Electronic Skin Sensor With Time-Sharing Shielding Against Crosstalk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile sensors for intelligent robots lack the ability to simultaneously perform touch sensing, stress and slide sensing, temperature sensing, and humidity sensing while overcoming issues of electromagnetic interference, crosstalk between sensor units, and environmental interference.
Innovation Solution
A sensor with a time-sharing regional shielding function utilizing multifunctional layers that form plane-like capacitors for touch sensing and electromagnetic shielding, allowing for simultaneous measurement of three-dimensional forces and temperature/humidity while preventing crosstalk through time-sharing regional scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic shielding is added to tactile sensors, then anti-interference capability is improved, but touch sensing function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the shielding layer switchable between conducting and non-conducting states. The shielding layer is connected to a switching element that can dynamically change its electrical state based on operational requirements, allowing the sensor to adapt between needing shielding and needing touch sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through time-division multiplexing where the shielding layer alternates between conducting and non-conducting states in different time periods. During measurement periods, shielding is activated; during other periods, shielding is deactivated to allow touch sensing, creating a periodic switching pattern
2Area of stationary object
If multiple sensor units are arranged in matrix, then sensing coverage is improved, but crosstalk between sensor units occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary shielding layer between adjacent sensor units in the matrix arrangement. This shielding layer acts as a mediator that blocks electromagnetic field lines from crossing between neighboring sensors, preventing crosstalk while allowing each sensor to function independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the matrix into isolated sensor units with shielding layers creating distinct zones. Each sensor unit is segmented from its neighbors through the shielding structure, allowing independent operation without mutual interference
3Reliability
If shielding layer is always conducting, then anti-interference is improved, but electric field lines cannot pass through for sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the shielding layer dynamic by connecting it to switching elements that can change its electrical state. The shielding layer transitions between conducting (for anti-interference) and non-conducting (for sensing) states based on the operational phase, resolving the contradiction between always providing shielding and always allowing field passage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching where the shielding layer alternates between conducting and non-conducting states. During certain time periods, the shielding is active to block interference; during other periods, it becomes non-conducting to allow electric field lines to pass through for measurement, creating a periodic pattern that satisfies both requirements
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 achieves comprehensive sensing capabilities with improved anti-interference and reduced crosstalk, enabling accurate object classification, proximity determination, and efficient matrix scanning.
Implementation Method 1
the detection units for detecting a three-dimensional force are parallel-plate capacitors
Implementation Method 2
the multifunctional layers can be used as electromagnetic shielding layers of a plurality of parallel-plate capacitors
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a sensor with a time-sharing regional shielding function and a robot. The sensor comprises a plurality of sensor units, each of which comprises regions contained in four multifunctional layers. Four parallel-plate capacitors are contained in the multifunctional layers. The multifunctional layers realize the regional shielding function through the time-sharing switching of analog switches and the control of a bus.