Capacitance Varying Device With Elastic Conductive Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure sensing devices face challenges in distinguishing between initial and varying capacitance values, leading to manufacturing difficulties and reduced reliability, particularly in devices with complex structures and connected electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising two dielectrics arranged in parallel with an isolation layer and elastic conductive pads, where the first and second electrodes are connected to one end face, allowing for a definite zero initial capacitance value and sensitive capacitance variation with external force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two electrodes are connected to one dielectric to form a capacitor, then capacitance sensing is enabled, but the initial capacitance value cannot be distinguished from the varying capacitance value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the capacitor structure into two separate dielectrics (first dielectric and second dielectric) with electrodes connected to their respective end faces. This segmentation allows the capacitance to be defined as zero when the flexible electrode does not contact either dielectric, enabling clear distinction between initial and varying capacitance values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the initial capacitance value from the measurement system by designing the structure such that the flexible electrode, when not contacted, results in zero capacitance. This removes the problematic initial capacitance value that previously contaminated the variation measurement.
2Measurement precision
If a flexible electrode contacts a dielectric with varying contact area, then pressure sensing is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements become excessively strict
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating an isolation layer only in the gap region between the two dielectrics, while allowing the dielectrics themselves to have different properties. The flexible electrode is designed to contact only one dielectric at a time, creating localized contact zones that simplify manufacturing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an isolation layer as an intermediary substance filled in the gap between the two dielectrics. This isolation layer prevents electrical interference and simplifies the contact mechanism, reducing the strictness of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining sensing accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If a complex structure is used to achieve zero initial capacitance value, then capacitance variation can be measured, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a unified structure: two dielectrics serve both as sensing elements and as structures that naturally create the zero-initial-capacitance condition when separated by an isolation layer. The electrodes connected to end faces of both dielectrics simultaneously enable capacitance measurement and define the zero state.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to eliminate initial capacitance through complex compensation circuits or additional components, the patent inverts the approach by designing the structure so that the default state (no contact) naturally yields zero capacitance. The capacitance arises only when contact occurs, reversing the conventional approach.
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 device achieves a simple structure with high sensitivity and wide sensing range, capable of detecting minor variations and easy control, ensuring reliable measurement and feedback.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic conductive pad being disposed at the other end face opposite to the one end face
Implementation Method 2
Device for varying capacitance... a first dielectric and a second dielectric, the first dielectric and the second dielectric being arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other to form an isolation layer therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for varying capacitance which pertains to the field of application of electronic devices and components. The technical essentials of the present invention lie in that: two dielectrics are disposed in parallel with an isolation layer interposed therebetween; the two dielectrics each are connected to an electrode at the same one end face thereof; the other end face of each of the two dielectrics is provided with an elastic conductive pad; a gasket is provided between the two dielectrics and the elastic conductive pads. The relative position and compressed area between the elastic conductive pads and the dielectrics vary according to the magnitude of the external force so that the capacitance between the electrodes of the dielectrics is varied accordingly within a certain range. Therefore, once the value and the variation of the capacitance between the electrodes are measured, the magnitude and the status of the external force which brings about the variation of the capacitance can be obtained. The device of the present invention has a simple structure and high sensitivity. Also, it has a definite zero initial value and a maximum value of the capacitance, and therefore is easy for handing and measurement.