Company Press Competition - Win An IPOD
16 June 2010
Tell us how best to decsribe the shape of our IncOders and win an iPOD.
Zettlex Ltd is about to launch a brand new range of precision angle encoders – the only problem is that the company can’t agree how best to describe the unique shape. Zettlex therefore invites design engineers to suggest a suitable, snappy description for the product. The successful engineer will receive an Apple iPod touch for their troubles.
IncOder is a new range of precision angle encoders from Zettlex Ltd. The encoder’s unusual shape is aimed at engineers who are struggling with tight spaces or a restricted design envelope. For example, the engineer may need to pass drive shafts, bearings or cables through the space where traditional rotary encoders might sit. The only problem is – how do you best describe such a shape to another engineer? Mark Howard, General Manager at Zettlex Ltd comments: “A technically correct description might be ‘annular with small radial and axial thicknesses’, which is not exactly a snappy description. Some engineers have suggested that we use the word ‘pancake’ – but pancakes don’t have big holes in their centre; ‘polo’ is another idea, but this does not translate easily into other languages such as French or German; ‘through-shaft’ is an option – but this phrase may confuse engineers who might think of traditional, small through-shaft encoders rather than the 3 to 12 inch units that we offer.” IncOder is aimed at applications such as rotary joints, gimbals, test equipment, radar systems, weapon mounts, robots and camera systems, where precision measurement in harsh environments is an absolute must. Zettlex has chosen this year’s Farnborough Aerospace & Defence exhibition at the end of July to launch the new product. “All the testing and production readiness is pretty much complete,” adds Howard. “Our unique, inductive technology means the performance of these units is remarkably good, but we now need to close out all the product brochures with a neat, snappy description of IncOder’s unusual shape. ‘Annular encoder’ just sounds wrong in all sorts of ways. ‘Flat with a big hole’ is the best so far.”
In an effort to resolve how best to describe the IncOder’s unique shape, Zettlex is offering an Apple iPod touch to the most suitable suggestion that it receives from readers. Entries must be received no later than midday on 2nd August 2010. To enter, simply send your suggestion by
email to info@zettlex.com and mark your entry ‘IncOder shape’.
NOTES TO EDITORS:- Zettlex is a sensors company.Our non-contact position sensors measure accurately & reliably even in harsh conditions - hence our motto - 'Precision in the Extreme'. We
- Design & make position sensors
- Supply sensor components - notably integrated circuits for inductive position sensors
- Develop non-contact sensing solutions to customer requirements.
Unique technology and laminar, printed construction enables inductive sensors with no contacts, no bearings, no delicate parts, no maintenance, no bother.....just accurate measurements - all day, every day.
We sell our sensors to OEMs and system integrators in a range of sectors. About half of our business is for safety related or safety critical control systems and we are familiar with the demanding requirements of industrial, aerospace, defence, oil & gas sectors. We can supply fully documented and qualified sensing solutions to DO-254 and DO-178.
Applications include position measurement, user interfaces, servo controls & motor encoders. This covers linear transducers and rotary encoders as well as measurement of 2D displacement, 3D displacement, multi-turn angle, tilt, weight, pressure, vibration, strain and flow.
Zettlex inductive position sensors are an economical, lightweight and robust alternative to potentiometers, optical encoders, rotary encoders, resolvers, RVDTs, LVDTs, magnetic sensors and capacitive encoders.
Zettlex is ISO 9001 and BS EN 13980 certified for the manufacture of position sensors including intrinsically safe ATEX transmitters and position feedback controls for potentially explosive environments.
