How the ForceFrame Sensors Work
The ForceFrame sensors are precision force transducers, designed for taking accurate measurements at high levels of force. However, like all precision instruments, they must be used correctly in order to ensure accuracy and prevent damage.
This article gives an overview of how the ForceFrame sensors work, and how to ensure you get the best out of them every time.
Understanding the ForceFrame sensors
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The ForceFrame sensors are "uniaxial", meaning they are designed to read forces perpendicular with their Force Pads.  |
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The ForceFrame can read force accurately from any point on its Force Pads (see OK Force Zone below), meaning that alignment doesn't need to be perfect. However, exposure to inconsistent force placement over time can shorten the lifespan of the ForceFrame sensors. Furthermore, inconsistent limb placement can reduce comfort during testing. For these reasons, it is recommended that the limb/body part exerting force is centred in the Ideal Force Zone (see below) wherever possible  |
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While force can be exerted essentially anywhere on the Force Pad, if the force isn't perpendicular with the Force Pad, the sensor will only read part of the total force (i.e. the vector which is perpendicular with the Force Pad). For this reason, it is important to ensure that the force is exerted as perpendicular with the Force Pad as possible. Of course, this is not possible in some positions, but don't worry - as long as force is applied in the same direction consistently, your results will still be consistent. The diagram below shows an example to help explain this further:  F = actual line of force (made up of force vectors Fx, Fy and Fz) Fx = force vector of x-axis (which is read by the sensor) Fy = force vector of y-axis (which is not read by the sensor) Fz = force vector of z-axis (which is not read by the sensor) |
Zeroing the ForceFrame sensors
It is important to ensure that the ForceFrame sensors are "zeroed" before conducting a test (also known as "taring"), otherwise results can be inaccurate.
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The ForceFrame zeroes itself during startup, so when pressing the Power button, ensure that nothing is touching the Force Pads. Important note: keep clear for 3 seconds after startup to ensure that zeroing is completed.  |
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If the ForceFrame sensors are not zeroed correctly, you may notice that one force trace registers significantly above 0 N or below 0 N when no force is being applied to it. This may be indicative of a Positive Offset (above 0 N) or a Negative Offset (below 0 N). A Positive Offset is shown here, as the right force trace sits above 0 N, even before force is applied:  |
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If you notice what appears to be a negative offset or positive offset, zero the sensors before running any more tests. To do so, start a new test then use the Zero Now button. |
