Complex Sensor for Robot Hand Proximity and Contact Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional complex sensors for robot hands are complex and require optically transparent flexible members or capacitance measurements, making them less efficient for detecting proximity and contact.
Innovation Solution
A complex sensor with a pressure-sensitive sheet and an auxiliary sensor, where the detection surface is delimited by a sheet-removal part, allowing for accurate detection of load magnitude and center of gravity, and proximity using a simple structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional complex sensors use optically transparent flexible members or capacitance measurements, then proximity and contact detection functions are achieved, but the sensor structure becomes complex and detection efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the proximity sensor and touch sensor into a single integrated sensor unit. The proximity sensor detection surface and touch sensor pressure-sensitive sheet are merged such that they share a common detection surface, eliminating the need for separate sensor structures and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both detection functions
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-sensitive sheet serves multiple functions: it acts as both the detection surface for the proximity sensor and the sensing element for the touch sensor. This multi-functional design allows a single component to perform both proximity detection and contact detection, simplifying the overall sensor structure
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors are used for proximity and contact detection, then detection precision is maintained, but the sensor configuration becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the proximity sensor and touch sensor into a single operational unit with a unified detection surface. This integration simplifies the configuration process, as users only need to install one sensor assembly rather than coordinating multiple separate sensors, while the underlying detection mechanisms maintain their individual precision
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating the sensors, the patent maintains functional segmentation by keeping the proximity detection and touch detection mechanisms distinct but coordinated. The control unit processes signals from both sensors separately, preserving detection precision while simplifying physical configuration
3Device complexity
If a simple sensor structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect object attributes and proximity accurately is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-sensitive sheet is designed to serve multiple detection functions simultaneously. It acts as the detection surface for proximity sensing while also functioning as the pressure-sensitive element for contact detection, enabling the simple structure to maintain accurate object attribute detection through multi-functional operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes signals from both the proximity sensor and touch sensor. It coordinates the detection outputs and determines object attributes by analyzing the combined information, allowing the simple physical structure to achieve accurate detection through intelligent signal processing
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 seamless detection of object proximity and attributes, reducing detection errors and allowing for gentle grasping of fragile objects without impact.
Implementation Method 1
a touch sensor mounted on the sensor-mounting component and provided with a pressure-sensitive sheet for detecting contact of an object with the detection surface of the sensor-mounting component
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary sensor mounted on the sensor-mounting component... the sensing surface of the auxiliary sensor, the sensing surface being exposed via the sheet-removal part
Data Source
AI summary
A complex sensor comprises a touch sensor and a proximity sensor. The touch sensor comprises a flexible pressure-sensitive sheet covering a fingertip portion. The pressure-sensitive sheet comprises a front surface film and a rear surface film composed of a flexible conductive material, an intermediate film which is sandwiched between the films in a state in which the intermediate film is electrically connected and which is composed of pressure-sensitive conductive rubber, and first to fourth electrode terminals formed on the front surface and rear surface films. The size of a load acting on the pressure-sensitive sheet and the center position of the load can be detected based on the terminal voltage. A through-hole is formed in the pressure-sensitive sheet such that the sensing surface of the proximity sensor is exposed, thus the approach of a holding object can be detected.