Experimental Measurements and Techniques

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to experimental measurements and sensor technologies discussed in the lecture.

Limit Switch

A device that detects the presence of an object through physical contact, activating contacts when targeted.

Free Position

The actuator position with no external force applied.

Operating Position

The state where contacts in the limit switch change from normal to operated.

Inductive Proximity Sensors

Sensors that use an electromagnetic coil to detect conductive metal objects.

Dielectric Constant

A measure of a material's ability to store electrical energy, crucial for capacitive sensors.

Photoelectric Sensor

A position sensing device that uses a modulated light beam, blocked or reflected by a target.

Thru-Beam Sensor

A photoelectric sensor requiring separate emitter and receiver units aligned for light transmission.

Diffuse-Reflective Sensor

A photoelectric sensor where the emitter and receiver are in a single unit and uses scattered light for detection.

Fiber Optics

A method for transmitting light through tiny fibers, used in photoelectric sensors for small sensing areas.

Safety Systems

Applications of limit switches used in safety circuits to control or stop machinery under specific conditions.

Pretravel

The distance or angle traveled by the actuator from the free position to the operating position.

Overtravel

The safe distance the actuator can travel beyond the operating point.

Retroreflective Sensor

A photoelectric sensor with emitter and receiver integrated, detecting targets by reflected light.

Signal Output

The output signal produced by sensors indicating whether the light beam is uninterrupted or blocked.