Cantilever Force Sensor Reduces On-Force via Single-Side Spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional force sensors require a higher 'On-Force' due to the ring spacer resistance, limiting their sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A cantilever force sensor design with a single side spacer reduces the 'On-Force' by using a top stack that moves down as a fulcrum, allowing for a lower activation force and improved sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a ring spacer is configured around the force sensor to provide structural support, then the structural stability is improved, but the On-Force increases due to the spacer's resistance to applied force
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the ring spacer from the force sensor structure. By extracting this component that provided structural support but also created resistance, the patent eliminates the source of increased On-Force while maintaining sensor functionality through alternative design approaches
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a ring spacer around the sensor to provide support (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by using the spacer only at specific locations (such as at the cantilever end) or removing it entirely, allowing the sensor structure to support itself through its inherent design
2Stability of the object's composition
If a ring spacer is used to maintain the gap between piezoresistive layers, then the structural integrity is improved, but the sensitivity decreases due to higher activation force requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The ring spacer is extracted from the sensor structure, eliminating its interfering effect on sensitivity. The patent achieves structural integrity through alternative means such as the cantilever design and selective spacer placement that do not compromise measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniformly supporting the entire sensor structure with a ring spacer, the invention applies support locally only where necessary (such as at the cantilever end or specific regions), allowing other areas to remain flexible and sensitive to applied forces
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 cantilever force sensor achieves a significantly reduced 'On-Force' point near zero, enhancing sensitivity and reducing initial noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
A top piezoresistive layer 12 is configured on the bottom side of the top electrode 11. A bottom piezoresistive layer 129 is configured on the top side of the bottom electrode 119.
Data Source
AI summary
A cantilever force sensor with relatively lower On-Force is disclosed, which comprises a top stack, a bottom stack, and a spacer. The first spacer is configured between the top stack and the bottom stack and configured in a first side of the force sensor. A second side, opposite to the first side, of the top stack, is cantilevered from the bottom stack. When the force sensor is depressed from the top side, the second side of the top stack moves down using the first spacer as a fulcrum. Since the cantilevered side can be easily depressed down so that the On-Force for the force sensor is reduced and hence a force sensor with a relatively higher sensitivity is created.