Amorphous Alloy Force Sensor for Precise Touch Pad Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional force sensors used in swimmer timing systems are not sensitive enough to accurately determine the point of pressure application and require significant force to function, lacking precision and durability for submerged applications in swimming pools.
Innovation Solution
A force sensor comprising a detection coil and a translationally movable ferromagnetic plate made of amorphous metal alloy, which varies the magnetic circuit's reluctance when force is applied, allowing for precise detection of pressure points with multiple sensors arranged in matrix form, and is designed to be compact, thin, and resistant to water and corrosive agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional force sensors with metal strips are used, then the sensor structure is simple, but the sensitivity is low and significant force is required for detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical contact-based force sensor (metal strips) with a magnetic field-based sensor comprising a detection coil and ferromagnetic plate. This substitution eliminates the need for direct mechanical contact between metal strips, enabling detection of much smaller forces through magnetic reluctance changes while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical contact force to magnetic field interaction. By utilizing the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic materials and measuring changes in magnetic flux through the detection coil, the system achieves high sensitivity to small forces without requiring complex mechanical structures.
2Measurement precision
If conventional force sensors are used, then the device is simple, but the ability to locate pressure points is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection area into multiple discrete sensor units arranged in a matrix pattern. Each sensor unit independently detects local force applications, and by determining which specific sensors are activated, the system can precisely locate pressure points on the pad surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of the same magnetic sensor unit and arranges them in a matrix array. This allows the system to detect and locate pressure points across different positions on the pad by comparing which sensor copies are activated, achieving spatial resolution without requiring each sensor to be fundamentally different.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor is designed for submerged use in swimming pools, then the sensor can be used in swimmer timing systems, but resistance to water and corrosive agents is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ferromagnetic materials that are inherently resistant to corrosion from water and chlorine. The magnetic sensor components are designed to operate in the submerged environment without degrading, ensuring reliable performance in swimming pool conditions over extended periods.
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
The solution provides high sensitivity and accuracy in detecting pressure points, enabling precise timing with low latency and energy consumption, while being compact and durable for submerged use.
Implementation Method 1
a ferromagnetic plate that is translationally movable relative to the first part so as to move towards said part when a force is transferred to the sensor and to reduce the reluctance of a magnetic circuit formed by said two parts in series with a variable gap
Data Source
AI summary
A force sensor including: a first part including a detection coil; a second part positioned opposite the first part and including: a ferromagnetic plate translationally movable relative to the first part to move towards the first part when a force is transferred to the sensor and to reduce reluctance of a magnetic circuit formed by the first and second parts in series with a variable gap; and an electronic detection circuit configured to generate a signal dependent on the reluctance of the magnetic circuit. The ferromagnetic plate is formed by an amorphous metal alloy.