Deformable Touch and Strain Sensor with Elastomeric Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tactile sensors are often rigid and limited to providing single-type output, such as touch input or strain sensing, which restricts their incorporation into flexible and deformable devices and surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A dual-function capacitive touch and strain sensor with stretchable conductive paths encapsulated in elastomeric material, allowing for flexible and deformable designs that can detect touch and strain input along multiple dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tactile sensors are used, then touch input or strain sensing can be provided, but the sensors are rigid and limited to single-type output, restricting incorporation into flexible devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent encapsulates conductive paths in elastomeric material to create flexible signal channels that can deform with the sensor surface, enabling the sensor to be incorporated into soft and stretchable articles while maintaining touch and strain sensing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed to provide both touch input sensing and strain sensing capabilities in a single device, allowing it to be used in multiple applications including wearable devices, flexible displays, and haptic feedback systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid sensors are used, then manufacturing and structural stability are easier, but they cannot be integrated into soft and stretchable articles
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric encapsulation of conductive paths creates a flexible structure that conforms to soft articles, enabling integration into wearable devices and flexible surfaces while maintaining electrical connectivity through deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor combines conductive materials with elastomeric encapsulation to create a composite structure that provides both electrical functionality and mechanical flexibility, allowing integration into soft articles
3Adaptability or versatility
If single-type sensing output is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different sensing needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor simultaneously provides touch input sensing and strain sensing capabilities through its capacitive structure, allowing a single device to fulfill multiple sensing requirements without requiring separate sensors for each function
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 integration of sensors into soft and stretchable articles and devices, providing both touch and strain sensing capabilities while maintaining flexibility and comfort, enhancing user interaction and device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A dual-function capacitive touch and strain sensor with stretchable conductive paths encapsulated in elastomeric material, allowing for flexible and deformable designs that can detect touch and strain input along multiple dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples of deformable sensors are disclosed. In one example, a deformable sensor comprises a ground electrode comprising a plurality of spatially separated lines, and a set of individually-indexed signal channels interdigitated with the spatially separated lines, each individually-indexed signal channel comprising a stretchable conductive path encapsulated in an elastomeric material.