Overview

SpaceAge Control's compact SpaceSensor 3D displacement sensor uses a retractable displacement cable to measure 3-dimensional coordinates, distances, and angles over a 13-foot (3.96 m) radius (longer radii are optionally available). With the Space Sensor 3D displacement sensor, expensive, cumbersome, or immobile fixtures and mounts are a thing of the past.

Designed for OEM applications in quantities of 10 ore more, raw sensing is performed using a patented 2-axis gimbal head with three high-resolution encoders as inputs into a powerful microcontroller-based signal conditioner. Repeatability is better than 0.05% of the operating radius.

Benefits

• ease of use: less than 10 minutes of self-training required
• simplicity of setup: place it, power it, and measure
• affordable price
• multiple ranges: 1 foot to 50 feet (2.54 m to 15.24 m) or more

Applications

• 6DOF actuation platform sensors (Stewart platforms and similar)
• aircraft refueling
• aircraft repair documentation
• aircraft skin waviness measurement
• animation data acquisition
• box / package / crate dimensional measuring
• corrosion initiation and growth monitoring
• earthquake measurement
• electric train / bus sensor for "contact arms"
• flight simulator sensors
• helicopter hover sensing
• house inspection: final checkout and post-event (earthquake, hurricane, etc.)
• human body measurement: medical studies, chiropractic, human performance
• macro-accuracy CMM (coordinate measurement machine)
• ship and aircraft (flightway) docking monitoring
• space vehicle docking
• space vehicle tethering and manipulation feedback
• sports performance data acquisition
• vehicle accident investigation/documentation
• wheel monitoring
• wing morphing (flight controls)

Industries

• Aerospace: simulation, repair, maintenance, and retrofit
• Automotive: models, prototypes
• Casting and Moldmaking: pre-cast molding, composite tooling
• Consumer Goods
• Forensics & Accident Research
• Furniture
• Heavy Equipment
• Medical Systems
• Metal Fabrication
• Tool and Die: master molds, tool setup

Application Types

• feedback to control > Space Sensor
• feedback for data acquisition > Space Digitizer
• handheld using wireless primarily for data acquisition > Space CMM Lite

History of SpaceAge Control's Integrated 3D Displacement Sensing

• helicopter hovering: Bell Helicopter and NASA
• 3D cable-motion-tracking (SpaceAge Control RoundAbout (patented))
• 2D sensing using cable-based position transducer and linear encoder
• gantry-type 3D sensing using 3X 1D displacement sensors

SpaceAge Control 3D cable-actuated helicopter hover sensor circa 1987.

Details

3D displacement sensor data sheet

Specifications - Mechanical

• Mass: 5 pounds (2.27 kg) maximum

Specifications - Electrical

• 100 to 240 VAC or battery
• Multiple user interface options are available:
  • Position data communicated directly to a PC via RS232, USB, or wireless Bluetooth connection.
  • CANbus digital communications available standard.
  • Optional LCD display and push-button control panel (integral with sensor) for control and feedback without the PC link.
  • SpaceTrack software provides numeric and graphical feedback with data collection utilities.
  • For OEM customers, the sensor can be provided with only raw encoder data output for lowest cost.

Specifications - Environmental

Configurations

Accessories

• Standard
  • user manual
  • RS-232 to USB adapter
  • shipping / storage case
• Optional
  • vehicle power adapter
  • cradle with handle
  • mobile tripod
  • wrist lanyard
  • storage and transportation container
  • halo to keep out of "no man's land" (avoid gimbal lock)
  • magnetic mounting base
  • probe tip kit
  • LED worklight