Capacitive Electronic Skin Circuit for Non-Contact Robot Distance Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical devices, such as robots, face challenges in detecting approaching objects without physical contact, which can lead to damage to both the device and the object being detected.
Innovation Solution
An electronic skin sensing circuit that utilizes capacitance detection between an electrode on the device and an external conductor to sense distance without contact, comprising a connection terminal, a detection circuit, and a microprocessor to process electrical signals representing the capacitance or its changes, enabling non-contact distance sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact-type resistive housing is used for object detection, then the mechanical device can detect approaching objects, but the mechanical device and the object may contact with each other causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-type resistive housing with a capacitance sensing circuit that detects objects through electrical field interaction. The detection circuit measures capacitance changes between an electrode on the housing and external conductors, enabling non-contact detection and eliminating mechanical collision damage while maintaining object detection precision.
2Measurement precision
If direct contact signal detection is used, then distance detection can be performed, but the mechanical device and object will physically contact causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrical field as an intermediary between the detection electrode and external conductors. The capacitance sensing circuit detects distance by measuring changes in capacitance through this electrical field intermediary, allowing accurate distance detection without direct physical contact, thus improving device safety while maintaining detection precision.
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 the mechanical device to detect approaching objects non-contactually, preventing collisions and enhancing safety by accurately determining the distance between the device and the object.
Implementation Method 1
detect a distance between the electrode and an external conductor or a change of the distance between the electrode and an external conductor by utilizing a capacitance between the electrode and the external conductor or a change of the capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing circuit (51) including a connection terminal (514) configured to couple with an electrode (32) located on a housing of a mechanical device; and a detection circuit (513) configured to couple with the connection terminal (514) to detect a distance between the electrode (32) and an external conductor or a change of the distance between the electrode and an external conductor by utilizing a capacitance between the electrode (32) and the external conductor or a change of the capacitance between the electrode (32) and the external conductor, thus obtaining an electrical signal representing the distance between the electrode (32) and the external conductor or a change of the distance between the electrode (32) and the external conductor. The sensing circuit can perform non-contact distance detection on a grounded object.