Conductive Thread Capacitive Sensor for Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively detect changes in pressure using capacitive sensors woven into fabrics, as they do not utilize the change in capacitance caused by increasing proximity between adjacent conductive threads.
Innovation Solution
A glove with conductive threads woven into the fabric, acting as a capacitive sensor to detect pressure changes, combined with an acceleration sensor and controller to determine user actions based on pressure and movement data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conductive threads are woven into fabric to create a capacitive sensor, then the sensor can detect changes in electric capacity, but it cannot effectively detect pressure changes through capacitance variation between adjacent threads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different thread densities and configurations. Specific areas of the fabric have conductive threads arranged to be closely spaced and oriented to maximize capacitance change in response to pressure, while other areas maintain different properties for comfort or structural support. This localized optimization enables effective pressure detection at specific contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by detecting variations in capacitance between adjacent conductive threads when pressure is applied. The physical proximity and electrical properties of the threads change in response to mechanical deformation, converting mechanical pressure into measurable electrical signal changes through capacitive coupling.
2Measurement precision
If a glove with capacitive sensor is used, then pressure detection is enabled, but the system cannot determine user actions without additional sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing capabilities by integrating the capacitive pressure sensor in the glove with an acceleration sensor worn on the upper limb. The controller combines data from both sensors to comprehensively determine user actions, leveraging the complementary strengths of pressure sensing (contact force) and acceleration sensing (movement dynamics) to achieve versatile action recognition.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into the system, then action determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the capacitive sensor using conductive threads woven into the glove fabric, creating a multi-functional textile that serves both as wearable coverage and as a distributed pressure sensing array. This integrated approach reduces overall system complexity by combining structural and sensing functions in a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements feedback by continuously processing signals from both the capacitive pressure sensor and acceleration sensor, comparing measured values against expected patterns, and adjusting action determination accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables accurate action recognition while managing system complexity through intelligent signal processing rather than additional hardware.
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 detection of pressure changes and accurate determination of user actions, providing a novel configuration for both the glove and action determination system.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive threads serve as a sensor configured to detect, on the basis of a change in a capacitance between the conductive threads adjacent to each other, a change in a pressure applied to an area into which the conductive threads are woven
Data Source
AI summary
A glove includes a capacitive sensor, and conductive threads are woven into a fabric of the glove, the conductive threads serving as the capacitive sensor configured to detect, on the basis of a change in capacitance between the conductive threads adjacent to each other, a change in pressure applied to an area into which the conductive threads are woven.