Mouse based highly sensitive micromachined flow sensors

Abstract

A laptop mouse supported micro machined measuring flow sensors is given. 2 cylindrical openings within the bottom of the device square measure equipped with sensitive flow sensors (for the x- and y-velocity components). Thanks to fluid adherence to the boundary (mouse pad), the device motion induces associate air-flow vortex within the cavities. A icrocontroller processes the device signals and sends the speed info via USB interface to the laptop. So as to acquire the optimum cavity dimensions, comprehensive 2nd and 3D models of the device were developed. A mouse example was built as a plug-and-play device and characterized utilizing a specially developed activity setup. The measured characteristics square measure in sensible agreement with the simulated behavior. The device options terribly low power consumption and functions severally of the reflectivity and surface roughness of the mouse pad.