Capacitive Pressure Sensing Mat with Modular Laminated Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure sensing mats for preventing pressure injuries are costly, require frequent calibration, and lack a modular solution for different environments, while also being prone to sanitation issues due to their reusable nature.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensing mat formed from laminated conductive sheets with a capacitive strip matrix, which reduces calibration needs, is more durable, and can be manufactured in a modular fashion for various applications, with the option for wireless power and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pressure sensing mats are used, then pressure injury prevention is achieved, but cost increases and calibration frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the sensing elements by using capacitive sensors with variable capacitance values based on pressure application. This allows the system to detect pressure injuries through electrical parameter changes rather than requiring complex mechanical sensing structures, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure detection mechanisms with capacitive sensing technology. The capacitive sensors detect pressure through changes in electrical capacitance rather than mechanical deformation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components and reducing both cost and calibration requirements
2Productivity
If reusable pressure sensing mats are used, then resource utilization improves, but sanitation issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the pressure sensing mat to be disposed of after a single use, eliminating sanitation issues entirely. The mat can be easily discarded after detecting pressure injuries, and a new mat can be immediately used, ensuring patient safety without the need for cleaning and sterilization procedures
3Measurement precision
If traditional pressure sensing mats are used, then pressure detection is achieved, but calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensing system automatically adapts to different patients and positions without requiring manual calibration. The system self-calibrates by detecting the natural capacitance values of the patient's body and adjusting its measurements accordingly, eliminating time-consuming calibration procedures while maintaining accurate pressure detection
4Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design is implemented, then adaptability to different environments improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure sensing mat into modular components that can be easily configured for different applications. The mat can be divided into multiple sensing zones and adjusted to fit various patient positions and environmental requirements, providing adaptability without requiring a completely different system for each scenario
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 provides a cost-effective, efficient, and modular pressure sensing mat that minimizes calibration requirements, enhances durability, and facilitates easy adaptation to different environments, while also addressing sanitation concerns through disposability.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure sensing mat may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may include a first conductive layer and a first non-conductive layer that may be layered to the first conductive layer. The second portion may include a second conductive layer and a second non-conductive layer that may be layered to the second conductive layer. The pressure sensing mat may also include an insulative layer disposed between the first and second conductive layers. The pluralities of first and second conductive strips may form a conductive strip matrix having a plurality of capacitors. Each of the capacitors of the plurality of capacitors may be configured to provide a capacitance indicative of a pressure applied at each capacitor of the plurality of capacitors.
Data Source
AI summary
The pressure sensing mat including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may include a first conductive layer that may be sandwiched between a first non-conductive layer and a non-conductive layer that define a first set of channels that may at least partially enclose a first conductive strip that may extend in a first direction. The second portion may include a second conductive layer that may be sandwiched between a third non-conductive layer and a fourth non-conductive layer that may define a second set of channels that may at least partially enclose a second conductive strip that may extend in a second direction. The first conductive strip and the second conductive strip may form a capacitor that may be configured to provide a capacitance indicative of a pressure applied to the capacitor.