Capacitive Sensory Yarn with Segmented Helical Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high production costs of sensory textile materials due to complex manufacturing processes and the need for dense matrix patterns of intersecting yarns, which limits their use and increases expenses.
Innovation Solution
A sensory yarn with a thread core and two helically wound conductors that form a capacitive component with changing capacitance per unit length, allowing for localized force detection without a matrix pattern, simplifying production by arranging yarns parallel to each other and enabling single-sided electrical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dense matrix pattern of intersecting sensory yarns is used to enable localized force detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The yarn is divided into multiple sections along its length, where each section has a different capacitance value. This segmentation allows the yarn to provide localized sensing information without requiring a dense matrix pattern, as each section can independently detect forces at its specific location along the yarn's length
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional matrix pattern of intersecting yarns to a one-dimensional solution by incorporating multiple capacitance values along the length of a single yarn. This dimensional change simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the capability for localized force detection through the spatial distribution of capacitance values along the yarn
2Measurement precision
If a dense matrix pattern of intersecting sensory yarns is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The yarn is divided into multiple sections along its length, where each section has a different capacitance value. This segmentation allows the yarn to provide localized sensing information without requiring a dense matrix pattern, as each section can independently detect forces at its specific location along the yarn's length
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional matrix pattern of intersecting yarns to a one-dimensional solution by incorporating multiple capacitance values along the length of a single yarn. This dimensional change simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the capability for localized force detection through the spatial distribution of capacitance values along the yarn
3Adaptability or versatility
If two conductors are helically wound around the thread core, then the capacitive component can detect forces and object approaches, but the yarn structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive component with two helically wound conductors serves multiple detection functions including forces, object approaches, and various environmental parameters. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated yarn structure, eliminating the need for separate sensor components and reducing overall system complexity despite the sophisticated internal conductor arrangement
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
This solution reduces manufacturing complexity and costs by allowing for localized detection of forces and object approaches through capacitance changes, enhancing the usability and affordability of sensory textile materials.
Implementation Method 1
The two conductors are electrically insulated relative to each other, as a result of which the conductor pair of the at least one first conductor and at least one second conductor together with additional yarn components, for example the thread core, forms a capacitive component
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor yarn (10) having a thread core (11) around which first and second conductors (12, 13) are helically wound. The two conductors (12, 13) are electrically insulated from each other and from the thread core (11). The two conductors (12, 13) form a capacitive component (15) together with the thread core (11). In one embodiment, the sensor yarn (10a) has a capacitance (Cl) per unit of length that changes in the direction of extent (E) of the sensor yarn. This can be accomplished by a change in the winding geometry of the first or second conductors (12, 13) or by a change of the relative permittivity (E) of the sensor yarn (10). In another embodiment, the sensor yarn (10b) has photosensitive material (30) and a length change is effected by an incident to the light (L). As a result of a length change or other deformation of the sensor yarn (10a, 10b), the total capacitance (CG) of the sensor yarn (10a, 10b) changes, which can be determined by means of an evaluating unit (17).