV. At last, obstacle perception was applied. The experiment showed that the proposed whisker sensor can realize the bidirection tactile perception in one-dimensional space. The work expands the function of the magnetostrictive bioinspired whisker, acquiring the multi-information for single-sensor system.

Potential Applications of Whisker Sensors in Marine Science and Engineering: A Review

“…Magnetic whisker sensors represent one of the predominant categories of whisker sensors currently employed, primarily relying on the incorporation of Hall sensors in their design [75][76][77][78]. Owing to the compact dimensions, multi-dimensional capabilities, and robust environmental adaptability inherent in Hall sensors, magnetic whisker sensors can be developed with enhanced miniaturization and integration.…”