Sensors and sensor tapes

Abstract

The present invention is a sensor (10) comprising a first layer having at least a first group of signal paths (110), wherein an electronic circuit (115) is configured to detect a first influence on the signal paths (110) based on signals read on the signal paths (110) and to identify the location of the first influence based on the read signals, and comprises at least a secondary sensing means (200) provided between at least two signal paths (110) or on at least one signal path (110) for detecting a second influence thereof, wherein the electronic circuit (115) is further configured to generate a state signal based on signals received from the signal paths (110) to which the secondary sensing means (200) is connected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor including a first layer having at least a first signal path group. An electronic circuit is configured to detect a damaged signal path based on a signal read on the signal path and identify a damage location based on the detected signal path. Preferably, the present invention relates to a sensor including at least two or more different signal path layers, and the electronic circuit detects readings from two different layers individually or simultaneously, and based on the individually or simultaneously detected signal path, modalities such as damage and the positions of further modalities such as temperature, pressure, fire, water leakage, humidity, etc. are identified. Thus, in particular, the present invention preferably relates to one or more sensor means embedded in respective sensor tapes and arranged to detect one or more modalities such as damage, temperature, fire, water leakage, pressure, liquid, humidity, vapor, gas, and mixtures thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Some products and devices need to constantly monitor physical and / or chemical factors that affect them. Such products and devices may include high-value items such as satellites, military vehicles, liquid fuel storage facilities, EV battery packs, aircraft, ships, automobiles, etc. Furthermore, clothing and prosthetics that monitor body temperature, humidity, body contact or the location of an impact may also be applicable.

[0003] Physical effects or damage and their locations can be detected using a security tape in which wires are incorporated. The same applies to chemical effects or damage.

[0004] WO 2014 / 195756 A1 discloses a security tape comprising a mesh sensor strip that functions as a single continuous signal path by weaving in or otherwise providing filaments. These filaments may be electrical wiring or optical fibers that transmit electrical signals or optical signals, respectively. The mesh sensor strip and adhesive layer can be cut to any length, and each end of the filaments can be connected to a corresponding connector unit. One connector unit is connected to a signal source, and the other connector unit is connected to a signal receiver. A break in the filament causes a loss of continuous conductivity, resulting in a loss of signal reception by the receiver, in which case an alarm condition is indicated. The security tape protects against both intrusion and extrusion events that cross the volumetric space boundary of the signal path and trigger an alarm indication.

[0005] US 8531292 B2 discloses a panel containing a container device in which electrical fibers capable of detecting intrusion through the container wall are embedded in the wall. The electrical circuit extends across one surface of the panel in the x and y directions in a grid arrangement that covers the entire panel. In this arrangement, the optical or electrical path is established through the grid, and intrusion is detected when the fiber or wire breaks. The arrangement of electrical paths along horizontal and vertical lines is one grid pattern. Furthermore, the optical or electrical path is established through the grid, and intrusion is detected when the fiber or wire breaks.

[0006] Other physical factors such as humidity, liquid exposure, temperature, and pressure are monitored using separate sensors installed near or inside the container of such product or apparatus. The present invention, with the sensing means and / or sensor tapes disclosed herein, can also detect one or more chemical damages, such as acid spills or spills of harmful fluids. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0007] This invention relates to a sensor and a sensor tape that bring new advantages to the related technical field.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a sensor and sensor tape capable of monitoring physical damage and at least one other physical factor to a product or device to which the sensor is attached. Similarly, physical and / or chemical damage may also be detected in the context of the present invention.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, additionally or alternatively, physical and / or chemical damage may also be caused by corrosive chemicals, corrosive liquids, or corrosive vapors / gases. This is detectable in the context of the present invention, as is the case with general physical damage.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor capable of monitoring physical damage, humidity, liquid exposure, temperature, and pressure. However, the present invention is not limited to chemical damage such as acid leaks or leaks of harmful gases and / or fluids. Specifically, corrosive chemicals and gases may be detected by one or more sensing means and / or sensor tapes of the present invention. Such corrosive chemicals and gases may corrode electrical wiring, such as the sensing means and / or sensor tape, resulting in the disconnection of the electrical wiring and the generation of signals, such as signal paths.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor capable of monitoring the location of physical factors.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor capable of monitoring the location of chemical factors.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor capable of monitoring the location of physical and chemical factors.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide sensors and sensor tapes with improved physical flexibility.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor and sensor tape with improved elasticity.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor and a sensor tape having a curing structure.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a temperature-sensing sensor and a sensor tape.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pressure-sensing sensor and a sensor tape.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid-sensing sensor and a sensor tape.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor and sensor tape for detecting water leaks.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor and a sensor tape for sensing gases, preferably corrosive gases.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor and a sensor tape for sensing steam, preferably corrosive steam.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a humidity-sensing sensor and a sensor tape.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor and sensor tape for sensing a mixture of any partial combination of the modalities described above.

[0025] To achieve the above object and the objects made clear in the detailed description below, the present invention relates to a sensor including a first layer having at least a first signal path group. An electronic circuit is configured to detect a damaged signal path based on a signal read on the signal path and identify a damage position based on the read signal. Therefore, it is characterized by including at least one secondary sensing means provided between at least two signal paths or on at least one signal path. Further, the electronic circuit is configured to generate a status signal based on a signal received from a signal path to which the secondary sensing means is connected. Thereby, in addition to physical damage, it becomes possible to monitor other physical factors with the same structure.

[0026] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a sensor and / or sensor tape including at least three layers having at least three independent signal path groups. An electronic circuit is configured to detect three different modalities such as fire, humidity, and acid leakage from the at least three signal paths based on the signals read from the signal paths, and thereby independently identify the positions of fire, humidity, and acid leakage based on the read signals. Thereby, in addition to physical effects, chemical effects or other appropriately detectable modalities can also be monitored independently of each other with the same structure.

[0027] In the context of the present invention, the term "modality / modalities" or similar terms refers to a specific cause of damage to the sensing means and / or sensor tape of the present invention, that is, a physical and / or chemical effect, and is present, experienced, or manifested by a product in which the sensing means and / or sensor tape of the present invention is partially or fully implemented.

[0028] A possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the secondary sensing means includes a secondary signal path provided between at least two signal paths or on one signal path having a non-conductive section suitable for enabling signal transmission when exposed to a conductive fluid.

[0029] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the non-conductive section is a gap.

[0030] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the non-conductive section includes a porous material suitable for at least partially absorbing the conductive fluid.

[0031] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the porous material is a sponge.

[0032] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the porous material is a fabric.

[0033] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the electronic circuit is configured to apply a current to one signal path and measure the flow of current between at least two signal paths.

[0034] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of sub-signal paths are provided between at least two signal paths.

[0035] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the electronic circuit is further configured to generate a signal indicating the liquid exposure level based on the detected current flow. Thereby, it becomes possible to calculate the humidity level or the liquid exposure level.

[0036] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized as follows. At least one signal path includes a first thermocouple section containing a first metal and a second thermocouple section containing a second metal and connected to the first thermocouple section via a junction point, where the first metal is different from the second metal. The first thermocouple section and the second thermocouple section are provided between the first end and the second end of the signal path. The electronic circuit is configured to measure the voltage between the first end and the second end of the signal path and generate a status signal indicating the temperature of the junction point.

[0037] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the first thermocouple section is the first half of a signal path, and the second thermocouple section is the second half of the signal path.

[0038] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the metal is selected from a group of metals used to form A, B, E, J, K, N, R, S, or T type thermocouples. The group of metals consists of noble metals, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and metalloids.

[0039] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the secondary sensing means is a thermistor provided between at least two signal paths that electrically connect a first signal path and a second signal path, or provided on one signal path.

[0040] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the electronic circuit is configured to apply a current to one end of a thermistor, measure the current at the other end of the thermistor, and generate a state signal indicating the temperature of the thermistor.

[0041] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the thermistor is plate-shaped.

[0042] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized by: including a third layer having a first electrode and a second electrode; a pressure-sensitive conductive sheet provided between the first electrode and the second electrode; an electronic circuit configured to apply a current to the first electrode or the second electrode and measure the current flow between the first electrode and the second electrode; generating a state signal indicating the pressure applied to the pressure-sensitive conductive sheet based on the measured current; thereby enabling the detection of pressure applied to a product or device; and also enabling the detection of whether the object to which the sensor is attached is bent.

[0043] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that at least a second layer has a second group of signal paths, where the first and second groups of signal paths extend along different axes such that they form a mesh-like configuration when the first and second layers are applied in overlapping layers.

[0044] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the signal path is arranged along at least two of the x, y, and z axes.

[0045] The present invention also relates to a sensor tape having any of the above-described sensor embodiments.

[0046] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including an adhesive layer.

[0047] The present invention also relates to a sensor plate having any of the above-described sensor embodiments.

[0048] The present invention also includes a package comprising any of the sensor embodiments described above.

[0049] The present invention is also a product having any of the sensor embodiments described above.

[0050] The present invention is also a product having any of the embodiments of the sensor and / or sensor tape described herein.

[0051] In addition, or alternatively, the thermocouple and / or thermistor and / or pressure sensing unit of the present invention may also be used to detect physical damage in the event that no electrical signal is transmitted at all from the first end to the second end. Part or all of the signal path may be the meandering pattern of the present invention for additional detection of physical damage.

[0052] In addition, or alternatively, the thermistor of the present invention may be in a lumpy or bulging form, of appropriate size, so as not to affect the function of other sensors or the application of sensor tapes, plates, or product housings.

[0053] According to the present invention, the sensor tape and / or sensing means do not necessarily have a smooth surface. Rather, in one embodiment, the sensor tape and / or sensing means of the present invention may have an irregular surface. For example, if a plurality of thermistors are bulging or lumpy, it will be bulging, but is not limited to this. Similarly, an irregular surface having protrusions of some shape on its surface may form a non-smooth surface of a specific shape. In that case, the transition of shape may be smooth. For example, it may transition from a gently bulging shape to a densely bulging shape, or vice versa, or a mixture of these shapes may be scattered across the entire surface of the sensor tape and / or sensing means. With this in mind, having a smooth surface is one option of the present invention regarding the sensor tape and / or sensing means, but it is not an essential feature.

[0054] Therefore, the irregularities provided on the surface of the sensor tape and / or sensing means do not necessarily have to be uniform. Rather, large and small thermistor bulges, etc., may be unevenly scattered across the entire surface as sensing means.

[0055] Rather, in the context of the present invention, functionality provided by a combination of at least two different sensing means is preferred, and the goal is not to provide a uniform surface on the sensor tape and / or sensing means.

[0056] Therefore, the sensor tape and / or sensing means of the present invention may be provided in a variety of forms and shapes, and is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor tape may be provided as an elastic adhesive or elastic tape that can be manufactured in a desired length, fragment and shape at a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional level.

[0057] In addition, or alternatively, the sensor tape and / or sensing means of the present invention may have a functional surface, such as an extruded surface, that forms one or more cavities that can function as reservoirs for absorbing ambient moisture, such as moisture from the ambient air condensed on the surface of the sensor tape and / or sensing means.

[0058] In addition, or alternatively, the sensor tape and / or sensing means of the present invention may have a functional surface, such as an extruded surface, that forms one or more shapes that can function as reservoirs for promoting the evaporation of ambient moisture on the surface of the sensor tape and / or sensing means.

[0059] Overall, in the context of the present invention, the sensor tape requires at least one sensing means to sense one modality such as damage, pressure, temperature, liquid, vapor, gas, fire, or humidity. However, in the context of the present invention, sensing / detection of at least two or more modalities such as damage, pressure, temperature, liquid, fire, vapor, gas, or humidity is preferred. Also in the context of the present invention, the modality first detected by the sensing means and / or sensor tape of the present invention does not necessarily have to be physical damage. Chemical damage or humidity can also be the first detected modality and may be combined with any other modality that a person skilled in the art could conceive of in the context of the present invention.

[0060] Furthermore, the inventors of the present invention foresee several methods for mounting the sensor and / or sensor tape of the present invention. For example, the sensor and / or sensor tape may be fully or partially embedded in a product, such as a product housing, so as to be fully embedded in an aircraft fuel tank. In this case, the sensor and / or sensor tape may be fully or partially elastic. In addition, or instead, the sensor and / or sensor tape may be fully or partially cured. In addition, or instead, the sensor and / or sensor tape may be provided fully or partially in a plate-like form. Within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a combination of all of the above described in this paragraph may be provided.

[0061] Accordingly, the present invention also provides all suitable partial combinations of the above-disclosed contents. For example, a partial combination of fire detection and water leak detection may exist within the same sensor tape. In this case, the areas for fire detection and water leak detection may be separate or mixed, and may differ in size and configuration. However, each sensing means is arranged such that failure to detect one modality (e.g., fire or water leak) does not affect the detection of the other modality. That is, even if a fire detection malfunction occurs, water leak detection remains functional due to the structure and arrangement of separate sensing means within the same sensor tape. For example, the sensing means for different modalities may be arranged so that one malfunctioning detection modality can be easily replaced with a new spare part for the working sensing means. To put this into concrete terms, in a sensor tape for an aircraft fuel tank, a malfunction in the liquid sensing means does not affect the fire detection means remaining in the same sensor tape. This is achieved, for example, when embedded in an aircraft fuel tank, by arranging and configuring separate sensing means within the sensor tape as disclosed herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0062] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the sensor. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the sensor. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a signal path with a meandering section. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows one embodiment of a humidity / liquid sensing means. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the humidity / liquid sensing means. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the pressure sensing means. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a sensor having a meandering section, humidity / liquid sensing means, pressure sensing means, and temperature sensing means. Furthermore, Figure 7 shows a damage detection region (see (201)). [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a sensor tape. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the sensor plate. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0063] In this specification, examples are used to illustrate the subject matter, solely for the purpose of making it easier to understand; however, these examples are not intended to be limiting.

[0064] The present invention relates to a sensor (10) suitable for detecting damage, damage location, and secondary physical properties such as humidity, liquid exposure, pressure, or temperature. Similarly, the first or second property may be a chemical effect such as acid leakage.

[0065] Referring to Figure 1, the sensor (10) includes a first layer and a plurality of parallel-connected signal paths (110) provided on the first layer. An electronic circuit (115) is connected to the signal paths (110). The electronic circuit (115) is configured to read signals on the signal paths (110). The electronic circuit (115) is configured to generate a signal if the signal paths (110) are broken, indicating damage and the location of the damage. The sensor further includes a secondary sensing means (200) connected between at least the first signal path (111) and the second signal path (112). Referring to Figure 2, in one possible embodiment, the secondary sensing means (200) is provided on a third signal path (113). The electronic circuit (115) is configured to generate a state signal indicating secondary physical characteristics.

[0066] In one possible embodiment, the electronic circuit (115) may be configured to apply current from one end of the signal path (110) and read the current from the other end of the signal path (110). If the signal path (110) is broken, the electronic circuit (115) detects the damage when no current is read on the damaged signal path (110).

[0067] The electronic circuit (115) may include components for measuring current, applying current, and calculating values ​​based on a measurement signal or a transmission signal. The electronic circuit (115) may also include integrated circuits and other well-known components to provide the functionality required for the present invention.

[0068] Referring to Figure 3, in one possible embodiment, the signal path (110) includes a meandering section (204) in which the signal path (110) meanders to cover a wider area. The meandering section (204) is provided as a thin wire that can break when exposed to an influence. If an adjacent meandering section (204) of a parallel signal path (110) is damaged, the location of the damage can be detected more accurately.

[0069] Referring to Figure 4, the secondary sensing means (200) may also be a humidity / liquid sensing means (201). In one possible embodiment, a plurality of sub-signal paths (210) are provided between at least the first signal path (111) and the second signal path (112). The sub-signal paths (210) include a non-conductive section (211). The electronic circuit (115) is configured to apply a current to one end of the sub-signal path (210) and measure the current flow at the other end of the sub-signal path (210). The electronic circuit (115) is configured to generate a state signal in response to the measured current. When a conductive liquid such as water fills the non-conductive section and both ends of the sub-signal path (210) are connected, a current flows, and the electronic circuit (115) generates a state signal indicating liquid exposure.

[0070] In one possible embodiment, the non-conductive section (211) is a gap. Referring to Figure 4, the multiple sub-signal paths (210) are provided in a comb-like manner, extending from one signal path (110) to another without touching the other signal paths (110) or the other sub-signal paths (110)(210). Thus, multiple gaps are provided between the sub-signal paths (210).

[0071] Referring to Figure 5, the secondary sensing means (200) may also be a humidity / liquid sensing means (201). In this embodiment, the non-conductive section (211) is a gap, and the porous material (212) is provided to enclose the non-conductive section (211). The porous material (212) is suitable for absorbing liquid when exposed to liquid. When moisture or liquid accumulates around the non-conductive section (211), the porous material (212) absorbs it. Once the porous material (212) has absorbed the liquid, the non-conductive material is filled, providing a connection for current to flow.

[0072] In one possible embodiment, the porous material (212) is a sponge. In another possible embodiment, the porous material (212) is a fabric.

[0073] Referring to Figure 6, in one possible embodiment, the secondary sensing means (200) may be a pressure sensing means (203). Furthermore, the secondary sensing means (200) includes a first electrode (310) and a second electrode (320), with a pressure-sensitive conductive sheet (330) provided between the first electrode (310) and the second electrode (320). The electronic circuit (115) is configured to apply a current to one electrode and measure the flow of current from the other electrode. Since the resistance of the pressure-sensitive conductive sheet (330) changes based on the pressure applied thereto, the current flowing through the pressure-sensitive conductive sheet also changes accordingly. Thus, pressure estimation may be achieved by the electronic circuit (115). The pressure sensing means (203) may be provided on the signal path (110) or between two signal paths (110). In one possible embodiment, the pressure sensing means (203) may be provided as another layer to be placed on top of the first layer.

[0074] The system includes a third layer having a first electrode (310) and a second electrode (320). A pressure-sensitive conductive sheet (330) is provided between the first electrode (310) and the second electrode (320). An electronic circuit (115) is configured to apply a current to the first electrode (310) or the second electrode (320) and measure the current flow between the first electrode (310) and the second electrode (320). Based on the measured current, it generates a state signal indicating the pressure applied to the pressure-sensitive conductive sheet (330). In one possible embodiment, the secondary sensing means (200) may be a temperature sensing means (202). In one possible embodiment, the secondary sensing means (200) is a thermistor provided between two signal paths (110) or on a single signal path (110). The control circuit is configured to apply a current to one end of the thermistor and measure the current at the other end of the thermistor. Therefore, the control circuit may be configured to generate a state signal indicating temperature.

[0075] In another embodiment, the temperature sensing means (202) may be a thermocouple (not shown). At least one signal path (110) includes a first thermocouple section containing a first metal and a second thermocouple section containing a second metal, connected to the first thermocouple section via a junction, wherein the first metal is heterogeneous to the second metal. The first and second thermocouple sections are provided between a first end and a second end of the signal path (110). A control unit is configured to measure the voltage between the first and second ends and generate a state signal indicating temperature.

[0076] The metals are heterogeneous so that they can induce the Seebeck effect. The first and second metals are selected from the group of metals used to form A, B, E, J, K, N, R, S, or T type thermocouples.

[0077] In one embodiment, the first half of the signal path (110) is a first thermocouple section (220), and the second half of the signal path (110) is a second thermocouple section (230).

[0078] In one possible embodiment, the sensor (10) may simultaneously include multiple types of secondary sensing means (200). In one embodiment, the sensor (10) device may include at least two sensing means as secondary sensing means (200), such as humidity / liquid sensing means (201), temperature sensing means (202), and pressure sensing means (203).

[0079] Referring to an example of the embodiment in Figure 7, the sensor (10) may include a meandering section (204), humidity / liquid sensing means (201), pressure sensing means (203), and temperature sensing means (202). This structure can be defined as a sensing unit.

[0080] Referring to Figure 8, the sensor (10) may include multiple sensing units connected in parallel and in series. The sensor may be provided as a sheet defined as a sensor sheet (11). The sensor may include an adhesive layer for attaching the sensor to an object.

[0081] The sensing units may be connected in a combination of series and parallel as appropriate. The sensing units may include various types and numbers of secondary sensing means (200). For example, a sensor having a 4x4 signal path (110) may include 9 pressure sensing means in a 3x3 arrangement, 9 humidity / liquid sensing means (201) in a 3x3 arrangement, and 9 temperature sensing means (202) in a 3x3 arrangement. All signal paths (110) may be used for damage location detection.

[0082] Based on the above, in addition, or instead, suitable combinations of the sensing units / sensing means of the present invention may be connected in parallel and in series in arrangements such as 2x4, 3x1, 4x4, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0083] Furthermore, the present invention anticipates the application of the sensor tape in irregular shapes and / or sequences and / or arrangements, and combinations thereof. For example, the sensor tape may be cut or manufactured to be applicable to a cone having a sphere or hemisphere. The present invention is not explicitly limited to the sensor means, signal paths, and specific shapes, sequences, or arrangements of the sensor tape.

[0084] Alternatively, or in addition, the sensor tape may include connecting means suitable for connecting the sensor tape to, for example, the sensor plate of the present invention or any other object or product.

[0085] Alternatively, or in addition, the sensing means and / or sensor tape of the present invention may utilize, or instead of, a printable conductive ink in addition to, for example, a metal wire, to transmit electrical / conductive signals. Such embodiments using printable conductive ink may enhance the elasticity of the sensor tape of the present invention in their respective technical applications. For example, its application to irregularly shaped products such as balls may require a highly elastic sensor tape.

[0086] Alternatively, or in addition, the sensor tape of the present invention may be made of or have elastic and / or stretchable material in all of the x, y, and z axes. Preferably, it includes an elastic conductive path, such as via the printable conductive ink.

[0087] Referring to Figure 9, the sensor may be provided in the form of a sensor plate (12). This structure can be attached to or adhered to a product, packaging, etc. This allows tracking of the damage status and secondary physical properties of the object. In one possible embodiment, the sensor may be embedded in the product.

[0088] The sensor may be provided in a shape appropriate to the object to which it is attached or embedded.

[0089] In one possible embodiment, at least the second layer has a second group of signal paths (110), where the first group of signal paths (110) and the second group of signal paths (110) extend along different axes such that they form a mesh-like structure when the first and second layers are applied in overlapping layers. This makes it possible to utilize their intersections to identify the cause of a state signal when a state signal is generated from the signal paths (110) of each layer. For example, if a first signal path (111) is detected to be broken in the first layer and a second signal path (112) is detected to be broken in the second layer, the intersections of the signal paths (110) become the locations of the points of impact of the damage.

[0090] In another embodiment, the signal path groups (110) located in different layers may be arranged along at least two of the x, y, and z axes. In one possible embodiment, the three groups (110) of three signal paths located in three different layers may be arranged along the x, y, and z axes.

[0091] The connected electronic circuit may have a sensor calibration method based on actual and sensed values. This may be performed once after the sensor is attached to the object and before application begins. It may also be performed periodically between applications to ensure the continuous accuracy of the sensor. This calibration method may utilize a controlled test environment where predetermined temperature, humidity, and pressure values ​​are simulated, and the sensor or electronic circuit (115) is adjusted to output more accurate values. Different types of sensors, or sensors in different rows or columns, shall be calibrated separately.

[0092] Sensors, sensor tapes (11), or sensor plates (12) may be used in the following areas: embedding damage detection sensors in shipping boxes for expensive cargo to prevent improper handling; attaching sensor plates (12) equipped with humidity, temperature, and damage detection sensors to tanks in liquid fuel storage facilities equipped with systems to monitor leaks, fires, or tank damage; manufacturing satellites by embedding sensors in the outer casing and solar panels to detect physical damage and temperature fluctuations; combat or military vehicles such as fighter jets and battleships with damage, temperature, and humidity detection sensors embedded in the outer casing, allowing for direct identification of potential physical damage, fire, or fuel leaks with precise location information without physical / visual inspection during combat; applying adhesive sensor tapes (11) to the outer surface of EV battery packs to monitor temperature anomalies, pressure due to battery expansion, and the presence of moisture; embedding damage, temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors in prosthetic limb components to mimic artificial skin. In particular, the palm of a prosthetic hand may sense grip strength, the temperature of the grasped object, and the presence of liquid on the surface. Sensors are embedded in the fabric of sportswear for high-performance athletes to monitor body temperature, sweat rate, and physical pressure on specific body parts. All sensors are installed in shipping containers to detect tampering and trigger an alarm. Damage and temperature detection functions are installed inside the walls of bank vaults to trigger an alarm in the event of a robbery. Sensors are embedded in the body parts of sports vehicles to detect damage to spoilers or aerodynamic components while the vehicle is running on a track or other surface.

[0093] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the sensing means disclosed herein may be combined in any suitable combination, even without a first sensing means related to damage detection. That is, for example, two different sensing means of the present invention may be combined for temperature and humidity detection, or for liquid and pressure detection, and so on.

[0094] Furthermore, this specification of the present invention also discloses conductive liquid sensing means that do not involve any liquid absorbent material. This is illustrated in Figure 4. Each fork-shaped conductive structure is placed directly on the surface of a sensor tape / plate. When exposed to a conductive fluid and at least one wire is connected, this sensing means can detect the presence of the fluid. Figure 7 also illustrates this sensing method.

[0095] The scope of protection of the present invention is defined in the appended claims and is not limited to the matters described herein as examples. Those skilled in the art will see that, given the above facts, similar embodiments can be demonstrated without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0096] Based on the foregoing disclosure, the present invention further includes the following sequentially numbered embodiments.

[0097] 1. A sensor (10) comprising a first layer having at least a first group of signal paths (110), wherein an electronic circuit (115) is configured to detect a damaged signal path (110) based on signals read on the signal paths (110) and to identify the location of the damage based on the read signals, and comprising at least a secondary sensing means (200) provided between at least two signal paths (110) or on at least one signal path (110), wherein the electronic circuit (115) is further configured to generate a status signal based on signals received from the signal paths (110) to which the secondary sensing means (200) is connected. 2. The sensor (10) according to Embodiment 1, wherein the secondary sensing means (200) includes a sub-signal path (110) (210) provided on one signal path (110) having a non-conductive section (211) suitable for enabling signal transmission between at least two signal paths (110) or when exposed to a conductive fluid. 3. The sensor (10) according to Embodiment 2, wherein the non-conductive section (211) is a gap. 4. The sensor (10) according to Embodiment 2, wherein the non-conductive section (211) includes a porous material (212) suitable for at least partially absorbing the conductive fluid. 5. The sensor (10) according to Embodiment 4, wherein the porous material (212) is a sponge. 6. The sensor (10) according to Embodiment 4, wherein the porous material (212) is a fabric. 7. The sensor (10) according to Embodiment 2, wherein the electronic circuit (115) is configured to apply current to one signal path (110) and to measure the flow of current between at least two signal paths (110). 8. The sensor (10) according to Embodiment 7, wherein a plurality of sub-signal paths (110)(210) are provided between at least two signal paths (110). 9. The sensor (10) according to Embodiment 8, wherein the electronic circuit (115) is further configured to generate a signal indicating a liquid exposure level based on the detected current flow. 10. The sensor (10) according to Embodiment 1, wherein at least one signal path (110) includes a first thermocouple section including a first metal and a second thermocouple section including a second metal, connected to the first thermocouple section via a junction, the first metal being different from the second metal, the first thermocouple section and the second thermocouple section being provided between a first end and a second end of the signal path (110), and an electronic circuit (115) is configured to measure the voltage between the first end and the second end of the signal path (110) and generate a state signal indicating the temperature of the junction. 11. The sensor (10) according to Embodiment 10, wherein the first thermocouple section is the first half of a signal path (110), and the second thermocouple section is the second half of the signal path (110). 12. Sensor (10) according to Embodiment 10, wherein the metal is selected from the group of metals used to form A, B, E, J, K, N, R, S, or T type thermocouples. 13. The sensor (10) according to Embodiment 1, wherein the secondary sensing means (200) is a thermistor provided between at least two signal paths (110) that electrically connect the first signal path (111) and the second signal path (112), or provided on one of the signal paths (110). 14. The sensor (10) according to Embodiment 13, wherein the electronic circuit (115) is configured to apply a current to one end of a thermistor, measure the current at the other end of the thermistor, and generate a state signal indicating the temperature of the thermistor. 15. The sensor (10) according to embodiment 13, wherein the thermistor is plate-shaped. 16. Sensor (10) according to Embodiment 1, comprising a third layer having a first electrode (310) and a second electrode (320), wherein a pressure-sensitive conductive sheet (330) is provided between the first electrode (310) and the second electrode (320), and an electronic circuit (115) is configured to apply a current to the first electrode (310) or the second electrode (320) and measure the flow of current between the first electrode (310) and the second electrode (320), and generates a state signal indicating the pressure applied to the pressure-sensitive conductive sheet (330) based on the measured current. 17. Sensor (10) according to Embodiment 1, wherein at least a second layer has a second signal path group (110), where the first signal path group (110) and the second signal path group (110) extend along different axes such that they form a mesh-like configuration when the first and second layers are applied in overlapping order. 18. The sensor (10) according to Embodiment 1, wherein the signal path (110) is arranged along at least two of the x, y, and z axes. 19. Sensor tape (11) including the sensor described in any of Embodiments 1 to 18. 20. Sensor tape (11) according to Embodiment 19, including an adhesive layer. 21. A sensor plate (12) including the sensor described in any of Embodiments 1 to 18. 22. A sensor plate (12) according to Embodiment 21, characterized by including a connection element suitable for connecting to a product. 23. Packaging including the sensor described in any of Embodiments 1 to 18. 24. A product comprising the sensor described in any of Embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the sensor is embedded in the product. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 10 sensors 11 Sensor Tape 12 Sensor Plate 110 Signaling Path 111 First signal path 112 Second signal path 113 Third signal path 115 Electronic circuits 200 Second sensing means 201 Humidity / liquid sensing means 202 Temperature sensing means 203 Pressure sensing means 204 meandering section 210 Sub-signal path 211 Non-conductive section 212 Porous materials 310 First electrode 320 Second electrode 330 Pressure-sensitive conductive sheet

Claims

1. A sensor (10) comprising a first layer having at least a first group of signal paths (110), wherein an electronic circuit (115) is configured to detect at least a first influence on the signal paths (110) based on signals read on the signal paths (110) and to identify the first influence based on the read signals, To detect at least a second influence on signal paths (110) other than the first influence, the electronic circuit (115) further includes at least a secondary sensing means (200) provided between at least two signal paths (110) or on at least one signal path (110), wherein the electronic circuit (115) is further configured to generate a status signal based on a signal received from the signal path (110) to which the secondary sensing means (200) is connected. Sensor (10) wherein the secondary sensing means (200) includes a sub-signal path (110) (210) provided on one signal path (110) having a non-conductive section (211) suitable for enabling signal transmission between at least two signal paths (110) or when exposed to the second influence.

2. The sensor (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second influences of the signal path (110) are independently selected from the group consisting of physical damage, chemical damage, fire, liquid, pressure, vapor, humidity, temperature, and gas.

3. The sensor (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the non-conductive section (211) is a gap.

4. The sensor (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the non-conductive section (211) includes a porous material (212) suitable for at least partially absorbing the conductive fluid.

5. The sensor (10) according to claim 4, wherein the porous material (212) is a sponge.

6. The sensor (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the porous material (212) is a fabric.

7. The sensor (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic circuit (115) is configured to apply current to one signal path (110) and to measure the flow of current between at least two of the signal paths (110).

8. The sensor (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of sub-signal paths (110) (210) are provided between at least two signal paths (110).

9. The sensor (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic circuit (115) is further configured to generate a signal indicating the level of at least the first and / or at least the second level of exposure based on the detected current flow.

10. The sensor (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one signal path (110) includes a first thermocouple section including a first metal and a second thermocouple section including a second metal, connected to the first thermocouple section via a junction, the first metal being different from the second metal, the first thermocouple section and the second thermocouple section being provided between a first end and a second end of the signal path (110), and an electronic circuit (115) is configured to measure the voltage between the first end and the second end of the signal path (110) and generate a state signal indicating the temperature of the junction.

11. The sensor (10) according to claim 10, wherein the first thermocouple section is the first half of a signal path (110), and the second thermocouple section is the second half of the signal path (110).

12. The sensor (10) according to claim 11, wherein the metal is selected from a group of metals used to form A, B, E, J, K, N, R, S, or T type thermocouples.

13. The sensor (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary sensing means (200) is a thermistor provided between at least two signal paths (110) that electrically connect the first signal path (111) and the second signal path (112), or provided on one of the signal paths (110).

14. The sensor (10) according to claim 13, wherein the electronic circuit (115) is configured to apply a current to one end of a thermistor, measure the current at the other end of the thermistor, and generate a state signal indicating the temperature of the thermistor.

15. The sensor (10) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the thermistor is in a form selected from plate-like, bulging, lump-like, or a mixture thereof, or any suitable extruded structure.

16. A sensor (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a third layer having a first electrode (310) and a second electrode (320), wherein a pressure-sensitive conductive sheet (330) is provided between the first electrode (310) and the second electrode (320), and an electronic circuit (115) is configured to apply a current to the first electrode (310) or the second electrode (320), measure the flow of current between the first electrode (310) and the second electrode (320), and generate a state signal indicating the pressure applied to the pressure-sensitive conductive sheet (330) based on the measured current.

17. Sensor (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a second layer has a second group of signal paths (110), the first group of signal paths (110) and the second group of signal paths (110) extending along different axes such that they form a mesh-like configuration when the first layer and the second layer are applied in overlapping order.

18. The sensor (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal path (110) is arranged along at least two of the x, y, and z axes.

19. In addition, or instead, the sensor (10) according to any one of the preceding claims comprises, in particular, the metal wire, or, preferably, a printable conductive ink, for transmitting an electrical / conductive signal.

20. A sensor tape (11) comprising the sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The sensor tape (11) according to claim 20, comprising an adhesive layer.

22. The sensor tape (11) according to claim 20, which is made of or has elastic and / or stretchable material in all x, y, and z axes, and preferably further includes an elastic conductive path, such as via a conductive ink, preferably printable, as described in claim 19.

23. The sensor tape (11) according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that it includes one or more connecting elements suitable for connecting the sensor tape (11) to a product, preferably the housing of the product.

24. A sensor plate (12) comprising the sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

25. The sensor plate (12) according to claim 24, characterized in that it includes one or more connecting elements suitable for connecting the sensor plate (12) to a product, preferably a housing of the product.

26. A package comprising the sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

27. A product comprising the sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the sensor is embedded at least partially or entirely in the product.

28. A sensor (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, a sensor tape (11) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, or a sensor plate (12) according to claim 24 or 25, having a substantially smooth surface.

29. A sensor (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, a sensor tape (11) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, or a sensor plate (12) according to claim 24 or 25, having a substantially irregular surface.

30. A sensor (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, a sensor tape (11) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, or a sensor plate (12) according to claim 24 or 25, having a substantially bulging surface.

31. A sensor (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, a sensor tape (11) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, or a sensor plate (12) according to claim 24 or 25, having an elastic structure.

32. A sensor (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, a sensor tape (11) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, or a sensor plate (12) according to claim 24 or 25, having a curing structure.

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