MECHATRONICS ME156P/A1

EXPERIMENT NO.9
TITLE: FLEX SENSOR

NAME: ABANDO, Danielle D. Date Today:

November 24, 2016
Student No. 2011104977
Course and Year: MFGE - 4
Engr. Edward Ang

DISCUSSION

The experiment focuses on the effects of degrees bent of the

flex sensor to the resistance load of the circuit. Each degree bent
can either affect the resistance load to increase or decrease.
Calibration of flex sensors bent should also be calibrated.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

To familiarize with the use of flex sensor.

To finish the project on time.

To know the effects of degrees bent of the flex sensor to the

resistance load.

To be able to calibrate the degrees bent of the flex sensor

accurately.

Course Objectives and Anticipated Student Outcomes

A Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
- Knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering have been
applied specially in constructing the circuit.
B Ability to design and conduct experiments as well as analyze and
interpret data
- The effect of flex sensor to the resistance load of circuit have been
analyzed.
C Ability to design a system to meet desired needs
- Desired project entitled Flex sensor has been constructed.
D Ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
- We were able to perform it as a group in which all of the members are
cooperating and doing theyre part.
E Ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
- Through troubleshooting, we could solve the problems we have
encountered specifically the malfunctioning of flex sensors reading.
F Understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
- The group performed the experiment ethically. Honesty was observed
all the time and is practiced.
G Ability to communicate effectively
- Discussions, brainstorming and other means of communication was
practiced in conducting the experiment.
H Broad Education necessary to understand the impact of engineering
solutions in a global/societal context
- Circuit connections or electrical connections which is important in
engineering solutions is practiced.
I Recognition of the needs for and an ability to engage in lifelong learning
- The experiment provides broad knowledge which is applicable for the
long run or in a workplace.
J Knowledge of contemporary issues
- The concept of the experiment is applicable and is updated to our
society that is continuously innovating.
K Ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools for
engineering practice
- Engineering skills and practice are applied in doing the project.
L Knowledge and understanding of engineering and management principles
as a member and leader in a team, to manage projects and in
multidisciplinary environments
Engineering management principles has been practiced and well
understand.

Group Assignments/Task done by EACH member

Group No. 3
Experiment No.9
Title: Flex Sensor Due Date:
November 24, 2016
Group Member %
Brief Description
Name completed Your
No. of work assigned
by Score
Signature to member
member

Abando, Danielle
Audit of Materials 100 % 100
1

Abrigo, Neil Justin Programming 100 % 100

2

Cavida, Denmark
Noah Gather of Data 100% 100
3

Cortez, Vanessa
Troubleshooting 100 % 100
4

Magsombol. Juan
Federico Assembly of the
100 % 100
5 Circuit

Calibration 100% 100

6 Miranda, Jan Joseph
List of Materials needed for this Experiment:

1. 1 pc Arduino UNO 5. 1 pc Flex Sensor

2. 1 pc USB Connector 6. 1 pc 10K Resistor
3. 1 Laptop with an Arduino 7. 3pcs 14cm green solid
IDE wire
4. 1pc Breadboard






Solid
Arduino
Wire
Uno

Resistor
Breadboa
rd

Flex

Sensor












 Schematic
SAFETY PROCEDURES
1. Audit and make sure that all materials and components are
complete and is properly working.

2. Place the flex sensor to the breadboard and connect the 5V

pin to the other terminal of the flex sensor.

3. Apply 10K Ohms resistance load to the flex sensor.

4. Connect the analog pin 0 to the other terminal of the flex
sensor.


5. Apply and write the required codes of the project.
6. Compile, Debug and upload the codes and command to the
Arduino.
7. Test the project.
8. Troubleshoot if problems are encountered.

9. Gather the data.

ARDUINO PROGRAM
const int FLEX_PIN = A0;

const float VCC = 4.98;

const float R_DIV = 47500.0;

const float STRAIGHT_RESISTANCE = 37300.0;

const float BEND_RESISTANCE = 90000.0;

void setup()
{
Serial.begin(9600);
pinMode(FLEX_PIN, INPUT);
}

void loop()
{
int flexADC = analogRead(FLEX_PIN);
float flexV = flexADC * VCC / 1023.0;
float flexR = R_DIV * (VCC / flexV - 1.0);
Serial.println("Resistance: " + String(flexR) + " ohms");

float angle = map(flexR, STRAIGHT_

RESISTANCE, BEND_
 RESISTANCE, 0, 90.0);
Serial.println("Bend: " + String(angle)-130+ " degrees");
Serial.println();

delay(500);
}

Data Gathered: with Calibration

Objects Distance
Bending Angle
(Serial Monitor)
0 37 300.00

15 46 083.33

30 54 866,67

45 63 650.00

60 72 433.33

Analysis of the Experiment done

The flex sensor detects the bending motion and the

resistance varies to the level or bending degrees that the
flex sensors make. It can be observed that the degrees of
bend are directly proportional to the resistance load.

Recommendation
 Check all the materials if it is complete and properly
working. Also make sure that connection is correct.

Conclusion

The project was done within the time allotted. Flex

sensor was used and the project is working properly. The flex
sensor was able to be accurately calibrated since it detects the
bending motion that does agrees with the experimental data.

Answers to questions:

a. In the experiment, how do you calibrate the flex sensor to

readings (check serial monitor)?

Allow the flex sensor to stand vertically and then

slowly bent it to the desired degrees.

b. Individually suggest electrical and mechanical standards or

codes and local or international applicable in this
experiment. Cite source/s

The NFPA 79 (The electrical standard for Industrial

Machinery) subpart 9.4.3.4.2 stated: Control systems
incorporating software- and firmware- based controllers
performing safety related functions shall be self-monitoring

The NFPA 70 (National Electric Code) is the basis

for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection to
protect people and property from electrical hazards.

 REFERENCE

JIMBO.Flex Sensor Hookup Guide. SparkFun, accessed

November 22, 2016, http://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/flex-
sensor-hookup-guide

NFPA 79: The electrical standard for Industrial Machinery.

National Fire Protection Association. Accessed October 17,
2016. http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-
and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards?
mode=code&code=70

NFPA 70: National Electric Code. National Fire Protection

Association. Accessed October 17, 2016.
http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-
standards/list-of-codes-and-standards?mode=code&code=70