Capacitive Sensor Structure for Combined Proximity and Tactile Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors for intelligent devices have limited sensing capabilities, primarily offering single-modal sensing (either proximity or contact) with low sensitivity and a restricted applicable range, which poses safety challenges, such as collision and excessive pressure issues, during robot operations.
Innovation Solution
A sensor with a three-layer sensing structure comprising an upper electrode layer, a dielectric layer, and a lower electrode layer, which enables dual-modal sensing by determining distance information from an approaching object and acting force on a contact object through capacitance information analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a proximity sensor or tactile sensor is disposed at a specific position of the intelligent device, then the device can sense distance or pressure, but the sensing function remains single and limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor integrates both proximity sensing and tactile sensing functions into a single device. The sensor includes an upper electrode layer, a dielectric layer, and a lower electrode layer, where the upper electrode layer comprises multiple sub-electrodes arranged in an array with electrode gaps. By measuring capacitance changes, the sensor can detect both the distance of approaching objects (through electrode gap capacitance) and the pressure of contacted objects (through overall capacitance between upper and lower electrode layers), achieving multi-functional sensing without requiring separate proximity and tactile sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate proximity sensing and tactile sensing functions into one integrated sensor structure. The sensor uses a unified three-layer capacitor structure (upper electrode layer, dielectric layer, lower electrode layer) where the same physical structure serves dual purposes: detecting distance through capacitance changes at electrode gaps and detecting pressure through capacitance changes between electrode layers, thereby merging multiple sensing functions into a single device.
2Measurement precision
If traditional single-modal sensors are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the sensing sensitivity and applicable range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The upper electrode layer is divided into multiple sub-electrodes arranged in an array, creating multiple electrode gaps. This segmentation allows the sensor to capture capacitance information from different regions, improving measurement precision for both proximity and tactile sensing. The segmented structure enables more accurate detection of approaching objects and distributed pressure detection, enhancing overall sensing sensitivity without significantly increasing structural complexity.
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 sensor achieves improved sensing levels and diversified sensing functions, enabling omnidirectional sensing and preventing collisions and damage from excessive pressure, thereby enhancing the safety and versatility of intelligent devices.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to determine distance information from an approaching object according to first capacitance information at the electrode gap
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is further configured to determine an acting force acting on a contact object according to second capacitance information between the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer under action of the dielectric layer
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a sensor, a sensing device, and a sensing method. The sensor may include an upper electrode layer, a dielectric layer, and a lower electrode layer. A first dielectric layer surface of the dielectric layer may be attached to a first upper electrode surface of the upper electrode layer. A second dielectric layer surface of the dielectric layer may be attached to a first lower electrode surface of the lower electrode layer. The second dielectric layer surface may be opposite to the first dielectric layer surface. The upper electrode layer may include at least two sub-upper electrodes arranged in an array. An electrode gap may exist between the at least two sub-upper electrodes.