Annular Force Sensor Displacement Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Force sensors with high sensitivity face challenges in balancing detection sensitivity and structural complexity, as they require thin diaphragms that are prone to excessive deflection and potential breakage under excessive external forces, necessitating additional displacement control structures that complicate the sensor design.
Innovation Solution
A force sensor design featuring an annular detector connected via a flexible connection member to a columnar body on a supporting substrate, with an external protrusion portion that controls displacement by contacting a displacement control portion when excessive force is applied, maintaining sensitivity while simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the diaphragm portion is made thinner or made of more flexible material to increase detection sensitivity, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the diaphragm portion becomes prone to excessive deflection and breakage under excessive external forces
Solution Approach 1:
A stopper member is introduced as an intermediary component between the diaphragm portion and the housing. This stopper member limits the maximum deflection of the diaphragm by contacting the housing when excessive force is applied, preventing the diaphragm from breaking while maintaining its flexibility for sensitive detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper member is pre-positioned to provide preliminary protection against excessive forces. When abnormal force exceeds a predetermined threshold, the stopper member immediately engages to counteract the excessive deflection, preventing damage before it occurs.
2Reliability
If a stopper member is added to control displacement of the diaphragm portion, then structural robustness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper member is integrated with the housing structure, merging two functional components into a unified structure. This integration provides displacement control functionality while minimizing additional parts and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper member is designed as a simple, isolated component that can be easily manufactured and assembled. By extracting the protection function into a separate, simple element rather than incorporating it complexly into the main structure, the overall device complexity is minimized.
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 design enhances detection sensitivity and protects the flexible connection member from excessive forces through efficient displacement control, achieving a simpler and more robust sensor structure.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible connection member which connects the columnar body with the annular detector... when an external force is exerted on the annular detector... the flexible connection member undergoes deflection
Implementation Method 2
a method for utilizing an electrostatic capacitive element to detect displacement of each site of the diaphragm portion
Data Source
AI summary
A cylindrical annular detector is disposed at the periphery of the columnar body fixed at a central part of the upper surface of a supporting substrate. A space between the columnar body and the annular detector is connected by a thin flexible connection member (diaphragm). A washer-shaped insulation substrate is disposed on the upper surface of the supporting substrate, individual fixed electrodes are formed on the upper surface thereof, and they constitute capacitive elements together with a displacement electrode which is composed of the lower surface of the annular detector. Upon exertion of an external force on the annular detector, the flexible connection member deflects to cause displacement, which is detected as change in capacitance value of the capacitive element.