Dual-Sided Composite Sensor for Continuous Distance and Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite sensors face challenges in continuously measuring distance and force due to reverberation effects in ultrasound sensors and shared light-emitting and light-receiving units, which hinder independent design and accurate measurement during proximity to contact.
Innovation Solution
A composite sensor design with an optical proximity sensor on one surface and a force sensor on the opposite surface, using synchronized signal processing to independently measure distance and force, eliminating reverberation effects and allowing for independent sensor design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound waves are used for distance measurement, then distance can be measured, but reverberation effects occur when objects approach, making measurement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ultrasound-based distance measurement system with an optical measurement system. Specifically, it uses a light emitter to send light signals and a light receiver to detect reflected light, substituting acoustic wave mechanics with optical physics to eliminate reverberation effects that plague ultrasound measurements at close ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental measurement parameter from acoustic wave propagation time to light propagation time. By using the significantly faster speed of light and its lack of reverberation characteristics in the measurement medium, the system achieves reliable distance measurement from proximity to contact without the reverberation problems that occur with ultrasound.
2Device complexity
If light-emitting unit and light-receiving unit are shared for measuring distance and force, then device complexity is reduced, but independent design of distance and force sensors becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor system into functionally independent modules: a force sensor unit for measuring applied force and a separate optical measurement unit with dedicated light emitter and light receiver for distance measurement. This segmentation allows each sensor type to be independently designed, optimized, and calibrated without interfering with the other, while maintaining a unified composite sensor structure.
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 continuous measurement of distance and force from proximity to contact, with improved accuracy and ease of sensor design, facilitating seamless transitions in measurement states.
Implementation Method 1
an optical proximity sensor including a first light emitter and a first light receiver on the first surface of the substrate to output a signal dependent on a distance to an object by receiving, at the first light receiver, light emitted from the first light emitter and reflected by the object
Implementation Method 2
a force sensor on the second surface of the substrate to output a signal dependent on a component of force that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A composite sensor includes a substrate including first and second surfaces facing in opposite directions, an optical proximity sensor including a first light emitter and a first light receiver on the first surface of the substrate to output a signal dependent on a distance to an object by receiving, at the first light receiver, light emitted from the first light emitter and reflected by the object, a force sensor on the second surface of the substrate to output a signal dependent on a component of force that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the substrate, a processor configured or programmed to process the signal from the optical proximity sensor and the signal from the force sensor and calculate information on the distance to the object and information on force received from the object.