Resistive strain sensor unit and motion recognition guard using the same

Abstract

A resistive strain sensor unit capable of reliably recognizing joint bending of the human body is disclosed. The resistive strain sensor unit comprises: a resistive strain sensor pattern formed by screen printing and curing a liquid electrically conductive silicone rubber on a fabric; electrical terminals formed at both ends of the resistive strain sensor pattern; and an elongation reducing member formed on the fabric adjacent to the resistive strain sensor pattern in the direction in which the resistive strain sensor pattern stretches.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a resistive strain sensor unit, and in particular to a resistive strain sensor unit capable of reliably recognizing joint bending of the human body and a motion recognition protective device to which the same is applied. Background Technology

[0002] Motion recognition technology for recognizing the three-dimensional movements of machines or users in space has recently made rapid progress alongside the development of sensor technology, and has created various derivative technologies and products.

[0003] Motion recognition is a technology that recognizes the direction, speed, and acceleration of a device moving in space. While various motion recognition technologies have been developed, recently, research on motion recognition devices equipped with sensors that can recognize their own motion is actively underway.

[0004] Motion recognition devices are adopted as mobile devices and are also applied to various wearable devices because they do not require external equipment, thus having no spatial constraints, and can be manufactured in a compact size.

[0005] Sensors used in motion recognition devices typically include geomagnetic sensors that recognize changes in the Earth's magnetic field around multiple axes, sensors that measure acceleration and / or angular velocity according to movement, or gyroscope sensors that output three angular velocity measurements based on three mutually orthogonal axes.

[0006] Since gyroscopes and accelerometers can each exhibit errors in different movement situations, both are used to complement each other, and geomagnetic sensors, temperature sensors, etc., can also be used to correct errors and inaccuracies in the gyroscope.

[0007] However, while these sensors allow for more accurate motion recognition as more sensors are used, they have the disadvantage of being expensive and complex to process.

[0008] For example, in the case of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor, there is a disadvantage that it is expensive because two are required to accurately recognize joint bending in various situations.

[0009] In addition, there is a capacitive strain sensor, which has the advantage of measuring more precisely than a resistive strain sensor, but has the disadvantage that the sensor structure is complex and expensive, and the device is complex because AC voltage must be applied to the sensor to read the capacitance value. The problem to be solved

[0010] Accordingly, the objective of the present invention is to provide a resistive strain sensor unit capable of reliably recognizing joint bending of the human body.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a protective device equipped with a controller with a simple circuit.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a protective device capable of reliably measuring information on the bending of a human joint. means of solving the problem

[0013] The above objective is achieved by a resistive strain sensor unit characterized by comprising: a fabric; a resistive strain sensor pattern formed by screen printing and curing a liquid electrically conductive silicone rubber on the fabric; electrical terminals formed at both ends of the resistive strain sensor pattern; and a stretch reduction member formed on the fabric adjacent to the resistive strain sensor pattern in the direction in which the resistive strain sensor pattern stretches, for reducing the stretch of the resistive strain sensor pattern.

[0014] Preferably, the end portion of the stretching reduction member adjacent to the resistive strain sensor pattern may overlap with the resistive strain sensor pattern.

[0015] Preferably, the elasticity-reducing member is a cotton blend fabric or a non-stretchable film, and can be bonded onto the fabric by hot-melt heat compression.

[0016] Preferably, the liquid electrically conductive silicone rubber comprises carbon black and may optionally comprise carbon fibers.

[0017] Preferably, the electrical resistance may change as the resistive strain sensor pattern stretches.

[0018] Preferably, the resistive strain sensor pattern may be U or V-shaped.

[0019] Preferably, an electrically conductive rubber pad may be interposed between the electrical terminal and the resistive strain sensor pattern.

[0020] The above objective is achieved by a motion recognition protector characterized by comprising: a main body made of fabric that is worn on a joint part of the human body; a resistive strain sensor unit of claim 1 installed on the main body; and a controller electrically connected to an electrical terminal of the resistive sensor unit.

[0021] Preferably, the controller is equipped with an MCU, and the MCU can generate a bending count by measuring the change in the DC voltage supplied from the battery due to the change in resistance of the resistive strain sensor pattern.

[0022] Preferably, the controller is equipped with a Bluetooth module and can wirelessly transmit a bend count generated by the MCU to a remote device through the Bluetooth module. Effects of the invention

[0023] According to the present invention, joint bending can be reliably recognized by applying an elongation reduction member and a resistant strain sensor pattern.

[0024] In addition, since the circuit for measuring the resistance change of the resistive strain sensor is simple, the size of the controller constituting the protective band can be reduced while increasing reliability. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0025] Figure 1 shows the state in which the protective band of the present invention is applied. Figure 2 shows a resistive strain sensor unit. Figure 3 shows a protective band with a resistive strain sensor unit applied. Figure 4 shows another example of a protective band with a resistive strain sensor unit applied. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0026] It should be noted that the technical terms used in this invention are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, unless specifically defined otherwise in this invention, the technical terms used in this invention should be interpreted in the sense generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and should not be interpreted in an overly broad or overly narrow sense.

[0027] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 shows the state in which the protective band of the present invention is applied.

[0029] In FIG. 1, the user (10) is shown wearing the protective guard (200) on the elbow, but it is not limited to this and can be applied to any joint part of the human body.

[0030] Additionally, the protective device (200) may have a structure that attaches to the joint portion or a sleeve structure that fits into the joint portion.

[0031] The protective device (200) consists of a main body (210) and a controller (220) that is detachably coupled to the main body (210) and electrically connected.

[0032] The protective device (200) of this embodiment can provide exercise information by linking with, for example, a mobile phone. In other words, whenever the joint part where the protective device (200) is installed is bent, information regarding the number of bends is transmitted to the mobile phone to assist the user's exercise.

[0033] The controller (220) is equipped with a power button (221) and an indicator LED (222) on the front and an electrical terminal on the rear, which is physically and electrically connected to the electrical terminal of the protective cover (200) described later, and a USB terminal (223) for battery charging is exposed on the side.

[0034] In addition, it is equipped with an MCU internally and measures the change in DC voltage supplied from the battery due to the change in resistance of the resistive strain sensor pattern using an ADC circuit built into the MCU, and is equipped with a Bluetooth module to wirelessly transmit the bend count along with an identification ID to a mobile phone.

[0035] Figure 2 shows a resistive strain sensor unit.

[0036] The resistive strain sensor unit (100) is composed of a fabric (110), a resistive strain sensor pattern (120) formed by screen printing and curing a liquid electrically conductive silicone rubber on the fabric (110), electrical terminals (122) formed at both ends of the resistive strain sensor pattern (120), and an elongation reduction member (130) formed on the fabric (110) adjacent to the resistive strain sensor pattern (120) in the direction in which the resistive strain sensor pattern (120) stretches.

[0037] The expansion reduction member (130) literally means a material that can reduce the expansion of other materials, and in this embodiment, it means a material that can reduce the expansion of the resistant strain sensor pattern (120).

[0038] For example, a non-stretchable film that does not stretch can be applied as the expansion reduction member (130).

[0039] Preferably, the end portion of the stretching reduction member (130) adjacent to the resistive strain sensor pattern (120) may overlap with the resistive strain sensor pattern (120).

[0040] The fabric (110) may be a single-piece fabric or a laminated fabric, and in the case of a laminated fabric, the sensitivity of the resistive strain sensor pattern (120) may be increased.

[0041] For the fabric (110), a blended fabric consisting of polyurethane thread (spandex) and polyester thread is mainly used, and nylon thread may be included instead of polyester thread.

[0042] The liquid electrically conductive silicone rubber for forming the resistive strain sensor pattern (120) may contain carbon black and optionally carbon fibers to reduce the overall electrical resistance of the resistive strain sensor pattern (120) and slightly increase the sensitivity.

[0043] The resistive strain sensor pattern (120) is preferably formed in a U or V shape, and electrical terminals (122) are formed at each end thereof.

[0044] Due to this shape, the length of the resistive strain sensor pattern is short, but it is formed in a double layer, so sufficient measurement values ​​can be obtained to identify bending. In addition, the distance between the two ends of the resistive strain sensor pattern can be kept constant, and since the distance between the two ends is short, the size of the controller (220) can be reduced.

[0045] The resistive strain sensor pattern (120) stretches in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2 as the joint part is bent, and in this process, the electrical resistance of the resistive strain sensor pattern (120) changes.

[0046] Therefore, the width of the resistive strain sensor pattern (120) can be formed wide so that the resistive strain sensor pattern (120) can be sufficiently stretched even if the user's joint part is not accurately positioned on the resistive strain sensor pattern (120).

[0047] The elasticity-reducing member (130) may be made of, for example, a cotton blend fabric, and has much lower elasticity compared to the resistant strain sensor pattern (120).

[0048] As described above, the stretch reduction member (130) can be attached to the fabric (110) by heat compression, for example by hot melt, adjacent to the resistive strain sensor pattern (120) in the direction in which the resistive strain sensor pattern (120) stretches.

[0049] According to this structure, assuming that an external force is applied to the fabric (110) and it is stretched to the same length, the stretch reduction member (130) does not stretch well, so the resistant strain sensor pattern (120) stretches relatively more.

[0050] As a result, sufficient measurements can be obtained to identify the bending of the protective gear to which the fabric is applied.

[0051] It is also possible to form a non-stretching layer by applying and curing a liquid composition having non-stretching properties instead of the stretching-reducing member (130) of this embodiment.

[0052] Figure 3 shows a protective cover with a resistive strain sensor unit applied. In particular, it shows the rear of the protective cover viewed from above.

[0053] The protective device (200) of the present invention comprises a body (210) integrally formed with a contact portion (211) that contacts a joint portion and a tightening strap (212, 213) that tightens the contact portion (211) wrapped around the joint portion, and a resistant strain sensor unit (100) installed on the contact portion (211) of the body (210).

[0054] The protective device (200) of this embodiment is a strap type that wraps around and tightens the joint part, so it is a structure that requires tightening straps (212, 213), but in the case of a sleeve type that is forcibly fitted onto the joint part, it can be made of a cylindrical body without tightening straps (212, 213).

[0055] In this embodiment, a resistant strain sensor unit (100) having a resistant strain sensor pattern (120) and an elasticity reduction member (130) formed on a separate fabric (110) is sewn and attached to the body (210) of the protector. However, this is not limited thereto, and it is also possible to form the resistant strain sensor pattern (120) directly on the body (210) of the protector and to directly attach the elasticity reduction member (130) to the body (210) of the protector.

[0056] In addition, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the resistive strain sensor unit (100) is shown as being exposed to the outside, but it is of course possible to cover the resistive strain sensor unit (100) with a separate protective fabric so that it is not exposed. In this case, the electrical terminal (122) is exposed to the outside of the protective fabric.

[0057] The electrical terminal (122) can typically be a snap button or a magnetic button, and preferably, an electrically conductive rubber pad may be interposed between the electrical terminal (122) and the resistive strain sensor pattern (120) to ensure stable electrical contact with the resistive strain sensor pattern (120).

[0058] Figure 4 shows another example of a protective cover with a resistive strain sensor unit applied. For convenience of explanation, the inside of the protective cover is inverted so that it is exposed to the outside.

[0059] The protective device (300) of this embodiment is of the sleeve type and is composed of a single cylindrical body (310). A resistant strain sensor unit (100) is installed on the inner surface of the body (310) by sewing, and a separate protective fabric (320) is sewn over the resistant strain sensor unit (100) so that the joint part of the user (10) does not come into direct contact with the resistant strain sensor unit (100).

[0060] In this embodiment, as described above, an electrically conductive rubber pad (140) is interposed between the electrical terminal (122) and the resistive strain sensor pattern (120) to ensure stable electrical contact between the electrical terminal (122) and the resistive strain sensor pattern (120).

[0061] Below, the process of a user (10) wearing a protective device (200) and performing burpee exercises is described as an example.

[0062] The controller (220) of each protective device (200) is wirelessly connected and mapped through an exercise app installed on a mobile phone, and an identification ID is assigned to the controller (220) of each protective device (200).

[0063] Calibration is performed on each of the protectors (200) installed on the knees and elbows, and the ADC value measured when fully bent and extended is stored as a reference value.

[0064] When calibration is completed and the user starts the burpee exercise, the resistance strain sensor pattern (120) of the resistance strain sensor unit (100) is stretched by the bending of the joint and then returned to its original state by the stretching.

[0065] The controller (220) of each protective device (200) measures the change in DC voltage output from the battery according to the change in resistance of the resistive strain sensor pattern (120) according to the bending and extending of the knee and elbow joints using an ADC circuit built into the MCU.

[0066] The controller (220) of each guard (200) compares the measured resistance change with the stored reference ADC value, and if it is determined to be a bend, wirelessly transmits the bend count along with an identification ID to a mobile phone.

[0067] The exercise app on the mobile phone receives and accumulates bend counts, and finally calculates the number of bends based on the accumulated counts.

[0068] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, it is understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the above-described embodiments, but should be interpreted by the claims set forth below. Explanation of the symbols

[0069] 100: Resistive strain sensor unit 110: Fabric 120: Resistive strain sensor pattern 122: Electrical terminal 130: Expansion reduction member

Claims

Claim 1 A resistive strain sensor unit comprising: a fabric; a resistive strain sensor pattern formed by screen printing and curing a liquid electrically conductive silicone rubber on the fabric; electrical terminals formed at both ends of the resistive strain sensor pattern; and an elongation reducing member formed on the fabric adjacent to the resistive strain sensor pattern in the direction in which the resistive strain sensor pattern stretches, wherein when the fabric stretches due to a force applied to the fabric, the resistive strain sensor pattern stretches further by an amount such that the portion where the elongation reducing member is formed does not stretch. Claim 2 A resistive strain sensor unit in claim 1, wherein the end portion of the expansion reduction member adjacent to the resistive strain sensor pattern overlaps with the resistive strain sensor pattern. Claim 3 A resistant strain sensor unit in claim 1, wherein the elasticity-reducing member is a cotton blend fabric or a non-stretchable film and is bonded onto the fabric by hot-melt heat compression. Claim 4 A resistive strain sensor unit in claim 1, wherein the liquid electrically conductive silicone rubber comprises carbon black and optionally comprises carbon fibers. Claim 5 A resistive strain sensor unit in claim 1, characterized in that the electrical resistance changes as the resistive strain sensor pattern stretches. Claim 6 A resistive strain sensor unit in claim 1, wherein the resistive strain sensor pattern is U or V-shaped. Claim 7 A resistive strain sensor unit characterized in that, in claim 1, an electrically conductive rubber pad is interposed between the electrical terminal and the resistive strain sensor pattern. Claim 8 A motion recognition protector characterized by comprising: a main body made of fabric and worn on a joint part of the human body; a resistive strain sensor unit of claim 1 installed on the main body; and a controller electrically connected to an electrical terminal of the resistive strain sensor unit. Claim 9 A motion recognition guard in claim 8, wherein the controller comprises an MCU and the MCU measures a change in the DC voltage supplied from the battery due to a change in the resistance of the resistive strain sensor pattern to generate a bending count. Claim 10 In claim 9, the motion recognition guard is characterized in that the controller is equipped with a Bluetooth module and wirelessly transmits a bending count generated by the MCU to a remote device through the Bluetooth module.

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