Capacitive Grip Sensor Layout for Deformation-Free Hand Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grip sensors face issues such as exposed wires, requirement for surface deformation, specific hand placement, and sensitivity concerns during assembly, limiting their application and reliability.
Innovation Solution
Robust capacitive grip sensors with embedded conductive strands and non-conductive layers on a substrate, where the conductive strands are coupled to processors to detect capacitance without surface deformation, allowing for efficient grip presence measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional grip sensors use exposed wires along the circumference, then electrical connection is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to exposed wires being vulnerable and requiring specific hand placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by embedding conductive strands within a flexible non-conductive layer that forms part of the grip surface. This allows the sensor to detect grip without requiring specific hand placement, as the entire surface becomes sensitive while protecting the conductive elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wire-based sensing with capacitive sensing using embedded conductive strands. This substitution eliminates exposed wires while maintaining electrical connection functionality, improving both reliability and operational flexibility.
2Measurement precision
If grip sensors require surface deformation to register an event, then pressure detection is achieved, but device complexity increases and sensitivity concerns arise during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical deformation-based sensing with capacitive sensing. The embedded conductive strands detect changes in capacitance caused by the proximity of conductive material (such as human skin), eliminating the need for surface deformation while reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical deformation to electrical capacitance. By monitoring capacitance changes in the embedded conductive strands, the sensor can detect grip presence without requiring physical deformation of the grip surface.
3Measurement precision
If sensor elements are sufficiently delicate, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to limited topcoat choices and application concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible non-conductive layer as a protective shell that encapsulates the delicate conductive strands. This layer can be applied using standard coating techniques without compromising the sensitivity of the underlying sensor elements, thereby improving ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining conductive strands with a non-conductive protective layer. This composite approach allows the delicate conductive elements to be protected during assembly while maintaining their sensing capability, expanding topcoat options and simplifying manufacturing.
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 reliable and deformation-free grip detection in various applications, enhancing sensitivity and reducing assembly risks, suitable for devices like barbells and dumbbells.
Implementation Method 1
robust capacitive grip sensors that may be used in a variety of applications... efficiently measure the presence of a human grip
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide robust capacitive grip sensors that may be used in a variety of applications, including single-handed and double-handed grips, such as but not limited to barbells. Apparatus as disclosed herein and efficiently measure the presence of a human grip without requiring deformation of a gripped surface area.