A flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity

Abstract

The utility model provides a flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity relates to sensor technical field, including flexible base layer one, in the utility model, one aspect sets up pressure sensitive unit, adopts the elastic material layer of a plurality of different elastic modulus, utilizes its different deformation characteristics transmission pressure signal, drives piezoelectric block to produce piezoelectric effect and changes the electrical characteristics of conductive layer, through the electric signal change on the detection flexible electrode, can realize pressure gradient sensitivity detection, provides more accurate pressure perception, especially applicable to the application scene of higher precision requirement, compared with traditional pressure sensor has higher accuracy, on the other hand, set up the heat dissipation system, the heat dissipation protrusion of flexible base layer one and two outer periphery and the heat dissipation hole in the lead sheet effectively help heat dissipation, ensure that the sensor temperature keeps in the suitable range in the working process, prevent high temperature influence its performance and stability, promote the reliability and stability of sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sensor technology, and in particular to a flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity. Background Technology

[0002] In numerous technological applications, such as electronic skin, biomedical monitoring, intelligent robotics, and aerospace, accurate pressure sensing and monitoring are crucial. Flexible pressure sensor arrays, as a key device capable of capturing pressure distribution and changes in real time with precision, have become a research hotspot in these fields. They not only need to possess the basic functions of traditional pressure sensors—sensing pressure magnitude—but also must be able to adapt to complex and varied curved surfaces, achieving good fit with irregular surfaces. Furthermore, they must possess high sensitivity, a wide detection range, and excellent stability and reliability to meet the stringent pressure detection requirements of different scenarios.

[0003] Existing devices and traditional sensors can only achieve a single level of pressure sensing and cannot accurately distinguish subtle differences in pressure changes. For some applications that require high-precision gradient pressure detection, such as monitoring minute physiological pressure changes in the human body in biomedicine, it is difficult to provide accurate and reliable data.

[0004] Therefore, we propose a flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity, which achieves high-precision pressure sensing and temperature control through multi-layer elastic materials and a heat dissipation system, thereby improving the accuracy, reliability and stability of the sensor and solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: A flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity includes a flexible substrate layer, a flexible electrode layer is disposed at the bottom of the flexible substrate layer, and a plurality of pressure-sensitive units are disposed at the bottom of the flexible electrode layer in an array. A flexible substrate layer 2 is disposed directly below the first flexible substrate layer. A lead sheet 1 and a lead sheet 2 are disposed on corresponding sides of the first flexible substrate layer and the second flexible substrate layer. The lead sheet 2 is disposed directly below the lead sheet 1. Heat dissipation holes are provided inside the lead sheet 1 and the outer periphery of the first flexible substrate layer and the second flexible substrate layer are provided with heat dissipation protrusions.

[0007] Preferably, a second flexible electrode is disposed directly below the first flexible electrode, and the top of the first flexible electrode is connected to the bottom of a second lead wire.

[0008] Preferably, the bottom of the second flexible electrode is connected to the top of the second lead sheet, and a piezoelectric block is provided on the corresponding side of the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode.

[0009] Preferably, the pressure-sensitive unit includes an elastic material layer and a conductive layer, wherein the elastic material layer is disposed at both ends of the piezoelectric block.

[0010] Preferably, a conductive layer is connected to the side of the elastic material layer away from the piezoelectric block.

[0011] Preferably, one of the conductive layers is connected to the bottom of the first flexible electrode on the side away from the elastic material layer, and the other conductive layer is connected to the top of the second flexible electrode on the side away from the first flexible electrode.

[0012] Preferably, a telescopic dustproof cover is provided on one side of each of the two lead wire pieces 2, the top of the telescopic dustproof cover is connected to the bottom of one lead wire piece 2, and the bottom of one telescopic dustproof cover is connected to the top of the lead wire piece 2.

[0013] Preferably, a connecting line is provided between each pair of adjacent flexible electrodes, a transition line is provided on one side of each flexible electrode, and a conductive lead is connected to the end of the transition line away from the flexible electrode.

[0014] Preferably, both the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode are disposed inside the telescopic dustproof cover, and a plug is provided at the top of one end of the first flexible base layer.

[0015] Preferably, a connecting line 2 is provided between each pair of adjacent flexible electrodes 2, and a transition line 2 is provided on both sides of the flexible electrodes 2, with conductive leads 2 connected to the two ends of the transition line 2 away from the flexible electrodes 2.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: In this invention, on the one hand, a pressure-sensitive unit is provided, employing multiple elastic material layers with different elastic moduli. These layers utilize their varying deformation characteristics to transmit pressure signals, driving a piezoelectric block to generate a piezoelectric effect and altering the electrical properties of the conductive layer. By detecting changes in the electrical signal on the flexible electrode, pressure gradient sensitivity detection can be achieved, providing more accurate pressure sensing. This is particularly suitable for applications requiring high precision, offering higher accuracy compared to traditional pressure sensors. On the other hand, a heat dissipation system is incorporated. The heat dissipation protrusions on the outer periphery of the first and second flexible substrate layers and the heat dissipation holes within the lead wire effectively aid in heat dissipation, ensuring that the sensor's temperature remains within a suitable range during operation. This prevents high temperatures from affecting its performance and stability, thereby improving the sensor's reliability and stability. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity provided by this utility model; Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the overall structure of a flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity provided by this utility model; Figure 3 A disassembled view of the overall structure of a flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity provided by this utility model; Figure 4 This is a partial structural cutaway diagram of a flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity provided by this utility model.

[0018] Legend: 1. Flexible substrate layer one; 2. Flexible electrode one; 3. Pressure-sensitive unit; 4. Flexible substrate layer two; 5. Lead sheet one; 6. Lead sheet two; 7. Plug; 8. Flexible electrode two; 9. Piezoelectric block; 10. Elastic material layer; 11. Conductive layer; 12. Telescopic dustproof cover; 13. Connecting wire one; 14. Transition wire one; 15. Conductive lead one; 16. Connecting wire two; 17. Transition wire two; 18. Conductive lead two. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0020] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more comprehensive description of this utility model will be provided below with reference to relevant embodiments, and several embodiments of this utility model are given. However, this utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to make the disclosure of this utility model more thorough and complete.

[0021] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Example

[0023] like Figure 1-4 As shown, this utility model provides a technical solution: a flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity, including a flexible substrate layer 1, a flexible electrode 2 disposed at the bottom of the flexible substrate layer 1, and multiple pressure-sensitive units 3 arranged in an array at the bottom of the flexible electrode 2; a flexible substrate layer 4 disposed directly below the flexible substrate layer 1, and lead sheets 5 and 6 disposed on corresponding sides of the flexible substrate layer 1 and the flexible substrate layer 4, with the lead sheet 6 disposed directly below the lead sheet 5. Both the lead sheet 5 and the lead sheet 6 have heat dissipation holes inside, and heat dissipation protrusions are provided on the outer periphery of both the flexible substrate layer 1 and the flexible substrate layer 4. When external pressure is applied to the sensor array... When pressure is applied, the pressure acts on the pressure-sensitive unit 3. Since the pressure-sensitive unit 3 is distributed in an array, each unit can independently sense the pressure change. Flexible substrate layer 1 and flexible substrate layer 4 provide support for the entire structure. At the same time, the heat dissipation protrusions on its outer periphery and the heat dissipation holes inside the lead piece 5 and lead piece 6 help to dissipate the heat generated during the operation of the sensor, ensuring that the sensor works in a suitable temperature environment. After the pressure-sensitive unit 3 senses the pressure, its electrical characteristics change, and the signal is transmitted through the flexible electrode 2. The lead piece 5 and lead piece 6 play the role of guiding and connecting the circuit, further transmitting the signal to the subsequent processing circuit.

[0024] A flexible electrode 2 is positioned directly below the flexible electrode 2. The top of the flexible electrode 2 is connected to the bottom of a lead sheet 2 6, and the bottom of the flexible electrode 2 is connected to the top of a lead sheet 2 6. A piezoelectric block 9 is positioned on the corresponding side of the flexible electrodes 2 and 2. When pressure is applied to the sensor array, the pressure is transmitted to the pressure-sensitive unit 3, and then acts on the piezoelectric block 9. Under pressure, the piezoelectric block 9 generates a piezoelectric effect, resulting in a redistribution of charge within it, thus creating a potential difference at both ends. The flexible electrodes 2 and 2 are respectively connected to the piezoelectric block 9. The two ends are connected to lead out the electrical signal generated by the piezoelectric block 9. The second lead piece 6 is connected to the first flexible electrode 2 and the second flexible electrode 8, which further transmits the electrical signal for subsequent signal processing and analysis. By detecting changes in the electrical signal, the magnitude and distribution of the applied pressure can be determined. The pressure-sensitive unit 3 includes an elastic material layer 10 and a conductive layer 11. The elastic material layer 10 is disposed at both ends of the piezoelectric block 9. The elastic material layer 10 is composed of multiple elastic materials with different elastic moduli, stacked sequentially in order of increasing or decreasing elastic modulus. The elastic material layers 10 are tightly connected by physical adhesion. A conductive layer 11 is connected to the side of the elastic material layer 10 away from the piezoelectric block 9. One conductive layer 11 is connected to the bottom of the flexible electrode 2 on the side away from the elastic material layer 10, and another conductive layer 11 is connected to the top of the flexible electrode 8 away from the side away from the flexible electrode. When pressure is applied to the pressure-sensitive unit 3, the elastic material layer 10 is the first to be contacted. Because the elastic material layer 10 is composed of multiple elastic materials with different elastic moduli, materials with different elastic moduli respond differently to pressure. Under pressure, materials with different elastic moduli react differently. The material layer undergoes varying degrees of deformation, which is transmitted to the piezoelectric block 9, causing it to produce a corresponding piezoelectric effect. Simultaneously, the deformation of the elastic material layer 10 alters its contact state with the conductive layer 11, thereby affecting the electrical properties of the conductive layer 11. The conductive layer 11 transmits this electrical change to the flexible electrode 2 and the flexible electrode 8. By detecting the changes in electrical signals on the flexible electrode 2 and the flexible electrode 8, gradient sensitivity detection of pressure can be achieved based on the response characteristics of material layers with different elastic moduli, enabling more accurate perception of the magnitude and distribution of pressure.

[0025] A telescopic dustproof cover 12 is provided on one side of each of the two lead pieces 2 6. The top of the telescopic dustproof cover 12 is connected to the bottom of one lead piece 2 6, and the bottom of the other telescopic dustproof cover 12 is connected to the top of the lead piece 2 6. During the operation of the sensor array, the telescopic dustproof cover 12 plays a role in protecting the internal structure. It can prevent dust, impurities and other contaminants from entering the sensor and avoid these foreign objects from affecting the pressure sensitive unit 3, flexible electrodes and other components, thus ensuring the normal operation of the sensor. When the sensor is deformed by pressure, the telescopic dustproof cover 12 can extend and retract with the movement of the lead piece 2 6, and will not be damaged due to the deformation of the sensor, thus maintaining a good dustproof effect and providing a relatively clean working environment for the sensor.

[0026] A connecting line 13 is provided between each pair of adjacent flexible electrodes 2. A transition line 14 is provided on one side of each flexible electrode 2. The end of the transition line 14 away from the flexible electrode 2 is connected to a conductive lead 15. When the pressure-sensitive unit 3 senses a pressure change and transmits an electrical signal through the flexible electrode 2, the connecting line 13 can connect and transmit the signals between adjacent flexible electrodes 2, realizing the integration of signals from multiple pressure-sensitive units 3. The transition line 14 plays a transition and guiding role, smoothly transmitting the signal on the flexible electrode 2 to the conductive lead 15. The conductive lead 15 is responsible for further transmitting the signal to the external processing circuit for amplification, filtering, analysis, and other processing to obtain accurate pressure information. A connecting line 16 is provided between adjacent flexible electrodes 2 8, and a transition line 17 is provided on both sides of the flexible electrode 2 8. The two ends of the transition line 17 away from the flexible electrode 2 8 are connected to conductive leads 18. Similar to the signal transmission principle of the flexible electrode 2, when pressure causes the flexible electrode 2 8 to generate an electrical signal, the connecting line 16 connects and transmits the signals between adjacent flexible electrodes 2 8, realizing the integration of multiple related signals. The transition line 17 guides the signal on the flexible electrode 2 8 to the conductive lead 18, and the conductive lead 18 transmits the signal to the external processing circuit. By processing and analyzing these signals, pressure-related information can be obtained more comprehensively and accurately. Combined with the signal transmitted by the flexible electrode 2, the accuracy and reliability of pressure detection are further improved.

[0027] Both flexible electrode 12 and flexible electrode 28 are housed inside the telescopic dustproof enclosure 12. A plug 7 is provided at the top of one end of the flexible base layer 1. The telescopic dustproof enclosure 12 provides dust protection for flexible electrode 12 and flexible electrode 28, preventing external dust and other impurities from affecting them and ensuring the stability of the electrodes' conductivity. When the sensor array is subjected to pressure, flexible electrode 12 and flexible electrode 28 will change accordingly with the deformation of the pressure-sensitive unit 3. The telescopic characteristics of the telescopic dustproof enclosure 12 prevent it from restricting this change of the electrodes. The plug 7 is used to connect the sensor array to an external circuit. Through the plug 7, the electrical signals generated by the sensor can be transmitted to external devices for further processing, display, and storage, thereby realizing the function of pressure detection and monitoring.

[0028] The working process of this utility model: Step 1: When external pressure is applied to the sensor array, the pressure first acts on the pressure-sensitive units 3 arranged in an array at the bottom of the flexible electrode 2. Due to the special structure of the pressure-sensitive unit 3, the pressure is further transmitted to the elastic material layer 10 inside it. The elastic material layer 10 is composed of various elastic materials with different elastic moduli stacked in a certain order. Materials with different elastic moduli respond differently to pressure and begin to deform to different degrees under the action of pressure. In step two, the deformation of the elastic material layer 10 is transmitted to the piezoelectric blocks 9 disposed at both ends, causing the piezoelectric blocks 9 to generate a piezoelectric effect, redistributing the internal charge and forming a potential difference at both ends. At the same time, the deformation of the elastic material layer 10 also changes the contact state between it and the connected conductive layer 11, thereby affecting the electrical characteristics of the conductive layer 11. The conductive layer 11 transmits this electrical change to the flexible electrode 1-2 and flexible electrode 2-8 connected to it. The flexible electrode 1-2 and flexible electrode 2-8 are respectively connected to both ends of the piezoelectric block 9, which can extract the electrical signal generated by the piezoelectric block 9. Step 3: Electrical signals begin to be transmitted on flexible electrode 12 and flexible electrode 28. Connecting line 13 between adjacent flexible electrodes 12 connects and transmits the signals between them, integrating the signals from multiple pressure-sensitive units 3. Transition line 14 on one side of flexible electrode 12 smoothly transmits the signal to conductive lead 15, which then transmits the signal to the external processing circuit. Similarly, connecting line 216 between adjacent flexible electrodes 28 integrates the signals between them. Transition line 217 on both sides of flexible electrode 28 guides the signal to conductive lead 218, which also transmits the signal to the external processing circuit. The external processing circuit amplifies, filters, and analyzes the received signal to obtain accurate pressure information, enabling pressure detection and monitoring. Meanwhile, the plug 7 at the top of one end of flexible substrate layer 1 connects the sensor array to the external circuit, ensuring that the signal can be successfully transmitted to the external device.

[0029] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity, comprising a flexible substrate layer (1), characterized in that: The bottom of the flexible substrate layer (1) is provided with a flexible electrode (2), and the bottom of the flexible electrode (2) is provided with a plurality of pressure-sensitive units (3) arranged in an array. A flexible substrate layer 2 (4) is disposed directly below the first flexible substrate layer (1). A lead sheet 1 (5) and a lead sheet 2 (6) are disposed on the corresponding side of the first flexible substrate layer (1) and the second flexible substrate layer 2 (4). The lead sheet 2 (6) is disposed directly below the lead sheet 1 (5). Heat dissipation holes are provided inside the lead sheet 1 (5) and the lead sheet 2 (6). Heat dissipation protrusions are provided on the outer periphery of the first flexible substrate layer (1) and the second flexible substrate layer 2 (4).

2. The flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity according to claim 1, characterized in that: A flexible electrode 2 (8) is disposed directly below the first flexible electrode (2), and the top of the first flexible electrode (2) is connected to the bottom of a second lead wire (6).

3. A flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the second flexible electrode (8) is connected to the top of a second lead sheet (6), and a piezoelectric block (9) is provided on the corresponding side of the first flexible electrode (2) and the second flexible electrode (8).

4. A flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure-sensitive unit (3) includes an elastic material layer (10) and a conductive layer (11), wherein the elastic material layer (10) is disposed at both ends of the piezoelectric block (9).

5. A flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity according to claim 4, characterized in that: The elastic material layer (10) is connected to a conductive layer (11) on the side away from the piezoelectric block (9).

6. A flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity according to claim 5, characterized in that: One of the conductive layers (11) is connected to the bottom of the first flexible electrode (2) on the side away from the elastic material layer (10), and the other of the conductive layers (11) is connected to the top of the second flexible electrode (8) away from the top.

7. A flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity according to claim 1, characterized in that: A telescopic dustproof cover (12) is provided on one side of each of the two lead wire pieces (6). The top of the telescopic dustproof cover (12) is connected to the bottom of one lead wire piece (6), and the bottom of one telescopic dustproof cover (12) is connected to the top of the lead wire piece (6).

8. A flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity according to claim 1, characterized in that: A connecting line (13) is provided between each pair of adjacent flexible electrodes (2), and a transition line (14) is provided on one side of the flexible electrode (2). A conductive lead (15) is connected to the end of the transition line (14) away from the flexible electrode (2).

9. A flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first flexible electrode (2) and the second flexible electrode (8) are located inside the telescopic dustproof enclosure (12), and a plug (7) is provided at the top of one end of the first flexible base layer (1).

10. A flexible pressure sensor array with gradient sensitivity according to claim 2, characterized in that: A connecting line 2 (16) is provided between each pair of adjacent flexible electrodes 2 (8), and a transition line 2 (17) is provided on both sides of the flexible electrodes 2 (8). The two ends of the transition line 2 (17) away from the flexible electrodes 2 (8) are connected to conductive leads 2 (18).

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