SENSORS R&D SERVICES

new concepts
basic research

feasibility studies

analysis
consulting
prototypes
product development

Clients: Business managers; research managers; engineers; scientists; project teams.

Industries served: Most manufacturing; medical instrumentation; non-profit organizations.

Sensors Research Consulting, Inc., provides scientific consulting in the fields of physical sensors, transducers, detectors, actuators and measurements to solve either specific problems, perform feasibility studies or conduct complete R&D projects.  SRC also conducts new product development.  SRC project teams can create a new sensor technology based on a product concept and deliver fully documented hardware prototypes for client or third party testing.  Depending on client requirements, SRC can then move a project through the various stages of engineering development to the preproduction stage.

SRC advantages: much lower net cost than the typical internal costs of in-house R&D or of outsourcing to large consulting firms; much faster completion times than corporate R&D; high level of  experience and expertise.

SRC R&D projects tend to generate new technologies.

R&D Project examples

Designed, prototyped and installed for long term test a custom, near IR reflectance sensor to continuously monitor the presence of a proprietary material on an engine component: (automotive OBD). more > US Patents 6,731,209; 6,995,670: Patents resulting from a project to develop a new type of capacitive proximity sensor: (commercial product concept). more >  Develop an upgraded flow sensor for a medical instrument; (smaller, cheaper, higher performance). more >

client benefits of R&D:  enable a product concept, improve a product, create a platform for a new business or industry.

terminology: whereas many consider that sensors encompass only silicon based and MEMS devices, and still others think first of optoelectronic devices, at SRC we consider that a sensor is any dedicated device for sensing or transducing a parameter or characteristic of its environment.

SRC’s preferred projects are those which are aimed at providing practical solutions to difficult or uniquely specified sensing and measurement problems for which there is no current or appropriate commercial solution regarding:

Ø       Most types of physical sensors and measurements.

Fluid flow sensing / measurements

Proximity / presence sensing

Pressure, level, temperature

Ø       Certain spectroscopic instrumentation.

Ø      Smart sensors / derived parameters.

Scientific consulting

The above diagram outlines the main aspects of R&D projects, the proper performance of each of which can be critical to the success of an R&D project. Clients can request assistance for all, or just one, of these specific aspects of their project, which range from concept evaluation to data analysis.

.. fill in the gaps for an important project

R&D

New sensor development  Based on a product concept and initial specifications, SRC can analyse the problem and build expert project teams to provide a client with an independently managed research project aimed at creating and developing a measurement concept and sensor. Such projects can be planned into a number of review phases according to the key risks and associated milestones such as concept generation and analysis, experimental proof of principle, functional model development, characterization and the various subsequent stages of engineering development, depending on the nature of the sensor and the contract requirements.

.. perform an entire project all the way from invention and design to prototype

Assistance for / team up with R&D teams  Due to the nature of R&D, unforeseen problems or new questions will arise during the course of any project. At those times consulting assistance may be required in order that project deadlines can be met, solutions obtained, showstoppers can be re-evaluated or new technical areas evaluated. For example, scientific support can be provided to engineering teams. Additionally, consultation support may be needed to fill occasional gaps in team disciplines, assist in the generation and evaluation of measurement concepts or simply for a periodic 'sanity check'.

.. provide team support

Applications

New applications, applications problems, technique identification, etc.

New technology evaluation

Evaluation of new physical measurement technologies which have been identified by the client. For example, enabling or core technology evaluations are a common component of new project selection processes. However, this does not include evaluations which form part of or are intended for analyses for potential corporate acquisitions or mergers.

.. help you figure out if you have a practical idea

Initial Introductions / Project evaluation

You will talk to SRC’s principal.  During this initial introduction, the key objectives for SRC are to understand client needs, define the technical problems and project objectives and determine that these fit with SRC capabilities and client expectations.  There is no obligation to the client during this preliminary process.

Client inquiry

Please provide brief details of the inquiry when you make your initial contact.
See contact information.

Identify and discuss client needs.

This would typically entail one or two initial telephone contacts and may be supported by client forwarded documentary information. A confidentiality agreement should be requested prior to detailed discussions involving proprietary information.

Formalities

Formal documentation such as consulting and confidentiality agreements will be contained in the project proposal.

Site visits

Site visits, if required, are excluded from the free evaluation and are charged to the client.

Style

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