Brake Pressure Sensor

Brake pressure sensors enable precision measurements of many critical performance and safety measurements under both normal and extreme operating conditions. Tactile brake pressure sensors can be used to detect the pressure distribution across many braking surfaces. A customized tactile brake pressure sensors enhanced with a robust optical analysis system can collect valuable data for a number of challenging applications (e.g. automotive, golf ) to provide a complete pressure map ( Fig. 2 & 3). Fujifilm Prescale ® brake pressure sensor is disposable and easy to employ, able to withstand demanding pressures and high temperatures. Using the Presurex® Tactile indicating sensor film for clutch/brake applications is a cost effective way to measure changes in pressure and distribution.

Figure 1. Automotive use of break pressure sensor using Fujifilm Prescale® film before analysis
Figure 1. Automotive use of break pressure sensor using Fujifilm Prescale® film before analysis

Brake pressure sensor application: Clutch/Brake- Use Fujifilm Prescale® Sensor Film to evaluate the pressure or force between to touching surfaces (Figure 1). By placing the thin Fujifilm Prescale® film between the two contacting surfaces the magnitude of pressure intensity is revealed by the distribution profile that occurs between the surfaces. Fujifilm Prescale sensor film is extremely thin (4-8 mils), easy to install which enables it to conform to curved surfaces, ideal for intolerant and tight spaces not accessible to conventional transducers. The easy to use film is designed to accommodate a wide range of pressures from Micro (2-20 PSI) to Super High (18,5000-43,1000 PSI) and can be used to ascertain dynamic changes in pressure . The resulting color intensity of the Presurrex® film is directly related to the amount of pressure applied. The use of Fujifilm Prescale® thin film for automotive applications (e.g. clutch/brake) can result in a accurate pressure pattern whereas both force and location of contact can be determined. The magnitude of brake pressure changes as distributed by Fujifilm Prescale® technology can then be processed by our powerful Windows based data collection tool. The result is a tool with powerful capabilities, easy to use and cost-effective.

Fujifilm Prescale® is a thin Mylar based film containing a layer of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) microcapsules. Application of force allows the microcapsules to break producing a high resolution topographical image of the pressure variation. Simply put the greater the pressure, the more intense the color. The easy to read pressure map displays both pressure intensity and location. Color intensity as revealed by the Fujifilm Prescale® film is directly proportional to PSI level.

Fig 2: Post Analysis: The magnitude of pressure is directly related to PSI Fig 2: 3D analysis of clutch using Sensor Products robust data analysis system
Fig 2: Post Analysis: The magnitude of pressure is directly related to PSI Fig 2: 3D analysis of clutch using Sensor Products robust data analysis system

Conclusion: Fujifilm Prescale® is an affordable, easy to use tool that can be placed between any two touching surfaces. It’s easy. Just place the film, apply pressure, remove it and the film reveals the pressure distribution profile.