Elastomer Capacitive Control Element for Flexible Textile Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control elements for electronic devices are typically rigid and inflexible, lacking the ability to be easily integrated into textiles or provide comfortable, flexible operation for adjusting complex manipulated variables.
Innovation Solution
A control element featuring a dielectric elastomer sensor with electrode layers separated by an elastomeric dielectric, capable of measuring capacitance changes due to deformation, combined with a triggering mechanism to control manipulated variables, allowing for flexible and bendable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid control elements are used, then manufacturing precision and structural stability are improved, but adaptability and ease of operation in flexible environments deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control element uses a flexible printed circuit board as the base structure, replacing rigid PCBs with a flexible substrate that can be bent and conform to curved surfaces. This allows the control element to be integrated into textiles and flexible surfaces while maintaining electrical connectivity and functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control element combines multiple materials including flexible printed circuits, elastomeric domes, conductive traces, and encapsulants to create a composite structure that provides both flexibility and functional stability. This composite approach enables the control element to achieve both adaptability and manufacturing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid control elements are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation in textile integration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board and thin-film encapsulation allow the control element to be seamlessly integrated into textile substrates, enabling wearable applications while maintaining precise control functionality through the flexible electronic components.
3Measurement precision
If capacitive sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensing function is extracted as a separate electrode layer within the flexible control element, allowing the sensing capability to be integrated without requiring additional complex sensor assemblies. The electrode pattern on the flexible circuit provides both structural and sensing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible printed circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural base, electrical connectivity, and capacitive sensing capability. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the integrated electrode design.
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 easy, finger-operated adjustment of manipulated variables with high sensitivity, suitable for use in textiles, providing a new class of flexible and cost-effective human-machine interfaces for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least two electrode layers, between which a capacitance can be measured, are separated from one another by an at least partially elastomeric dielectric
Implementation Method 2
deformation of elastomeric components can assume a changed capacity compared to the preset position, which is/are achieved by an external force
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control and operating element comprising: (a) at least one dielectric elastomer sensor in which at least two electrode layers, between which a capacitance can be measured, are separated from one another by means of an at least partially elastomeric dielectric, said sensor having a preset position and can adopt, by shaping elastomer components, one or more working positions with varying capacitance with respect to the preset position, which is/are reached by the effect of an external force, and (b) a release mechanism which can trigger an event which is connected to a reached working position.