Elastic Capacitance Sensor for Soft Object Deformation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in measuring deformation and movement of soft objects and human body parts, particularly the inner regions, due to limitations in optical measuring methods and the need for contact-based sensors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module comprising an elastic base material with first and second surfaces, each equipped with electrostatic capacitance sensors that detect changes in capacitance caused by expansion/contraction, allowing for non-contact measurement of bending and expansion/contraction, which can be integrated into wearable terminals and electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If optical measuring method is used, then measurement can be performed without contact, but regions not irradiated with measuring light cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical measuring system with an electrostatic capacitance sensing system. The sensor includes a first electrode on the first surface and a second electrode on the second surface of the elastic base material, forming a capacitance sensing structure that detects deformation through capacitance changes rather than optical reflection, enabling measurement of previously inaccessible regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an elastic base material as a flexible substrate that can conform to soft objects and human body surfaces. This flexible structure allows the sensor to be attached to curved and irregular surfaces, enabling measurement coverage in regions that were inaccessible to rigid optical measuring devices
2Measurement precision
If sensor is bonded to object for measurement, then inner regions can be measured, but the sensor may affect the deformation and movement being measured
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor employs an elastic base material that is flexible and adaptable to the contours of soft objects and human body parts. This flexibility allows the sensor to conform to the object's surface without rigidly constraining it, thereby minimizing interference with natural deformation and movement while still enabling measurement of inner regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrostatic capacitance as the sensing mechanism. By measuring capacitance variations between the first and second electrodes rather than direct physical displacement, the system can detect deformation with minimal mechanical interference to the measured object
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 attachment of sensors to soft objects and human bodies for precise measurement of deformation and movement, including complex movements and fine deformations, without affecting the target, providing a novel solution for improving athletic performance, gaming operations, and optimizing sleeping and sitting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor which detects a change in a capacitance caused by expansion/contraction of the first surface
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor which detects a change in a capacitance caused by expansion/contraction of the second surface
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor includes an elastic base material including a first surface and a second surface, a first sensor which detects a change in a capacitance caused by expansion/contraction of the first surface, and a second sensor which detects a change in a capacitance caused by expansion/contraction of the second surface. The first sensor faces the second sensor with the base material therebetween.