Elastomeric Pressure Sensor with Alternating Rigidity Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure sensors require accurate positioning, high processing accuracy, and special mounting methods, leading to increased costs and poor anti-interference capabilities, especially under temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor design featuring a force transmission structure with alternating first and second elastomers of different rigidities, connected to a substrate with strain sensing resistors, allowing for deformation-based pressure measurement without the need for precise assembly and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pressure sensors use complex circuit design and structural design with accurate positioning and careful adhesive bonding, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the sensing element by using elastomeric materials with specific modulus values (0.4-2.0 MPa) and controlling thickness (0.1-1.0 mm), transforming the sensing mechanism from complex circuit-based detection to simple resistance change detection through material property optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex circuit design and structural design elements from traditional pressure sensors, retaining only the essential sensing function through a simplified elastomeric diaphragm structure with integrated resistance elements, removing unnecessary complexity while preserving measurement capability
2Measurement precision
If strain gauges are used with small pressure deformation requiring accurate positioning and careful bonding, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing diaphragm and resistance elements into a single integrated elastomeric structure, where the resistance elements are formed directly on or within the elastomeric material, eliminating the need for separate bonding operations and precise positioning of discrete components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent increases the pressure deformation parameter by using elastomeric materials with low modulus (0.4-2.0 MPa) and thin thickness (0.1-1.0 mm), which naturally amplify deformation signals without requiring complex positioning or bonding techniques
3Measurement precision
If capacitive sensing type strictly controls distances from capacitive points to panel, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the capacitive sensing mechanism (which requires precise distance control) with a resistive sensing mechanism based on elastomeric deformation, substituting a mechanical deformation-based system for an electromagnetic field-based system that is sensitive to positioning tolerances
4Measurement precision
If piezoelectric ceramic type uses special mounting method, then measurement precision is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive elastomeric materials and simple resistance elements that can be mass-produced through conventional fabrication techniques, replacing expensive piezoelectric ceramics and their specialized mounting requirements with economical, easily manufactured components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material properties from rigid piezoelectric ceramics to flexible elastomeric materials, fundamentally altering the sensing mechanism from instantaneous voltage generation to gradual resistance change, enabling simpler and cheaper manufacturing
5Measurement precision
If traditional pressure sensors are designed for high precision assembly, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure sensor into simple, standardized components (elastomeric diaphragm, resistance elements, electrodes) that can be independently manufactured and assembled through automated processes, enabling mass production while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the elastomeric material parameters (modulus 0.4-2.0 MPa, thickness 0.1-1.0 mm) to achieve sufficient deformation signal strength without requiring high-precision assembly, enabling scalable manufacturing
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 design enhances signal-to-noise ratio, simplifies assembly, and improves sensitivity, enabling accurate pressure detection with a compact structure and wide application range while reducing the need for high-precision installation and lowering production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one of the resistors is a strain sensing resistor configured to detect deformation of the second elastomer
Implementation Method 2
The force transmission structure includes a first elastomer and a second elastomer arranged alternately in sequence, the adjacent first elastomer and second elastomer are abutted against each other, and rigidity of the second elastomer is lower than rigidity of the first elastomer
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensor is disclosed, which includes a substrate attached to an object being tested, a force transmission structure connected to the substrate, and a pressure measuring circuit; the force transmission structure includes a first elastomer and a second elastomer arranged alternately in sequence, the adjacent first elastomer and second elastomer are abutted against each other, and rigidity of the second elastomer is lower than rigidity of the first elastomer; the pressure measuring circuit is provided with at least two resistors, at least one of the resistors is provided at a position of the substrate corresponding to the second elastomer, and the at least one of the resistors is a strain sensing resistor configured to detect deformation of the second elastomer. An electronic terminal is also provided, which includes an object being tested, the pressure sensor, and a pressure sensing detection circuit electrically connected to the strain sensing resistor.