Bi-directional Bend Sensor with Segmented Finger Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bend sensors are limited to unidirectional detection of bending amplitudes due to resistance variation through deformation of resistor sections, restricting their ability to detect deformations in specific patterns.
Innovation Solution
A bend sensor design featuring a flexible circuit substrate with alternating first and second circuits and an insulation pad creates a central hollow space for varying contact with a conductive layer, allowing bi-directional bending detection by altering the equivalent resistance based on bending deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the bend sensor uses resistance variation through deformation of resistor sections to detect bending, then the bending amplitude can be detected, but the detection is strictly limited to specific bending patterns and unidirectional
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive circuit is segmented into multiple conductive sections and resistor sections arranged alternately. This segmentation allows different sections to respond to bending from different directions, enabling multi-directional detection capability while maintaining detection accuracy through the combined response of all segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The bend sensor is designed to detect bending amplitudes from multiple directions by incorporating conductive sections that can respond to various bending patterns. The sensor structure allows it to function as a universal bending detector rather than being limited to a single detection direction, achieving multi-functionality in terms of detection orientation.
2Measurement precision
If the resistance-varying layer is formed by alternately arranging conductive sections and resistor sections, then the resistance varies significantly with bending deformation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive circuit and resistance-varying layer are merged into a single integrated structure where conductive sections and resistor sections are alternately arranged. This merging allows the sensor to achieve significant resistance variation with bending while simplifying the overall device structure by combining multiple functions into one component.
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 effective bi-directional bending detection and increased sensitivity by varying the total resistance between circuits with changing contact numbers of fingers and the conductive layer, providing a wider detection range compared to conventional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a total contact number of the plurality of first fingers and the plurality of second fingers with the conductive layer would be varied according to a change in the bending deformation of the bend sensor, such that an equivalent resistance between the first circuit and the second circuit would vary accordingly
Data Source
AI summary
A bend sensor includes a flexible circuit substrate, an insulation pad and a flexible conductive substrate. The flexible circuit substrate includes an insulating body, a first circuit and a second circuit. The first and second circuits are disposed on opposing sides of the insulating body. The first circuit has first fingers, while the second circuit has second fingers. The insulation pad disposed on the insulating body exposes the first and second fingers. The flexible conductive substrate disposed on the insulating pad has a conductive layer separated from the first fingers and the second fingers. While the bend sensor is bent, the conductive layer on the flexible conductive substrate would deform toward the flexible circuit substrate so as to form multiple contacts with the first and second fingers. Through these contacts, a number of resistors are formed to contribute a detectable resistance for the corresponding bending amplitude to be further realized.