Contact Sensor Module for Flying Robots with Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact sensors for flying robots are large, heavy, and prone to reduced detection accuracy when protected from impacts, making them unsuitable for mounting on flying robots that need to navigate uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A contact sensor module with a base unit, pressure-sensitive sensors in a thin film shape, a flexible cover, and a harder intermediate member that disperses and transmits contact loads efficiently, allowing for accurate detection while protecting the sensors from impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a force sensor capable of detecting loads in multiaxial directions is mounted on the tip end of each leg, then detection capability is improved, but the size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple pressure-sensitive elements arranged in a matrix on the tip end surface, each detecting pressure in the vertical direction. This segmentation allows the sensor to detect multiaxial loads through composition of multiple vertical pressure measurements, replacing the need for a single complex multiaxial force sensor and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical force sensors with pressure-sensitive sensors that detect pressure distribution. This substitution uses pressure detection technology instead of mechanical strain measurement, enabling multiaxial load detection through pressure distribution analysis while using lighter, more compact sensor elements.
2Reliability
If a cover made of flexible material is used to protect the sensor from impacts, then protection is improved, but detection accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible protective cover is provided that covers the peripheral side surface and tip end surface of the sensor. The cover is designed with sufficient flexibility to allow pressure transmission to the sensors while providing impact protection. The thin film structure ensures that protective function is achieved without significantly compromising detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is designed with different properties in different regions: the tip end surface and peripheral side surface are covered for impact protection, while the sensor mounting surface maintains pressure sensitivity. This localized quality differentiation ensures protection where needed while preserving detection accuracy at the sensor interface.
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 solution provides both protection and high detection accuracy for flying robots, enabling them to navigate uneven surfaces effectively while minimizing weight and size, thus enhancing their mounting flexibility and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors in a thin film shape mounted on a surface of the base unit
Implementation Method 2
a cover having flexibility and attached to the base unit so as to cover the tip end of the base unit
Data Source
AI summary
A contact sensor module includes a base unit with columnar shape, a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors mounted on a tip end of the base unit, a flexible cover attached to the base unit so as to cover the tip end of the base unit, and a hard intermediate member disposed between the tip end of the base unit and the cover. The pressure-sensitive sensors are mounted on a surface of the base unit in a state inclined so as to approach a center axis of the base unit along a first direction from a base end side to a tip end side of the base unit. The intermediate member is formed such that an outer wall surface of the intermediate member is in close contact with an inner wall surface of the cover.