Capacitive Shear Force Sensor with Elastic Layer Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for sensors that can effectively detect shear force, as existing technologies have limitations in accurately separating and measuring shear force from other types of forces like compressive force.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive shear force sensor with a sensor electrode layer, a reference electrode layer, and an elastic layer that deforms elastically in the in-plane direction, causing a change in electrostatic capacitance, allowing for the detection of shear force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional sensor structure is used, then the sensor can detect pressure, but it cannot accurately separate and detect shear force from compressive force
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple functional layers: a sensor electrode layer for detecting capacitance changes, a first elastic layer for experiencing shear force deformation, and a second elastic layer for experiencing compressive force deformation. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in detecting specific force components, enabling accurate separation of shear force from compressive force while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical stacking arrangement where the sensor electrode layer is positioned between two elastic layers, creating a three-dimensional structure. The first elastic layer deforms in the in-plane direction for shear force detection, while the second elastic layer deforms in the thickness direction for compressive force detection. This dimensional separation allows independent detection of different force types without increasing planar complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sensor structure is simplified, then manufacturing becomes easier, but the ability to distinguish shear force from pressure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple functional layers: a sensor electrode layer for detecting capacitance changes, a first elastic layer for experiencing shear force deformation, and a second elastic layer for experiencing compressive force deformation. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in detecting specific force components, enabling accurate separation of shear force from compressive force while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes different elastic properties of the two elastic layers: the first elastic layer has higher in-plane elasticity for shear force response, while the second elastic layer has higher thickness-direction elasticity for compressive force response. By changing the elastic parameters of different layers, the sensor achieves accurate force separation without complex structural elements.
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 accurately detects shear force by measuring changes in electrostatic capacitance, enabling precise calculation of shear force direction and magnitude, while also distinguishing it from pressure, enhancing detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic layer that is provided between the first reference electrode layer and the sensor electrode layer, and is configured to be elastically deformed by shear force added in an in-plane direction
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the first reference electrode layer or the first elastic layer includes a first probe portion that is displaced in an in-plane direction in accordance with elastic deformation of the first elastic layer, and changes an electrostatic capacitance of the sensing unit
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor includes a sensor electrode layer including a capacitive sensing unit, a first reference electrode layer provided to face a first surface of the sensor electrode layer, and a first elastic layer that is provided between the first reference electrode layer and the sensor electrode layer, and is configured to be elastically deformed by shear force added in an in-plane direction. At least one of the first reference electrode layer or the first elastic layer includes a first probe portion that is displaced in an in-plane direction in accordance with elastic deformation of the first elastic layer, and changes an electrostatic capacitance of the sensing unit.