A flexible self-driven man-machine interface password lock sensor

Abstract

This application provides a combination lock sensor for a flexible, self-driven human-machine interface. The combination lock sensor includes: a flexible substrate that readily gains and loses electrons, a first metal electrode layer disposed on top of the flexible substrate, and a second metal electrode layer disposed at the bottom of the flexible substrate. This application uses a series of electrical signal testing units to acquire the current or voltage characteristics in the electrical signal sensing circuit between the first and second metal electrode layers. The switch operation is identified by the electrical signal generated when the flexible substrate is touched and rubbed, thereby triggering the switch to open or close accordingly. This application utilizes the principle of electrostatic induction and friction to induce charge movement through contact between a finger and the material. Without an external power supply, the electrostatic effect of the electrodes triggers charge transfer to generate a signal output, achieving a self-driven function. The combination lock sensor provided in this application is simple to manufacture, requires no external power supply, and is suitable for large-scale use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of self-powered sensing technology, and more specifically to a password lock sensor for a flexible self-driven human-machine interface. Background Technology

[0002] There are many types of combination lock sensors, such as the older mechanical combination lock sensors, button combination lock sensors, or slide combination lock sensors. From a mechanistic perspective, combination lock sensors include piezoelectric, capacitive, and triboelectric types. However, the first two types have limited applications because they generate very small electrical signals or require an external power supply. Furthermore, most combination lock sensors rely on an external power source, resulting in high power consumption; they cannot function without a battery.

[0003] Furthermore, the selection of password systems in flexible wearable devices faces significant limitations. Few existing devices offer password lock sensors specifically designed for wearable surfaces or curved surfaces. Existing self-driven sensors are prone to bias voltage generation due to static electricity or electrical charge, leading to unstable signal output. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies in the field of human-machine interfaces by providing a password lock sensor for a flexible, self-driving human-machine interface. Based on the principles of electrostatic induction and friction, this application generates a specific mode of electrical signal by sliding the sensor on a patterned flexible human-machine interface. The switching operation is triggered by recognizing the sliding path through this electrical signal. The specific technical solution adopted in this application is as follows.

[0005] First, to achieve the above objectives, a flexible self-driven human-machine interface password lock sensor is proposed, comprising: a flexible substrate, which is selected as an insulating material that easily gains and loses electrons; a first metal electrode layer, which is attached to one side surface of the flexible substrate; a second metal electrode layer, which is attached to the other side surface of the flexible substrate; and an electrical signal testing unit, which is connected in series between the first metal electrode layer and the second metal electrode layer to form an electrical signal sensing circuit. When the flexible substrate is touched and rubbed, the unit senses the charge transfer between the first metal electrode layer and the second metal electrode layer to generate an electrical signal, triggering the switch to open or close.

[0006] Optionally, the combination lock sensor for the flexible self-driven human-machine interface as described above, wherein the flexible substrate is any one of the following: flexible polytetrafluoroethylene film, perfluoroethylene propylene copolymer, polyetheretherketone, or polymethyl methacrylate.

[0007] Optionally, in the password lock sensor of the flexible self-driving human-machine interface as described above, during the unlocking process, the sliding module touches and rubs the flexible substrate and the upper surface of the first metal electrode layer. The sliding module is made of any of the following materials: flexible polytetrafluoroethylene film, perfluoroethylene propylene copolymer, polyetheretherketone, or polymethyl methacrylate.

[0008] Optionally, a combination lock sensor for a flexible self-driven human-machine interface as described above, wherein the sliding module and the flexible substrate are configured to have the same material.

[0009] Optionally, in the password lock sensor of the flexible self-driving human-machine interface as described above, the first metal electrode layer and the second metal electrode layer are one or a combination of aluminum film, gold film, copper film or silver film respectively covered on the upper and lower surfaces of the flexible substrate by electron beam evaporation or magnetron sputtering.

[0010] Optionally, in the password lock sensor of the flexible self-driving human-machine interface as described above, the first metal electrode layer includes: a first electrode pin, at least one end of which extends from the edge of the upper surface of the flexible substrate to the outside; and first electrode pattern units arranged on the upper surface of the flexible substrate, with each first electrode pattern unit arranged at equal intervals and electrically connected by an upper connecting arm, and the outer side of each first electrode pattern unit close to the first electrode pin being electrically connected to the first electrode pin through mutually parallel transverse connecting arms.

[0011] Optionally, in the password lock sensor of the flexible self-driving human-machine interface as described above, the second metal electrode layer includes: a second electrode pin, at least one end of which extends from the edge of the lower surface of the flexible substrate to the outside; and second electrode pattern units arranged on the lower surface of the flexible substrate, with each second electrode pattern unit arranged at equal intervals and electrically connected by a lower connecting arm, and the outer side of each second electrode pattern unit close to the second electrode pin being electrically connected to the second electrode pin through mutually parallel transverse connecting arms.

[0012] Optionally, in the password lock sensor of the flexible self-driving human-machine interface as described above, each second electrode pattern unit is respectively positioned directly below the space between each first electrode pattern unit, and the first electrode pattern units and the second electrode pattern units are respectively staggered on the upper and lower sides of the flexible substrate; the second electrode pin is positioned directly below the first electrode pin, and there is no direct electrical contact between the first electrode pin and the second electrode pin.

[0013] Optionally, in the password lock sensor of the flexible self-driving human-machine interface as described above, the upper connecting arms in the first metal electrode layer are parallel to each other and are connected between the diagonals of the adjacent first electrode pattern units in the first direction; the lower connecting arms in the second metal electrode layer are parallel to each other and are connected between the diagonals of the adjacent second electrode pattern units in the second direction; the upper connecting arms and the lower connecting arms are intersected and have no direct electrical connection.

[0014] Optionally, in the password lock sensor of the flexible self-driving human-machine interface as described above, the first electrode pin and the second electrode pin are respectively configured as C-shaped structures surrounding the outer periphery of each first electrode pattern unit and the second electrode pattern unit, and both ends of the first electrode pin and the second electrode pin are parallel to the first electrode pattern unit and the second electrode pattern unit, respectively, and are disposed outside the flexible substrate.

[0015] Beneficial effects

[0016] This application provides a flexible, self-driven human-machine interface (HMI) combination lock sensor. It acquires the current or voltage characteristics of the electrical signal sensing circuit between the first and second metal electrode layers via a series electrical signal testing unit. The switch operation is identified by the electrical signal generated when the flexible substrate is touched and rubbed, thus triggering the switch to open or close accordingly. This application utilizes the principle of electrostatic induction and friction to induce charge movement through contact between a finger and the material. It achieves self-driving functionality by triggering charge transfer through the electrostatic effect of the electrodes, without requiring an external power supply. The combination lock sensor provided in this application is simple to manufacture, requires no external power supply, is inexpensive, and is suitable for large-scale use.

[0017] The combination lock sensor of this application features dual motor outputs, avoiding the problem of unstable output signals caused by static electricity or charge bias voltage in traditional single-electrode methods where one electrode outputs while the other is suspended. The staggered upper and lower electrode pattern units provided in this application completely cover the entire combination lock sensor interface, thereby identifying electrical fluctuation signals in different areas by measuring the charge status between the electrodes. This allows for the calculation and identification of the sliding operation path, accurately controlling the switch to open only when the unlocking action path is correct.

[0018] This application uses polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with a surface micro / nanostructure as a flexible substrate. The micro / nanostructure has a rough surface, resulting in a relatively large surface area, thus enabling the storage of more charge. PTFE itself is a material that readily gains and loses electrons; through the contact of the sliding module and the large surface area of ​​the micro / nanostructure, it can achieve a large output electrical signal, making it easier for the electrical signal testing unit to identify and decode.

[0019] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing this application. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present application and form part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present application, they serve to explain the present application but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the password lock sensor structure of the flexible self-driving human-machine interface of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the working mode of the password lock sensor of the flexible self-driving human-machine interface of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of the password lock sensor for the flexible self-driving human-machine interface of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical signals obtained by different decoding methods of the password lock sensor of the flexible self-driving human-machine interface of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 It is the signal waveform obtained by decoding the combination lock sensor of this application along the vertical direction;

[0026] Figure 6 It is the signal waveform obtained by decoding the combination lock sensor of this application along the L-shape.

[0027] In the figure, 1 represents the first metal electrode layer; 2 represents the second metal electrode layer; 3 represents the flexible substrate; 4 represents the sliding module; 5 represents the electrical signal testing unit; 6 represents the wire; and 7 represents the switch. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives and technical solutions of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in general dictionaries should be understood to have the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the prior art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless defined as herein.

[0030] The meaning of "and / or" as used in this application includes both situations where each exists alone or both exist simultaneously.

[0031] In this application, "inner" and "outer" refer to the direction from the upper and lower electrode pattern units toward the interior of the flexible substrate relative to the combination lock sensor itself, and vice versa; rather than a specific limitation on the device mechanism of this application.

[0032] The terms "left" and "right" as used in this application refer to the user's left side as the left and the user's right side as the right when the user is facing the combination lock sensor, and do not constitute a specific limitation on the device mechanism of this application.

[0033] The term "connection" as used in this application can mean a direct connection between components or an indirect connection between components through other components.

[0034] In this application, "up" and "down" refer to the direction from the second metal electrode layer to the first metal electrode layer when the user's password lock sensor is in use, which is up and vice versa, and are not a specific limitation on the device mechanism of this application.

[0035] Figure 3 A combination lock sensor for a flexible self-driven human-machine interface according to this application is characterized by comprising:

[0036] Flexible substrate 3 is composed of insulating materials that readily gain or lose electrons, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), perfluoroethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0037] by Figure 1 The graphic structure shown is attached to the first metal electrode layer 1 on the top surface of the flexible substrate 3;

[0038] The second metal electrode layer 2 is correspondingly attached to the bottom surface of the flexible substrate 3;

[0039] And an electrical signal testing unit 5, which is connected in series between the first metal electrode layer 1 and the second metal electrode layer 2 to form an electrical signal sensing circuit. When the flexible substrate 3 and the first metal electrode layer 1 are touched and rubbed, the unit senses the charge transfer between the first metal electrode layer 1 and the second metal electrode layer 2 and generates an electrical signal. By identifying whether the waveform characteristics of the electrical signal match the unlocking characteristics, the unit triggers the switch 7 to open when the signal characteristics match the characteristics corresponding to the unlocking action, and keeps the switch closed under other conditions.

[0040] Therefore, this application utilizes the electrostatic induction and friction generated by a hand sliding on the human-machine interface formed by the patterned flexible electrode layer to create a certain mode of electrical signal between the upper and lower electrodes. This electrical signal is then characterized by the electrical signal testing unit 5, and a switch is used to switch the circuit state. Through the patterned electrode design of the first and second upper and lower metal electrode layers, this invention can determine the output waveform corresponding to different touch positions and sliding trajectories of the combination lock sensor. This allows for the use of specific waveforms to control the unlocking switch, switching the circuit state, and recognizing user interaction signals. When switch control is achieved through the charge transfer signal waveform generated by friction, the switch state and the diameter of the touch friction path can be correlated one-to-one through quantized signal waveforms. The determination is made by the number of waveforms or the amplitude of the electrical signal in the electrical signal testing unit 5.

[0041] Compared to traditional sensors that only have electrodes on one side of the substrate material, this application features an electrode structure on both the upper and lower surfaces of a flexible substrate. The structure of these upper and lower electrodes determines the stability of the device's output electrical signal. This is because the dual-electrode output, compared to a single-electrode output where one electrode outputs the signal while the other remains uncontacted, avoids the instability caused by static electricity generated by a suspended electrode. The dual-electrode output in this application effectively avoids static electricity or charge caused by a single suspended electrode, preventing bias voltage generation and thus improving signal output stability. The electrode signal of this application exhibits significantly better recognition performance and signal stability. Furthermore, this application allows for adjustment of the signal output method by customizing different electrode patterns, thereby adjusting the characteristic values ​​of the output waveform.

[0042] refer to Figure 2As shown, in addition to unlocking by touching the upper surface of the flexible substrate 3 and the first metal electrode layer 1 with a human hand, this application can also achieve the same signal output by touching and rubbing the upper surface of the flexible substrate 3 and the first metal electrode layer 1 with a separately provided sliding module 4. The sliding module 4 used in this application can be configured to be: flexible polytetrafluoroethylene film, perfluoroethylene propylene copolymer, polyetheretherketone, or polymethyl methacrylate. When the sliding module 4 and the flexible substrate 3 are made of the same material, no charge is generated by frictional contact, resulting in an output of 0. However, different materials will generate charge and output voltage, thus producing a voltage waveform. Therefore, it is preferable to set the sliding module 4 and the flexible substrate 3 to be made of different materials to maximize the amount of charge transfer, improve the voltage and charge current output parameters, and thus achieve the best electrical signal output effect.

[0043] Figure 2 A patterned electrode layer is formed on the PTFE film. Upon contact with the sliding module 4, the friction of the sliding module generates charge transfer, thus producing an electrical signal for interactive identification without external power supply. In this embodiment, the PTFE film measures approximately 6cm × 9cm × 180μm, and the sliding module 4 has a radius of approximately 1cm. Copper electrodes in 1cm × 1cm rectangular units are coated onto the upper and lower surfaces of the PTFE film using electron beam evaporation (CVD). Connecting arms are diagonally positioned between the rectangular electrode pattern units, and several electrode pattern units are connected in parallel to a metal strip forming electrode pins on the outer periphery of the pattern, constituting a complete metal electrode layer structure. The sliding module 4 slides at the interface of the first metal electrode layer on top of the PTFE film, generating charge transfer through friction between the materials. To increase the amount of charge transfer, the PTFE film surface can be roughened to increase charge, or it can be directly configured as a micro / nano structure to provide a larger surface area, thereby storing more charge and achieving a larger magnitude electrical signal output.

[0044] During device operation, the upper and lower metal electrode layers form a nanogenerator with the flexible substrate through their respective electrode pattern units. During the sliding process of the sliding module 4 on its surface: initially, there is no charge on the PTFE film. As the sliding module 4 moves along the film, the friction between the sliding module 4 and the PTFE film attracts charges electrostatically, thereby generating charge between the pattern units of the upper and lower electrode layers. Figure 2 The instantaneous charge flow is shown in the middle. This charge transfer process is transmitted to the upper and lower electrode pins through the connecting arms and the parallel lateral connecting arms outside the electrode pattern unit, thereby identifying the induced current through the electrical signal test unit connected in series between the first and second electrode pins. The sliding module 4 continues to move along the patterned electrode film. As the sliding module 4 moves further in the figure, as... Figure 2As shown in VI, the charge on the electrode reaches the location of another fixed layer. At this time, the triboelectric effect and the electrostatic effect work together, and the charge moves back and forth between the electrodes on the top and back sides of the flexible substrate 3 to maintain system balance, thereby generating an electrical signal in the electrical signal testing unit 5. Figure 4 The various voltage curves are shown below. Figure 4 The markings "1", "2", and "3" represent the electrical signals corresponding to the copper electrodes on the top of the flexible substrate that the sliding module 4 encounters during the sliding process. The time-domain distance between these markings can be used to calculate the moving speed of the sliding module 4. It can also determine the back-and-forth flow of charge (positive and negative values), and through the waveform and peak values ​​of the current or voltage signals, a machine learning algorithm can be used to identify the operating mode and sliding path of the sliding module 4. Thus, the sliding mode of the sliding module 4 can be identified through the signals generated by the electrode pattern, enabling a response to the user's touch action.

[0045] Therefore, this application can generate an electrical signal output by continuously sliding the sliding module 4 along the PTFE film. By identifying and calculating the voltage or current waveform of the electrical signal, the sliding trajectory path, sliding speed, and sliding direction of the sliding module 4 can be determined, thereby identifying the circuit function triggered by the user's operation of the sliding module 4 and realizing human-computer interaction.

[0046] Since the above signal generation process only utilizes triboelectric static electricity to transfer charge, it is not difficult to find that when the signal generated by a finger tapping the interface of the combination lock sensor is detected, the charge on the interface of the combination lock sensor can quickly return to normal after the finger taps the PTFE film. Therefore, the above device can be used to repeatedly and in real time obtain the corresponding touch signal.

[0047] The aforementioned charge transfer electrical signals can be acquired by connecting the short-circuit current (Isc) and open-circuit voltage (Voc) to a computer for measurement and identification. Considering the upper surface of the PTFE and the separated object, the induced output voltages of the two electrodes can be correlated as follows: Among them, C t The total capacitance between the electrode and the separated object can be calculated using the following formula. In the formula, dL and dW represent different lengths and widths of the metal electrode pattern unit, respectively, and h represents the thickness of the PTFE film. Therefore, the voltage output by the upper and lower electrodes can be calculated. Therefore, we can obtain the output voltage of the PTFE film that meets the recognition requirements by adjusting the size and surface density of the metal electrode pattern unit according to different voltage or current recognition accuracy requirements.

[0048] In some more specific implementations, to ensure good interactive effects and more accurately identify user touches, this application may preferably configure the first metal electrode layer 1 and the second metal electrode layer 2 on the upper and lower sides of the above-mentioned flexible substrate 3 as follows:

[0049] An aluminum, gold, or silver thin film with the following structure is formed on the surface of a flexible substrate 3 made of polymethyl methacrylate by magnetron sputtering (PVD) as the first metal electrode layer 1:

[0050] The first electrode pin 11 has at least one end extending from the edge of the upper surface of the flexible substrate 3 to the outside;

[0051] The first electrode pattern units are arranged on the upper surface of the flexible substrate 3. The first electrode pattern units are arranged at equal intervals and electrically connected by the upper connecting arms. The outer side of each first electrode pattern unit close to the first electrode pin 11 can be electrically connected to the first electrode pin 11 by a separately provided parallel transverse connecting arm.

[0052] On the lower surface of the flexible substrate 3 made of polymethyl methacrylate, an aluminum film, gold film, or silver film with the following structure is also formed by magnetron sputtering (PVD) as the second metal electrode layer 2:

[0053] The second electrode pin 21 has at least one end extending from the edge of the lower surface of the flexible substrate 3 to the outside;

[0054] The second electrode pattern units are arranged on the lower surface of the flexible substrate 3. The second electrode pattern units are arranged at equal intervals and electrically connected by the lower connecting arms. The outer side of each second electrode pattern unit close to the second electrode pin 21 is electrically connected to the second electrode pin 21 through parallel transverse connecting arms.

[0055] During the pattern spraying process, to ensure that any contact of the hand or sliding module 4 with the flexible substrate 3 generates an electrical signal output between the electrode pins, the second electrode pattern units are positioned directly below the intervals between the first electrode pattern units, and the first and second electrode pattern units are staggered on the upper and lower sides of the flexible substrate 3. The relative positions of the two electrode patterns determine the frequency and bandwidth of the output signal, which in turn determines the waveform of the output voltage. Therefore, the superposition of the second and first electrode pattern units completely covers the entire surface of the flexible substrate 3 and can output a signal such as... Figure 5 , Figure 6The signal waveform shown forms different recognition areas through its unit structure, and provides the location of the touch position through the output signal waveform.

[0056] To facilitate circuit connection and allow the electrical signal testing unit 5 to collect signals between electrodes, this application can directly place the second electrode pin 21 in the electrode layer directly below the first electrode pin 11. The insulation effect of the flexible substrate material ensures that there is no direct electrical contact between the first electrode pin 11 and the second electrode pin 21, thus forming a complete signal path between them to power the electrical signal testing unit 5 to identify the touch signal accordingly.

[0057] In other implementations, a flexible polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film is used as a flexible substrate to provide the charge carrier for the self-driven signal generation of the combination lock sensor. The flexible substrate can be configured to be flexible enough to be attached to any desired interface, such as the wrist, to realize a wearable self-driven combination lock sensor. Simultaneously, this flexible material also serves as a carrier for the upper and lower metal electrode layers, insulating and isolating the two metal layers from each other. To ensure stable output voltage and maximize signal output, this application can further configure the upper connecting arms of the first metal electrode layer 1 to be parallel to each other, connecting each upper connecting arm to the diagonal of the first direction of adjacent first electrode pattern units; while the lower connecting arms of the second metal electrode layer 2 are configured to be parallel to each other in another direction, connecting each lower connecting arm to the diagonal of the second direction of adjacent second electrode pattern units. The cross-direction between the upper and lower electrode layers ensures stable output voltage and maximizes output, avoiding the problem of difficult control of the output waveform of the upper and lower electrodes when they are directly facing each other; the upper and lower connecting arms are cross-configured and isolated by PTFE material to ensure no direct electrical connection between them. In accordance with the above electrode patterns, the first electrode pin 11 and the second electrode pin 21 can be respectively configured as C-shaped or gate-shaped structures surrounding the outer periphery of each first electrode pattern unit and the second electrode pattern unit. The two ends of the first electrode pin 11 and the second electrode pin 21 are respectively parallel to the first electrode pattern unit and the second electrode pattern unit and are disposed outside the flexible substrate 3, thereby realizing the electrical signal output of the dual electrodes.

[0058] The above-described upper and lower electrode configuration effectively improves the stability of the device's output electrical signal. Compared to a single-electrode approach, dual electrodes increase system stability. The patterned upper and lower metal electrode layers form an induced voltage and charge with the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film, which, through a sliding module, generates an electrical signal curve. The amplitude and number of these curves are used to determine the opening and closing operations of the control unit's lock switch.

[0059] Therefore, when a person's finger or the sliding module 4 slides onto the patterned thin film surface, the charges on the film are redistributed due to electrostatic forces, forming a corresponding current waveform between the upper and lower electrodes, providing an output signal with a large amount of modulation information. This electrical signal is closely related to the electrode pattern on the device. Thus, the aforementioned electrical output signal carries the modulation information generated by the finger or sliding module 4 sliding on the thin film. No additional power supply is required; different trigger signals can be obtained and the corresponding control system can be operated simply by analyzing this modulation information.

[0060] The analysis of the aforementioned electrical signals can be achieved using machine learning tools. There are many machine learning methods, such as PCA+GMM and PCA / t-SNE+K-means. This application utilizes PCA or t-SNE algorithms for parameter identification, which can decouple the electrical signals from the unique characteristics of the electrode patterns. Subsequently, GMM and k-means are used to cluster and visualize these patterns. Finally, using machine learning tools, the movement of the finger or sliding module 4 is tracked and accurately reconstructed through the device's output signal, identifying different movement patterns such as vertical movement, reverse L-shaped movement, reverse short L-shaped movement, and Z-shaped movement. Control commands matching these movement patterns are then retrieved accordingly, triggering the system to execute the corresponding operation.

[0061] This application preferably uses polytetrafluoroethylene with a surface micro-nano structure. Its rough surface can increase the surface contact area, thereby storing more charge and achieving a larger output electrical signal.

[0062] Patterned electrode materials with rectangular unit structures can provide electrical fluctuation signals for different touch locations, thereby enabling accurate tracking and positioning of the touch process.

[0063] Based on the characteristics of capacitors, capacitance is related to thickness. The greater the thickness, the larger the capacitance (d), and the smaller the capacitance. However, if the thickness is too small, charge can easily penetrate, causing the device to malfunction. Therefore, considering the above factors, in the embodiments of this application, the ideal thickness of the flexible polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film substrate is 1μm-100mm. The material can be perfluoroethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or other materials.

[0064] The electrode materials used for the upper and lower metal electrode layers can be flexibly selected from aluminum (Al), gold (Au), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), etc. The electrode can be prepared by electron beam evaporation or magnetron sputtering, and the electrode thickness can be 1nm-2μm.

[0065] Those skilled in the art should understand that the rectangular upper and lower metal electrode layer patterns in the above embodiments are only used to distinguish different touch areas to facilitate the circuit's identification of different electrical signal characteristics. The shape of this cluster should not be limited to any arbitrary form. Any other cluster capable of forming different charge distributions in different thin film regions can be applied to this application. As long as the output electrical signal of the patterned motor can be used to reconstruct the touch position through a customized learning process, the same combination lock sensor function as in the aforementioned embodiments can be achieved through this specific shape.

[0066] In summary, the password lock sensor for the flexible self-driven human-machine interface provided in this application has the following advantages:

[0067] 1. The combination lock sensor for a flexible self-driven human-machine interface of this application can be used on a flexible curved surface to achieve self-driven function. This device is simple to fabricate and is easy to use on a large scale in flexible wearable devices. Furthermore, the combination lock sensor provided by this application can directly generate charge transfer through friction between materials via micro-nano structures. It utilizes the nanogenerator mechanism, requires no separate power supply, and can be flexibly applied in various scenarios.

[0068] 2. Unlike existing combination lock sensors that primarily rely on piezoelectric or piezoresistive principles to generate signals, producing small amounts of electricity and sometimes requiring an external power source to function properly, this invention utilizes a sliding friction generator mechanism. This mechanism generates a sufficiently large electrical signal to power the device without the need for an external power source, making it easier to apply in a wider range of applications.

[0069] 3. This invention employs a dual-electrode method to achieve signal output. Compared to a single-electrode output method, this application avoids bias voltage caused by static electricity or charge on the floating electrode. Therefore, the combination lock sensor of this application can effectively improve the stability of the device signal.

[0070] 4. The patterned electrodes of this invention can be customized arbitrarily, thereby enabling any desired sliding password function. Different sliding paths and sliding methods will provide different signal values ​​to the electrical signal testing unit. The electrical signal testing unit identifies the characteristic quantities in the signal and triggers the corresponding device actuator to perform different actions, thereby realizing the unlocking or personnel identification function.

[0071] The above are merely embodiments of this application, and their descriptions are quite specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A password lock sensor for a flexible self-driving human-machine interface, characterized in that, include: The flexible substrate (3) is selected as an insulating material that is prone to gaining and losing electrons; A first metal electrode layer (1) is attached to one side surface of the flexible substrate (3); The second metal electrode layer (2) is attached to the other side surface of the flexible substrate (3); The electrical signal testing unit (5) is connected in series between the first metal electrode layer (1) and the second metal electrode layer (2) to form an electrical signal sensing circuit. When the flexible substrate (3) is touched and rubbed, it senses the charge transfer between the first metal electrode layer (1) and the second metal electrode layer (2) to generate an electrical signal, which triggers the switch (7) to open or close. During the unlocking process, the sliding module (4) touches and rubs the flexible substrate (3) and the upper surface of the first metal electrode layer (1). The sliding module (4) is made of any of the following materials: flexible polytetrafluoroethylene film, perfluoroethylene propylene copolymer, polyether ether ketone or polymethyl methacrylate. The sliding module (4) and the flexible substrate (3) are made of different materials.

2. The password lock sensor for a flexible self-driving human-machine interface as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible substrate (3) is any one of the following: flexible polytetrafluoroethylene film, perfluoroethylene propylene copolymer, polyether ether ketone or polymethyl methacrylate.

3. The password lock sensor for a flexible self-driving human-machine interface as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first metal electrode layer (1) and the second metal electrode layer (2) are one or a combination of aluminum film, gold film, copper film or silver film respectively covered on the upper and lower surfaces of the flexible substrate (3) by electron beam evaporation or magnetron sputtering.

4. The password lock sensor for a flexible self-driving human-machine interface as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first metal electrode layer (1) includes: The first electrode pin (11) has at least one end extending from the edge of the upper surface of the flexible substrate (3) to the outside; The first electrode pattern unit is arranged on the upper surface of the flexible substrate (3). The first electrode pattern units are arranged at equal intervals and electrically connected by the upper connecting arm. The outer side of each first electrode pattern unit close to the first electrode pin (11) is electrically connected to the first electrode pin (11) through parallel transverse connecting arms.

5. The password lock sensor for a flexible self-driving human-machine interface as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second metal electrode layer (2) includes: The second electrode pin (21) has at least one end extending from the edge of the lower surface of the flexible substrate (3) to the outside; The second electrode pattern units are arranged on the lower surface of the flexible substrate (3). The second electrode pattern units are arranged at equal intervals and electrically connected by the lower connecting arm. The outer side of each second electrode pattern unit close to the second electrode pin (21) is electrically connected to the second electrode pin (21) through parallel transverse connecting arms.

6. The password lock sensor for a flexible self-driving human-machine interface as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Each second electrode pattern unit is positioned directly below the space between each first electrode pattern unit, and the first electrode pattern units and the second electrode pattern units are staggered on the upper and lower sides of the flexible substrate (3). The second electrode pin (21) is located directly below the first electrode pin (11), and there is no direct electrical contact between the first electrode pin (11) and the second electrode pin (21).

7. The password lock sensor for a flexible self-driving human-machine interface as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The upper connecting arms in the first metal electrode layer (1) are parallel to each other and are connected between the diagonals of the first direction of the adjacent first electrode pattern units; The lower connecting arms in the second metal electrode layer (2) are parallel to each other and are connected between the diagonals of the second direction of the adjacent second electrode pattern units; The upper connecting arms and the lower connecting arms are arranged crosswise and have no direct electrical connection.

8. The password lock sensor for a flexible self-driving human-machine interface as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The first electrode pin (11) and the second electrode pin (21) are respectively configured as C-shaped structures surrounding the outer periphery of each first electrode pattern unit and the second electrode pattern unit. The two ends of the first electrode pin (11) and the second electrode pin (21) are parallel to the first electrode pattern unit and the second electrode pattern unit, respectively, and are disposed outside the flexible substrate (3).

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