Deformation Sensor With Segmented Corner Fixing Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deformation detection sensors in terminals are not effective in detecting deformation of a member due to the rigid fixation of the holding member to the housing, which limits deformation and reduces the sensitivity of the piezoelectric sensor's detection.

Innovation Solution

A sensor design with a holding member and deformation detection sensor where the holding member is fixed at multiple corner portions to the housing, allowing for gaps and using softer fixing portions to enhance deformation detection sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the holding member is rigidly fixed to the housing, then the structural stability is improved, but the deformation detection sensitivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddeformation detection sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing structure is segmented into multiple discrete fixing portions (first fixing portions at corner portions and second fixing portions at side portions) rather than continuous rigid fixation. This segmentation allows different regions to have different degrees of freedom, enabling deformation detection while maintaining overall structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different fixing portions are applied to different regions of the holding member with different characteristics. The first fixing portions are placed at corner portions while second fixing portions are placed at side portions, creating local variations in fixation strength that allow specific regions to deform for detection while others provide stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If the holding member is fully fixed to the housing, then the positional stability is improved, but the deformation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional stabilityVSAvoiddeformation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing structure transitions from static rigid fixation to a dynamic system where the holding member can deform between the fixed corner portions. The gaps between fixing portions allow the holding member to dynamically adjust its shape in response to external forces while maintaining positional stability at the fixed points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By dividing the fixation into discrete segments (first fixing portions at corners, second fixing portions at sides) rather than continuous fixation, the system allows deformation in the gaps between segments while maintaining stability at the segment locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If adhesive is applied extensively to fix the holding member, then the bonding strength is improved, but the deformation sensitivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoiddeformation sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive application is segmented into specific discrete locations (corner portions and side portions) rather than extensive continuous application. This concentrated adhesive application at key points provides sufficient bonding strength while leaving gaps that allow deformation detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Adhesive is applied locally at specific portions (first fixing portions at corners, second fixing portions at sides) rather than uniformly across the entire holding member. This creates local bonding strength at critical points while maintaining deformation capability in between.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 sensor easily detects deformation of the holding member by allowing it to protrude, improving the sensitivity of the deformation detection sensor's response and reducing the risk of foreign matter ingress.

Implementation Method 1

The piezoelectric sensor outputs a signal according to deformation of the holding member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250271952A1Sensor and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.08.28 MURATA MFG CO LTD
  • US20250271952A1 patent drawing
  • US20250271952A1 patent drawing
  • US20250271952A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A sensor that includes: a holding member having a first main surface and a second main surface arranged in a first direction and having a rectangular shape as viewed from the first direction; a deformation detection sensor constructed to output a signal when the holding member is deformed; and a plurality of first fixing portions fixed to the second main surface and overlapping corner portions of the holding member as viewed from the first direction, and the plurality of first fixing portions are separated from each other.