Description
The China-Made Flex 2.2 Bend Sensor is a low-cost, passive variable-resistor sensor that changes resistance when bent, designed as a compatible alternative to the original Spectra Symbol Flex Sensor 2.2″. It uses a thin, flexible substrate coated with a conductive ink layer. When the sensor is straight, the conductive particles are closely packed, giving a flat resistance of 25 kΩ. When bent away from the ink side (text on the inside of the bend), the particles spread apart, increasing resistance to 45–125 kΩ at a 90° bend .
The sensor is non-polarized—the two terminals are interchangeable—and is used in a voltage divider with a fixed resistor (typically 10 kΩ or 47 kΩ) to convert the resistance change into a voltage readable by an Arduino or other microcontroller ADC . Common applications include data gloves, finger bend detection, robotic grippers, and motion capture. The 2.2″ (55.3 mm active length) size is standard for finger-mounted applications. The rated life cycle is over 1 million bends, and the operating temperature range is -35°C to +80°C .
Critical limitations: This is a bare sensor, not a module—it requires a voltage divider and ADC to function. The resistance tolerance is ±30%, and individual sensors vary significantly, so per-sensor calibration is mandatory for meaningful angle measurements . The sensor is fragile at the pinned base—bending or stressing the non-sensing end will damage it . The resistance-to-angle relationship is non-linear, and the sensor responds reliably only when bent in one direction (away from the text side) .
Features
-
25 kΩ Flat Resistance: Standard baseline for Arduino voltage divider calculations .
-
45–125 kΩ Bent Resistance: Clear resistance change at 90° bend for reliable detection .
-
Non-Polarized Two-Terminal Design: Terminals are interchangeable; no polarity concerns .
-
Thin and Flexible: 0.43 mm profile, 6.35 mm width, suitable for wearable applications .
-
Long Life Cycle: Rated for over 1 million bends under proper use .
-
Wide Temperature Range: -35°C to +80°C .
-
Breadboard-Friendly Connector: 0.1″ (2.54 mm) pin spacing .
-
Cost-Effective Alternative: Lower price point than the original Spectra Symbol part while offering comparable specifications .
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Active Length | 2.2″ (55.3 mm) |
| Total Dimensions | Approx. 73.6 × 6.35 mm |
| Flat Resistance | 25 kΩ |
| Bent Resistance (90°) | 45–125 kΩ |
| Resistance Tolerance | ±30% |
| Power Rating | 0.5 W continuous; 1 W peak |
| Life Cycle | >1 million bends |
| Operating Temperature | -35°C to +80°C |
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.