Dynamic Strain Sensor With Flexible Substrate and LED

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dynamic strain sensors lack a contactless monitoring method for large areas and are not flexible enough to be used on non-planar surfaces, limiting their application in monitoring dynamic strain on various industrial equipment and structures.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic strain sensor incorporating a strain-sensitive transistor with a piezoelectric layer and a light-emitting diode, allowing for contactless monitoring through visual means, with a flexible substrate that can be used on various surfaces, and adjustable light emission based on strain levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional dynamic strain sensors are used, then strain measurement is possible, but they cannot provide contactless monitoring for large areas and are not flexible enough for non-planar surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility for non-planar surfacesVSAvoidmonitoring area coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is divided into distinct functional layers including a flexible substrate, piezoelectric layer, transistor layer, and LED layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently while maintaining overall flexibility and large-area coverage capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor employs a flexible substrate with thin-film piezoelectric and transistor layers that can conform to non-planar surfaces. This flexible structure enables the sensor to be mounted on curved or irregular surfaces while maintaining measurement capability across large areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Area of stationary object

If contactless monitoring is implemented, then monitoring of large areas is enabled, but requires integration of multiple components (piezoelectric layer, transistor, LED)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring area coverageVSAvoidsensor structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional components (piezoelectric layer for strain sensing, transistor for signal processing, LED for optical output) are merged into a single integrated sensor structure. This combination enables contactless monitoring capability while maintaining a compact form factor that can be deployed over large areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated sensor structure performs multiple functions: the piezoelectric layer detects strain, the transistor amplifies and processes the signal, and the LED converts the electrical signal to optical signal for contactless reading. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If LED intensity and wavelength are adjusted for different applications, then detection convenience is improved, but requires selection and integration of different LED types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection convenienceVSAvoidapplication-specific customization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor allows adjustment of LED operating parameters including intensity and wavelength to optimize performance for different detection scenarios. By changing these parameters, the sensor can be adapted to various applications such as different lighting conditions or detection distances while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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, flexible, and convenient monitoring of dynamic strain on large areas and non-planar surfaces, including moving parts, with adjustable light intensity and wavelength for enhanced detection.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric layer, and a semiconductor layer, where the piezoelectric layer is positioned between the gate metal electrode and the semiconductor layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a light emitting diode coupled to the top surface of the sensitive transistor... the light emitted from the light emitting diode can be monitored for monitoring and measuring the dynamic strain

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2889596B1Dynamic strain sensor and method
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 HONEYWELL ROMANIA
  • EP2889596B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2889596B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2889596B1 patent drawingFigure 6A~6B

AI summary

A dynamic strain sensor includes a strain sensitive transistor (38) and a light emitting diode (40) coupled to the strain sensitive transistor (38). The dynamic strain sensor can include a piezoelectric layer (16) incorporated into the structure of the strain sensitive transistor. The dynamic strain sensor can sense dynamic strain and can measure and monitor the dynamic strain wirelessly.