Air Cushion Force Sensing via Pneumatic Pressure and Pattern Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional force sensors with rigid materials for user contact are unpleasant and compromise sensitivity due to soft covering materials, degrading their performance.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for sensing an air cushion operation, using a pneumatic pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and capturing unit to determine force magnitude by analyzing pneumatic pressure, temperature, and pattern changes on the air cushion's inner surface, allowing accurate force direction and magnitude calculation without expensive force sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a soft material such as polyurethane is used to cover the force sensor, then the user comfort is improved, but the sensitivity of the force sensor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air cushion as an intermediary layer between the user's finger and the force sensor. This air cushion transmits the pressing force to the sensor while maintaining a soft, comfortable interface for the user. The air cushion acts as a mediator that resolves the contradiction by providing both comfort (soft material property) and sensitivity (direct force transmission through pneumatic pressure sensing).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical contact between a soft covering material and the force sensor with a pneumatic system. Instead of using a soft polyurethane cover that degrades sensitivity, the invention uses an air cushion where the force is transmitted through pneumatic pressure changes detected by a pressure sensor, substituting mechanical contact with pneumatic pressure sensing to maintain both comfort and sensitivity.
2Measurement precision
If a rigid material such as metal is used for the force sensor contact part, then the sensitivity is maintained, but the user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air cushion serves as an intermediary that allows the force sensor to use rigid components internally while presenting a soft, compliant interface to the user. The pneumatic system transmits force effectively to maintain sensitivity while the air cushion's compliance provides user comfort, resolving the contradiction between rigid sensor construction and soft user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the need for a rigid contact surface with a pneumatic pressure transmission system. The air cushion replaces direct mechanical contact between rigid metal and user finger, allowing the sensor to maintain sensitivity through pressure sensing while the pneumatic system provides the comfortable, compliant interface that rigid materials cannot.
3Ease of operation
If the thickness of the force sensor is increased to improve comfort, then the user comfort is improved, but the sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thick mechanical structures with a thin pneumatic air cushion. The air cushion can be very thin while still providing comfort through its compliant nature, and it transmits force effectively to the pressure sensor without the sensitivity degradation that occurs in thick mechanical force sensors. The pneumatic system eliminates the trade-off between thickness and sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure transmission through an air cushion to sense force. This pneumatic approach allows for a thin, compliant structure that maintains sensitivity because the pneumatic pressure directly reflects the applied force without the signal attenuation that occurs in thick mechanical structures. The air cushion's thinness provides comfort while the pressure sensing maintains sensitivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and rapid determination of force direction and magnitude applied to an air cushion, improving user convenience and sensor performance by using a soft, elastic air cushion with embedded sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic pressure sensor sensing a pneumatic pressure in the air cushion to output a corresponding pneumatic pressure sensing signal
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor sensing a temperature in the air cushion to output a corresponding temperature sensing signal
Implementation Method 3
a capturing unit positioned in a bottom portion of the air cushion, capturing the plurality of patterns, and outputting a pattern image for each captured pattern
Implementation Method 4
using a soft, elastic air cushion with embedded sensors
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for sensing the operation of an air cushion includes an air cushion with the inside provided with a plurality of patterns filled with air; a part for sensing the air pressure inside the air cushion so as to output a corresponding air pressure sensing signal; a part for sensing the temperature inside the air cushion so as to output a corresponding temperature sensing signal; a photographic part arranged in the lower part of the air cushion for photographing the plurality of patterns so as to output an image of each pattern; and a control unit for determining the air pressure inside the air cushion by measuring the force exerted on the air cushion in the Y-direction based on the temperature, air pressure and contact area, and by measuring the force exerted on the air cushion in the X-direction based on the displacement of the contact area.