MicroStrain continues its winning streak with its Shear-Link wireless shear pin (Figure 4). The device packs load sensing, wireless communications, and onboard memory into a functional shear pin. Rather than having to apply strain gauges to a structure for structural health monitoring, an engineer can incorporate these wireless shear pins into the structure, vehicle, or aircraft itself. With the increased interest in—and awareness of the need for—more and better structural health monitoring, there’s no doubt that this product fills a real need. MicroStrain’s trademark combination of utility and highly integrated sensor, signal conditioning, and communications make this a standout. (via The Best of Sensors Expo 2008 – Sensors)
The Smarter Planet tumblelog is an outgrowth of IBM’s strategic initiative to help a world of smart systems emerge.
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