Print Sensor

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a printed sensor, a method for detecting pressure using a printed sensor, and the printed sensor are disclosed. The printed sensor includes a first substrate including one or more electrode units and a second substrate facing the first substrate, the second substrate including a plurality of counter electrodes. The electrode unit includes a connecting electrode, a first electrode, and a second electrode, and the connecting electrode extends between the first electrode and the second electrode. The plurality of counter electrodes are distributed on the second substrate, and two or more of the plurality of counter electrodes face the opposing connecting electrode.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Luxembourg Patent Application No. LU503405, filed January 31, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a printed sensor, a method for manufacturing a printed sensor, and a method for detecting pressure using a printed sensor. [Background technology]

[0003] Printed sensors are well known to those skilled in the art. Printed sensors, made by printing conductive materials onto flexible substrates, detect and respond to physical inputs and convert them into electrical signals that can be processed, stored, or transmitted.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sensing device. The sensing device includes a substrate, a sensor ink printed on the substrate, a conductive polymer ink printed on the sensor ink, a conductive carbon paste formed on the polymer ink, and a conductive silver ink printed on the carbon paste.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a force sensor having a segmented electrode structure. In this force sensor, a portion of one of a pair of electrodes is printed on a first support sheet, and another portion of this one electrode is printed on a second sheet. When these sheets are juxtaposed, their electrode portions form a continuous electrode. The other electrode of the pair of electrodes is also formed on the first support sheet and cooperates with the one electrode to indicate that a load has been applied to the area where the two electrodes overlap each other.

[0006] Patent Document 3 discloses an implantable pressure sensor and methods for making and using the same. At least some of these pressure sensors are characterized by low drift. A further feature of a typical pressure sensor may include a flexible member mounted on a substrate, the flexible member having opposing first and second exposed surfaces and positioned near a neutral surface of the pressure sensor. These pressure sensors can be used in a variety of applications.

[0007] Patent Document 4 discloses a sensor for measuring force, a method for manufacturing the sensor, and a method for measuring force. The sensor includes a first substrate and a second substrate, both of which are arranged in a plane at a fixed distance from each other. A plurality of first electrodes are arranged inside the first substrate, spaced apart from one another at regular intervals. Furthermore, a plurality of force-sensing elements are disposed inside the first substrate and respectively cover at least a portion of the plurality of first electrodes. A second electrode is disposed on the inner side of the second substrate and extends across at least a portion of the plurality of force sensing elements. The second electrodes of the second substrate are thereby in direct contact with the plurality of force-sensing elements of the first substrate. The principle of this sensor corresponds to the general shunt mode sensor model. Patent Document 4 describes that pressure or force is detected by changing the electrical resistance due to compression of a material, which in turn changes the electrical conductivity. In this case, the direction of the current flowing through the material being compressed is parallel to the direction of the applied pressure. Therefore, the electrical resistance when no load is applied is infinite, and only with this configuration can a sufficiently large change in electrical resistance be obtained. Furthermore, it is said that the alignment of the substrates must be performed with high precision so that the force-sensing elements and electrodes coincide.

[0008] Patent Document 5 discloses a sensor and a robot equipped with a time-division type area shielding function. The sensor includes a plurality of sensor units, each having an area contained within four multi-functional layers. Four parallel plate capacitors are contained within these multi-functional layers. The multi-function layer realizes the area shielding function through time-division switching of analog switches and bus control.

[0009] Patent Document 6 discloses a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor includes at least two adjacent conductive leads arranged in a pattern on one surface of a first elastomeric carrier. The device also includes an electrically resistive layer formed of an electrically resistive composite material for shunting the at least two adjacent conductive leads. An electrically resistive layer is disposed on one side of the second elastomeric carrier. Patent Document 6 describes that pressure or force can be detected by changing the electrical resistance due to compression of a material, which in turn changes the electrical conductivity. Again, the direction of current flow through the material being compressed is parallel to the direction of the applied pressure. Therefore, the electrical resistance when no load is applied is infinite, and only with this configuration can a sufficiently large change in electrical resistance be obtained.

[0010] In order for the sensor to detect the applied pressure, the substrates of the sensor must be aligned with high precision. In sensor manufacturing, the alignment of the two substrates is often fully automated using camera systems and dedicated manufacturing equipment. Alternatively, the two substrates may be manually aligned, but this method is inefficient and expensive because it relies on the subjective judgment of the operator. Small sensor sizes result in increased manufacturing defects and associated waste.

[0011] For sensing, the sensor can be configured in thru-mode or shunt-mode. Through mode in a sensor refers to a mode of operation in which the transmission of a signal through a material is measured rather than the reflection of the signal by the material. The main advantage of through-mode sensing is that it allows direct measurement of material properties without relying on indirect measurement via reflected signals. Through-mode sensors can be designed using a variety of technologies, including ultrasonic, microwave, and optical sensors.

[0012] Shunt mode in a sensor refers to a mode of operation in which the current flowing through a material is measured rather than the voltage applied to the material. This mode is useful for detecting changes in the electrical resistance of materials, which can then detect changes in physical properties such as temperature, strain, and pressure. Shunt mode sensors can be designed using a variety of technologies, including resistive, inductive, and capacitive sensors.

[0013] Sensors, whether in through mode or shunt mode, are generally subject to two typical errors that affect accuracy and repeatability: hysteresis and drift.

[0014] Hysteresis in a print sensor refers to a phenomenon in which the output value of the sensor differs even when the input value is the same, if the direction leading to that input value is different. For example, even when the same pressure is applied to a pressure sensor, the output value may differ depending on whether the pressure is increasing or decreasing. This phenomenon occurs because the deformation of the sensor material (e.g., polymer or ink) is not instantaneous but depends on its past deformation history. As a result, a difference occurs in the sensor output when the input increases and when it decreases, forming a hysteresis loop.

[0015] Drift in a printed pressure sensor refers to the phenomenon in which the sensor output gradually changes over time. Drift in a printed sensor is characterized as the normalized resistance versus time, which indicates the change in the sensor output relative to its initial value. This value is expressed as a percentage or ratio and indicates how much the sensor output has changed over a given period of time. If the amount of drift is large, it will cause a large change in the normalized resistance, affecting the accuracy and stability of the sensor measurements. On the other hand, a small amount of drift indicates good stability and reliability of sensor performance over time.

[0016] 1A and 1B show the hysteresis of two common types of sensors: FIG. 1A is a sensor in through mode, and FIG. 1B is a sensor in shunt mode. Both sensors have approximately the same area and were measured according to the same measurement protocol. Specifically, each sensor is 2 to 500N / cm 2 and then pressurized to 0 N / cm 2 The measurements were taken under conditions where the pressure was reduced to . In Figures 1A and 1B, the 2 , 10N / cm 2 , and 100N / cm 2 The hysteresis at each pressure is summarized. The hysteresis was calculated by determining the standard deviation and average value of the resistance during pressure application and pressure reduction at each pressure. The hysteresis is expressed as a ratio of the standard deviation to the average value, expressed as a percentage of the average value. The measurement results are shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0017] Based on the measurement results in Table 1, the shunt mode sensor has better hysteresis characteristics than the through mode sensor. However, in both cases, a difference in resistance occurs between when the pressure increases and when it decreases, which forms the hysteresis loop shown in the figure.

[0018] Figures 2A and 2B show the results of applying 1 N / cm to the sensor in through mode (Figure 2A) and shunt mode (Figure 2B), respectively. 2 , 10N / cm 2 , and 100 N / cm 2 The figure shows the drift characteristics when a constant pressure of 1000 kJ is applied. The drift shown in these figures is expressed as a percentage change between the starting and ending resistance values ​​for each measurement period. The measurement results are shown in Table 2. [Table 2]

[0019] Based on the measurements in Table 2, the drift changes over time for both types of sensors. The drift is high initially and then decreases. This is because while high initial drift may occur as the sensor material adapts to the applied pressure and environment, the drift tends to decrease over time as the material stabilizes.

[0020] Repeatability is a term that describes the accuracy of a sensor's measurement when it makes repeated measurements over time for the same input. Repeatability is an index that evaluates the ability of a sensor to output consistent measurements for the same input, that is, how accurately the sensor can output the same signal under the same input conditions. For this purpose, 1 N / cm for each of the above sensors 2 , 10N / cm 2 , and 100 N / cm 2Pressure was applied 20 times for 10 seconds. The standard deviation in each cycle under the same pressure was measured and calculated as a ratio to the average value. This ratio (repeatability) is expressed as a percentage in Table 3. [Table 3] [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0021] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO2014 / 037016(A1) [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. WO1997 / 004294(A1) [Patent Document 3] US Patent No. 7073387 (B2) [Patent Document 4] International Publication WO2022 / 084308(A1) [Patent Document 5] European Patent Application Publication No. 3748320(A1) [Patent Document 6] European Patent Application Publication No. 3726191(A1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0022] It is an object of the present invention to provide a printed sensor with improved performance and repeatability over time. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sensor that is cost effective and easy to manufacture by eliminating the need for substrate alignment. The above objectives are achieved by a printed sensor. The printed sensor includes a first substrate including one or more electrode units and a second substrate facing the first substrate including a plurality of counter electrodes. The electrode unit includes a connecting electrode, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The connection electrode extends between the first electrode and the second electrode. The plurality of counter electrodes are distributed on a second substrate, and two or more of the plurality of counter electrodes face opposing connecting electrodes. Therefore, a printed sensor can be formed without the need to align two substrates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0023] In one embodiment, the distance between two adjacent electrode units is larger than the size of one of the plurality of counter electrodes. Therefore, one of the plurality of counter electrodes cannot short-circuit two adjacent electrode units. This is because the spacing is greater than the size. The elimination of the need to align the first and second substrates makes the manufacturing of the printed sensor cost-effective and easy.

[0024] In another embodiment, the size of one of the plurality of counter electrodes is smaller than the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode. Therefore, two or more of the plurality of counter electrodes may face opposing connecting electrodes, causing one or more short circuits. This short circuit affects the electrical resistance across the electrode unit, which can be measured when pressure is applied to the printed sensor. The elimination of the need to align the first and second substrates makes the manufacturing of the printed sensor cost-effective and easy.

[0025] In another embodiment, the plurality of counter electrodes are periodically distributed on the second substrate. And, by having these counter electrodes distributed periodically on the second substrate, the ability to form a printed sensor without the need for alignment with the first substrate is improved.

[0026] In another aspect, the counter electrode includes an electrode core formed of a different material than the counter electrode. This combination of different materials in the counter electrode improves the conductivity of the printed sensor.

[0027] The above object is further achieved by a method for manufacturing a printed sensor having a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate. The method includes a printing step of printing one or more electrode units on the first substrate, a counter electrode printing step of printing a plurality of counter electrodes on the second substrate, and a positioning step of positioning the second substrate on the first substrate, wherein the positioning step is performed without alignment to the first substrate, and the one or more electrode units face two or more of the plurality of counter electrodes. Therefore, a printed sensor can be formed without the need to align two substrates.

[0028] In one embodiment, the printing process for the first substrate and the printing process for the second substrate may be performed at different times. This allows the first printed substrate and the second printed substrate to be manufactured and stored separately. Thus, a printed sensor can be formed from a printed first substrate and a printed second substrate, depending on the need and application. The lack of alignment requirements between the printed first substrate and the printed second substrate makes production more cost-effective and simplifies manufacturing and logistics.

[0029] In another embodiment, the printing step of the counter electrodes is configured so that the size of each of the plurality of counter electrodes is smaller than the spacing between at least two adjacent electrode units in the printing step of the first substrate. When forming the printed sensor, each of the plurality of counter electrodes cannot short-circuit two adjacent electrode units. By positioning the printed second substrate over the printed first substrate, no alignment is required when forming the printed sensor. The elimination of the need to align the first and second substrates makes the manufacturing of the printed sensor cost-effective and easy.

[0030] In another embodiment, the counter electrode printing process is configured such that the size of one of the plurality of counter electrodes is smaller than the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode. Thus, one or more counter electrodes face the opposing connecting electrode causing a short circuit. This short circuit affects a measurable change in the electrical resistance across the electrode unit of the pressure sensor. In this way, an improved feature is achieved in that the first and second substrates do not need to be aligned when forming the printed sensor. Eliminating the need for alignment makes the manufacturing of printed sensors cost-effective and easy.

[0031] Furthermore, the above object is achieved by a pressure detection method for detecting pressure using the print sensor. The pressure detection method includes the steps of applying the pressure to one or more areas of the printed sensor, contacting one or more counter electrodes with connecting electrodes of the printed sensor in the one or more areas, generating one or more electrical circuits in the one or more areas, changing the electrical resistance of the entire electrode unit of the printed sensor between a first electrode and a second electrode in response to the pressure, and measuring the change in the electrical resistance of the entire electrode unit, which indicates the pressure applied to the printed sensor. In this configuration, each of the one or more electric circuits includes a counter resistor corresponding to the counter electrode, a contact resistor, and a second section resistor.

[0032] In one embodiment, the varying step depends on the number of electrical circuits and the amount of first section resistance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1A]1 is a pressure-resistance diagram showing hysteresis in a known through-mode sensor;

[0034] [Figure 1B] 1 is a pressure-resistance diagram showing hysteresis in a known shunt-mode sensor.

[0035] [Figure 2A] 1B is a drift diagram illustrating the drift characteristics of the known through-mode sensor of FIG. 1A;

[0036] [Figure 2B] FIG. 1C is a drift diagram illustrating drift characteristics in the known shunt mode sensor of FIG. 1B.

[0037] [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first region of the printed sensor according to the first embodiment.

[0038] [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second region of the printed sensor of FIG. 3.

[0039] [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a printed sensor according to a second embodiment.

[0040] [Figure 6A] 4 is a schematic diagram of the printed sensor of FIG. 3 with no pressure applied;

[0041] [Figure 6B] 6B is a schematic diagram of a resistor in the printed sensor of FIG. 6A.

[0042] [Figure 7A] 4 is a schematic diagram of the printed sensor of FIG. 3 when pressure is applied.

[0043] [Figure 7B] 7B is a schematic diagram of a resistor in the printed sensor of FIG. 7A.

[0044] [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a first region of the printed sensor.

[0045] [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of a second region of the printed sensor.

[0046] [Figure 10A] Pressure-resistance diagram of the printed sensor.

[0047] [Figure 10B] Drift diagram of a printed sensor.

[0048] [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing a method for manufacturing a printed sensor.

[0049] [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing a pressure detection method using a print sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. It will be understood that the embodiments and aspects of the invention described herein are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed. The invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents. It will also be appreciated that features of one aspect or embodiment of the invention may be combined with features of other aspects and / or embodiments of the invention.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first region of printed sensor 100. As shown in FIG. The first region is a region of the printed sensor 100 that includes one electrode unit 7 . The printed sensor 100 includes a first substrate 1, a second substrate 2, an electrode unit 7, and a plurality of counter electrodes 5. A plurality of counter electrodes 5 are formed on the second substrate 2 by printing and are spaced apart from one another. The multiple counter electrodes 5 are not electrically connected to each other. The electrode unit 7 includes a first electrode 3 a, a second electrode 3 b, and a connection electrode 4. The connection electrode 4 extends between the first electrode 3a and the second electrode 3b and is electrically connected to both the first electrode 3a and the second electrode 3b. The first electrode 3a and the second electrode 3b are printed electrodes for measuring the electrical resistance Ru of the entire electrode unit. The first electrode 3a, the second electrode 3b and the connection electrode 4 are not limited to silver ink, copper ink, carbon ink, etc., and may be formed of any conductive material. Between the first electrode 3a and the second electrode 3b, the electrical resistance Ru of the entire electrode unit is measured as a measurement quantity when measuring pressure.

[0052] The electrode unit 7 is formed on the first substrate 1 by printing. The second substrate 2 is positioned on the first substrate 1 so that the plurality of counter electrodes 5 faces the electrode unit 7 . The first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 may be made of any material on which an electrode material can be formed. Examples include, but are not limited to, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyimide (PI) films. The printed sensor 100 is formed by positioning a printed second substrate 2 over a printed first substrate 1 .

[0053] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a second region of printed sensor 100. As shown in FIG. The second region is a region of the printed sensor 100 that includes a plurality of electrode units 7. A plurality of electrode units 7 are provided on the first substrate 1, and two adjacent electrode units 7 are spaced apart from each other with a gap 71 therebetween. The plurality of counter electrodes 5 each have a size 51 . In one example, if the counter electrode 5 is circular, the size 51 indicates the radius of the counter electrode 5 . In another example, when the counter electrode 5 is rectangular, the size 51 indicates the length of one side of the counter electrode 5 . The size 51 is smaller than the spacing 71. Therefore, while two or more of the plurality of counter electrodes 5 face the opposing connection electrode 4, there is no counter electrode 5 that can contact two of the plurality of electrode units 7 simultaneously.

[0054] In one example, one of the plurality of counter electrodes 5 and at least a portion of another counter electrode 5 face the opposing connecting electrode 4 . Therefore, one or more short circuits occur between the counter electrodes 5 via the opposing connection electrodes 4 . This short circuit affects the electrical resistance Ru of the entire electrode unit that can be measured when pressure P is applied to the printed sensor 100 . Furthermore, since the size 51 of one of the multiple counter electrodes 5 is smaller than the distance between the first electrode 3a and the second electrode 3b, two or more of the multiple counter electrodes 5 face the opposing connection electrode 4. In other words, the width of the electrode unit 7 defined by the distance from the first electrode 3 a to the second electrode 3 b is greater than the width of two or more of the plurality of counter electrodes 5 . Therefore, the step of positioning the second substrate 2 on the first substrate 1 (S103) can be carried out without aligning the two substrates.

[0055] The second substrate 2 is positioned relative to the first substrate 1 so that the plurality of counter electrodes 5 face the plurality of electrode units 7 . In this configuration, the distance 71 between two adjacent electrode units 7 is larger than the size 51 of one of the plurality of counter electrodes 5 . Therefore, when pressure P is applied to the print sensor 100, two adjacent electrode units 7 are prevented from being short-circuited by one of the counter electrodes 5. This is because the spacing 71 is larger than the size 51 .

[0056] In one embodiment, the multiple counter electrodes 5 may each have a different size 51 . In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a plurality of counter electrodes 5 may be periodically printed and / or distributed on the second substrate 2. In another embodiment, the plurality of counter electrodes 5 may be printed and / or distributed randomly on the second substrate 2 .

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, in the printed sensor 100 according to the second embodiment, a combination of different materials may be used for the counter electrode 5 to improve conductivity. The counter electrode 5 of the printed sensor 100 according to the second embodiment includes an electrode core 6 . The electrode core 6 may be overprinted with any conductive material, including but not limited to silver ink, copper ink, carbon ink, and the like. The electrode core 6 itself may be formed from any conductive material, such as, but not limited to, silver ink, copper ink, or carbon ink, provided that the material is different from the conductive layer that is to be overprinted. In one example, the electrode core 6 may be made of silver, which is coated with carbon to form each of the plurality of counter electrodes 5 .

[0058] 6A and 6B show printed sensor 100 when no pressure P is applied. In the first embodiment, the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are spaced apart from each other so that the plurality of counter electrodes 5 and the connection electrodes 4 do not come into contact with each other. In this embodiment, no short circuit occurs between the plurality of counter electrodes 5 and the connecting electrode 4 unless pressure P is applied. On the other hand, in another embodiment, the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are spaced apart so that the plurality of counter electrodes 5 and the connection electrodes 4 are in contact with each other. In this embodiment, a short circuit is generated between the plurality of counter electrodes 5 and the connecting electrode 4, which may be zero calibrated to detect the pressure P applied later.

[0059] In FIG. 6B, printed sensor 100 is shown as a resistive circuit. Resistor R4 represents one connection electrode 4. The plurality of pair resistors R5 represent the plurality of pair electrodes 5, and each pair resistor R5 corresponds to one pair electrode 5. When no pressure P is applied to the printed sensor 100, the electrical resistance Ru of the entire electrode unit measured between the first electrode 3a and the second electrode 3b is equal to the resistance R4.

[0060] 7A and 7B show the area of ​​printed sensor 100 to which pressure P is applied. In this region, as in any other region of printed sensor 100 where pressure P is applied, multiple counter electrodes 5 and connecting electrodes 4 contact each other, creating multiple localized short circuits between them. These short circuits are shown as electrical circuits S in FIG. 7B.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7B, the printed sensor 100 is represented as a resistive circuit, and three counter electrodes 5 are in contact with the connection electrodes 4, thereby forming three electric circuits S. The initial resistance R4 shown in FIG. 6B is one or more first section resistances R4 located in the electrical circuit S. * and the second section resistor R4 ** and is divided into Each electrical circuit S has one counter resistance R5 corresponding to one counter electrode 5, one contact resistance R K , and the second section resistor R4 ** It is equipped with: Contact resistance R K The value of varies with the strength or amount of pressure P applied and has a direct effect on the electrical resistance Ru of the entire electrode unit, which varies accordingly. When pressure P is applied to the print sensor 100, the electrical resistance Ru of the entire electrode unit measured between the first electrode 3a and the second electrode 3b is calculated by multiplying the resistance of the plurality of electrical circuits S by the first section resistance R4 located between the electrical circuits S. * is equal to the sum of

[0062] As the pressure P increases, more of the counter electrodes 5 come into contact with the connecting electrodes 4 of the electrode unit 7 to form an electric circuit S, thereby changing the electric resistance Ru of the entire electrode unit. Therefore, the electrical resistance Ru of the entire electrode unit is directly proportional to the applied pressure P. Measuring the change in electrical resistance Ru across the electrode unit can indicate the pressure P applied to the printed sensor 100 .

[0063] FIG. 8 shows a schematic top view of a first region of printed sensor 100 with first substrate 1 positioned relative to second substrate 2. As shown in FIG. A plurality of counter electrodes 5 are printed and / or distributed periodically on the second substrate 2 . The electrode unit 7 is in contact with a plurality of counter electrodes 5 . The printed sensor 100 is designed such that one or more counter electrodes 5 contact the connecting electrodes 4 of the electrode unit 7 . This allows the positioning step (S103) of the second substrate 2 to be performed without aligning it with the first substrate 1 when manufacturing the printed sensor 100.

[0064] FIG. 9 shows a schematic top view of the second region of the printed sensor 100 with the first substrate 1 positioned relative to the second substrate 2. A plurality of counter electrodes 5 are printed and / or distributed periodically on the second substrate 2 . The plurality of electrode units 7 are printed and / or distributed periodically on the first substrate 1 . Therefore, the plurality of counter electrodes 5 are distributed such that each of the plurality of electrode units 7 contacts one or more counter electrodes 5 . With this configuration, it is possible to manufacture a printed sensor 100 by printing a first substrate 1 having multiple counter electrodes 5 and a second substrate 2 having multiple electrode units 7 as sheets of theoretically infinite length. By the step of positioning the second substrate 2 relative to the first substrate 1 (S103), a sensor matrix is ​​obtained. Here, alignment of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 is not required. In one example, a plurality of single printed sensors 100 can be cut out from the sensor matrix, and each single printed sensor 100 may have a different number of electrode units 7 . In another example, a first substrate 1 having a plurality of electrode units 7 and a second substrate 2 having a plurality of counter electrodes 5 may be manufactured and stored separately, so that the desired size can be individually obtained for later use.

[0065] The same hysteresis and drift measurement protocols used for the through-mode and shunt-mode sensors described above were also applied to printed sensor 100, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

[0066] FIG. 10A shows the hysteresis of the print sensor 100, where the sensor 100 is 2 to 500N / cm 2 and then pressurized to 0 N / cm 2 The measurements were taken under conditions where the pressure was reduced to . Figure 10A shows the 1N / cm 2 , 10N / cm 2 , and 100 N / cm 2 The hysteresis at each pressure is summarized. The hysteresis shown in FIG. 10A was calculated by determining the standard deviation and average value of the resistance when pressurizing and depressurizing at each pressure. Hysteresis is shown in Table 4 as the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean value, expressed as a percentage of the mean value. [Table 4]

[0067] Based on a comparison of the measurements in Table 4 with those in Table 1, printed sensor 100 exhibits clearly superior hysteresis characteristics to the through-mode and shunt-mode sensors.

[0068] Figure 10B shows the resistance of 1 N / cm 2 , 10N / cm 2 , and 100 N / cm 2 1 shows the drift when a constant pressure of 100 is applied to the print sensor 100. The drift shown in FIG. 10B is shown in Table 5 as the percentage change between the starting and ending resistance values ​​for each measurement period. [Table 5]

[0069] Based on a comparison of the measurements in Table 5 and the measurements in Table 2, printed sensor 100 exhibits significantly better drift characteristics than the through-mode and shunt-mode sensors.

[0070] The printed sensor 100 has clearly superior hysteresis and drift characteristics compared to the two sensors in the through mode and shunt mode, and therefore has significantly superior repeatability. 1N / cm for 100 print sensor 2 , 10N / cm 2 , and 100 N / cm 2 Pressure was applied 20 times for 10 seconds. The standard deviation in each cycle under the same pressure was measured and calculated as a ratio to the average value. This ratio (repeatability) is expressed as a percentage in Table 6. [Table 6]

[0071] Based on measurements performed, printed sensor 100 has been shown to have significantly improved hysteresis and drift characteristics. Improvements in two typical errors, hysteresis and drift, also improve the accuracy and repeatability of printed sensors compared to known through-mode and shunt-mode sensors. Therefore, the printed sensor 100 provides consistent and reliable measurements.

[0072] FIG. 11 shows a flow diagram for a method of manufacturing the printed sensor 100. In the first substrate printing step, a step of printing a first substrate 1 having one or more electrode units 7 (S101) is carried out. In the second substrate printing step, a step of printing a second substrate 2 having a plurality of counter electrodes 5 (S102) is carried out. In the third positioning step, the second substrate 2 is positioned on the first substrate 1 (S103). This positioning of the second substrate 2 (S103) is performed without aligning it with the first substrate 1, and in such a way that one or more electrode units 7 face the plurality of counter electrodes 5.

[0073] The printing step (S101) of the first substrate 1 and the printing step (S102) of the second substrate 2 may be performed at different times. This allows the printed first substrate 1 and the printed second substrate 2 to be manufactured and stored separately. Thus, the printed sensor 100 can be formed from a printed first substrate 1 and a printed second substrate 2, depending on the need and application.

[0074] The step of printing the plurality of counter electrodes 5 (S102) may be configured so that the size 51 of each of the plurality of counter electrodes 5 is smaller than the gap 71 between at least two electrode units 7 in the step of printing the first substrate (S101). Furthermore, the printing process (S102) of the multiple counter electrodes 5 may be configured so that the size 51 of one of the multiple counter electrodes 5 is smaller than the distance between the first electrode 3a and the second electrode 3b in one electrode unit 7. In this way, the manufacturing method for the printed sensor 100 is quick, inexpensive, and flexible to meet consumer needs, and the manufactured printed sensor 100 has high accuracy and repeatability.

[0075] FIG. 12 shows a flow diagram of a pressure detection method for detecting pressure P using the print sensor 100. In the printing process of the first substrate, pressure P is applied to one or more areas of the printed sensor 100 (S201). The application of this pressure P causes one or more counter electrodes 5 to come into contact with the connecting electrode 4 in one or more areas (S202). This contact (S202) creates one or more electrical circuits S in one or more regions (S203). One or more electrical circuits S change the electrical resistance Ru of the entire electrode unit (S204). The change in the electrical resistance Ru of the entire electrode unit is measured (S205), and the change in the electrical resistance Ru of the entire electrode unit (S204) indicates the pressure P applied to the printed sensor 100. The change in the electrical resistance Ru of the entire electrode unit (S204) depends on the number of electrical circuits S and the first section resistance R4 * Depends on the amount of The change in the electrical resistance Ru of the entire electrode unit (S204) is therefore the resistance R5 and contact resistance R K , and the second section resistor R4 ** and the number of resistors in the first section R4 * (See Figure 7B). In this way, the pressure P applied to the printed sensor 100 can be indicated by measuring (S205) the change in the electrical resistance Ru of the entire electrode unit (S204). The printed sensor 100 is capable of detecting the applied pressure P with high accuracy and repeatability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 100 Print Sensor 1. First board 2 Second board 3a...1st electrode 3b...Second electrode 4. Connection electrode 5 Counter electrode 51 Size 6 Electrode core 7. Electrode unit 71...interval P: Pressure R4...Resistance R4 * 1st section resistance R4 ** Second section resistance R5: Pair of resistors R K ...contact resistance Ru: Electrical resistance of the entire unit S Electrical Circuit

Claims

1. A printed sensor (100), The device comprises a first substrate (1) including one or more electrode units (7) and a second substrate (2) facing the first substrate (1) and including a plurality of counter electrodes (5), The electrode unit (7) includes a connection electrode (4), a first electrode (3a), and a second electrode (3b); The connection electrode (4) extends between the first electrode (3a) and the second electrode (3b), The plurality of counter electrodes (5) are distributed on the second substrate (2), A printed sensor (100) in which two or more of the plurality of counter electrodes (5) face opposite connecting electrodes (4).

2. The printed sensor (100) of claim 1, wherein a distance (71) between two adjacent electrode units (7) is greater than a size (51) of one of the plurality of counter electrodes (5).

3. The printed sensor (100) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the size (51) of one of the plurality of counter electrodes (5) is smaller than the distance between the first electrode (3a) and the second electrode (3b).

4. The printed sensor (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of counter electrodes (5) are periodically distributed on the second substrate (2).

5. The printed sensor (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the counter electrode (5) includes an electrode core (6) formed of a material different from that of the counter electrode (5).

6. A method for manufacturing a printed sensor (100) having a first substrate (1) and a second substrate (2) facing the first substrate (1), comprising: (a) a printing step (S101) of printing one or more electrode units (7) on the first substrate (1); (b) a counter electrode printing step (S102) of printing a plurality of counter electrodes (5) on the second substrate (2); (c) a positioning step (S103) of positioning the second substrate (2) on the first substrate (1), The positioning step (S103) is performed without aligning the first substrate (1), The manufacturing method, wherein the one or more electrode units (7) face two or more of the plurality of counter electrodes (5).

7. 7. The manufacturing method according to claim 6, wherein the counter electrode printing step (S102) is configured so that the size (51) of each of the plurality of counter electrodes (5) is smaller than the spacing (71) between at least two electrode units (7) in the first substrate printing step (S101).

8. 8. The manufacturing method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the counter electrode printing step (S102) is configured so that a size (51) of one of the plurality of counter electrodes (5) is smaller than a distance between the first electrode (3 a) and the second electrode (3 b).

9. A pressure detection method for detecting a pressure (P) using the print sensor (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: (a) applying the pressure (P) to one or more areas of the printed sensor (100) (S201); (b) contacting one or more counter electrodes (5) with connection electrodes (4) of the printed sensor (100) in the one or more regions (S202); (c) generating one or more electrical circuits (S) in the one or more regions (S203); (d) a change step (S204) in which the electrical resistance (Ru) of the entire electrode unit of the print sensor (100) between the first electrode (3a) and the second electrode (3b) changes in response to the pressure (P); (e) measuring (S205) the change in electrical resistance (Ru) across the electrode unit, which is indicative of the pressure (P) applied to the printed sensor (100); Each of the one or more electric circuits (S) has a counter resistance (R ５ ) and contact resistance (R Ｋ ) and the second section resistance (R ４ ＊＊ ) a pressure detection method comprising:

10. The changing step (S204) is performed by changing the number of electric circuits (S) and the first section resistance (R ４ ＊ 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the pressure sensing step depends on the amount of pressure.

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