Capacitive Force Sensor with Deformable Electrodes for Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load detection apparatuses cannot accurately detect the direction, range, distribution, and magnitude of loads applied to elastic bodies, leading to incomplete tactile feedback in remotely operated structures.
Innovation Solution
A force sensor design featuring a substrate with multiple second electrodes that are elastically deformed upon load application, changing the distance between these electrodes and a first electrode, allowing for precise capacitance detection and analysis of load status through capacitance detecting units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a single load sensor is used to detect load magnitude, then the device structure is simple, but the load direction, range, and distribution cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The single load sensor is segmented into multiple second electrodes (31-34) arranged in different spatial positions and directions. Each electrode detects load information from its specific orientation, enabling comprehensive detection of load direction, range, and distribution while maintaining a relatively compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection capability is extended from one-dimensional (single magnitude) to multi-dimensional by adding spatial dimensionality through multiple electrodes positioned at different locations and orientations. This allows detection of load vectors in three-dimensional space, capturing direction and distribution information.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used to detect load direction and distribution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple second electrodes (31-34) are merged with a single common first electrode (20) to form an integrated capacitive sensing system. This configuration reduces overall device complexity compared to using completely separate sensor elements, while still achieving multi-dimensional load detection through the array of second electrodes.
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 detailed detection of load direction, magnitude, range, and distribution, providing enhanced tactile feedback and realistic sensing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitance detecting unit configured to detect a capacitance corresponding to a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
the second electrode is elastically deformed by a load applied to the second electrode by an operation with respect to the operation member
Data Source
AI summary
A force sensor includes a substrate; a first electrode fixed to a first area on the substrate; a second electrode fixed to a second area different from the first area on the substrate, the second electrode extending to a position higher than the first electrode; a capacitance detecting unit configured to detect a capacitance corresponding to a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode; and an operation member including a contact area that is in contact with the second electrode. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is provided in plurality. The second electrode is elastically deformed by a load applied to the second electrode by an operation with respect to the operation member, and the distance between the second electrode and the first electrode changes according to an elastic deformation of the second electrode.