Capacitive Electrode Sensor for Combined Contact and Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current capacitive detection systems for robotics are costly, bulky, and complex due to the need for separate sensors for detecting object approach/contact and pressure, which also experience mutual interference, reducing their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A single sensor device with elastically modifiable electrodes and a control module that applies alternating potentials to measure both object approach/contact and pressure/load using a single set of electrodes, minimizing bulkiness and complexity while enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensors for approach/contact detection and pressure detection are used, then detection functionality is complete, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines approach/contact detection and pressure detection into a single capacitive sensor system. The same electrode structure is used for both detection functions by measuring different capacitance parameters, eliminating the need for separate sensor arrays and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor system performs multiple detection functions (approach detection, contact detection, and pressure detection) using a single electrode structure. The electrode serves universal purposes by detecting different physical quantities through different measurement modes, making the system more versatile without adding components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensors for approach/contact detection and pressure detection are used, then detection functionality is complete, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges approach/contact detection and pressure detection into a single capacitive sensor system. The same electrode structure is used for both detection functions by measuring different capacitance parameters, eliminating the need for separate sensor arrays and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor system performs multiple detection functions (approach detection, contact detection, and pressure detection) using a single electrode structure. The electrode serves universal purposes by detecting different physical quantities through different measurement modes, making the system more versatile without adding components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensors for approach/contact detection and pressure detection are used, then detection functionality is complete, but mutual interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines approach/contact detection and pressure detection into a single capacitive sensor system. The same electrode structure is used for both detection functions by measuring different capacitance parameters, eliminating the need for separate sensor arrays and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection process into different measurement modes (approach detection mode and pressure detection mode) that are activated sequentially or selectively. This segmentation allows the system to avoid mutual interference by not having both sensor types operating simultaneously, while still providing complete detection functionality.
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 allows for reliable detection of object approach, contact, and pressure/load with improved performance and reduced costs compared to traditional dual-sensor configurations, minimizing interference and simplifying implementation.
Implementation Method 1
measure a first electrical signal with respect to a capacitance, called electrode-object capacitance, between said measurement electrode and said object: the first signal, and consequently the electrode-object capacitance, are representative of an approach and/or a contact of said object with said detection surface
Implementation Method 2
apply to said electrodes: one and the same alternating potential, called guard potential, or alternating potentials that are substantially identical; that is(are) different from a ground potential
Implementation Method 3
said electrodes are separated by a distance that is elastically modifiable, in particular locally, by a load exerted by said object on said detection surface
Data Source
AI summary
A detection device including:a measurement electrode, and a second electrode separated from one another by a distance (D) that is elastically modifiable locally, by a load exerted by an object on a detection surface, anda controller arranged in order to:connect the electrodes to an alternating guard potential (Vg) in order to measure a capacitance representing an approach and a contact; andconnect the second electrode to a second potential a second potential proportional to the guard potential (Vg) and having a different amplitude, or to the ground potential (G), in order to measure a capacitance representing a pressure.Also provided is a detection method utilizing such a detection device.