Electrostatic Sensor Contact Detection via Bridge Capacitor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact detecting apparatuses require complex configurations and multiple measurement instruments to detect contact position and area, leading to increased parts and structural complexity.
Innovation Solution
A contact detecting apparatus with an electrostatic sensor featuring an application electrode, a measurement electrode, and a dielectric, utilizing a bridge capacitor and charge/discharge switching element, which changes capacitance and resistance in response to conductor contact, allowing detection with a single measuring instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple rows of first electrodes and multiple columns of second electrodes are arranged in a matrix to detect contact position and area, then detection capability is improved, but the number of wirings and terminals increases causing structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode functions into a single measurement electrode. Instead of using separate first electrodes and second electrodes arranged in a matrix, the invention uses one measurement electrode that can detect both contact position and area through potential distribution analysis, thereby merging multiple detection functions into a single component and reducing the number of wirings and terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement electrode is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects contact position, contact area, and contact force simultaneously through a single electrode structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate electrode arrays for different detection purposes, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If two measurement instruments are used to obtain pressing force and pressed position from terminals at different positions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the number of parts increases and structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple measurement instruments into a single measuring instrument. By analyzing the potential distribution at different positions on the measurement electrode, the single instrument can determine both pressing force and pressed position, eliminating the need for multiple separate measurement devices and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement electrode acts as an intermediary that converts mechanical contact information (position and force) into electrical potential signals. This intermediary function allows a single measuring instrument to access multiple parameters by analyzing the potential distribution across the electrode, rather than requiring direct measurement from multiple instruments at different terminals.
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 simple and accurate detection of contact position and area with reduced complexity, using a single measuring instrument and a straightforward configuration.
Implementation Method 1
A contact detecting apparatus that detects contact of a human body based on a change in electrostatic capacitance
Implementation Method 2
an electrostatic sensor for detecting contact of a conductor, the electrostatic sensor including an application electrode to which an input voltage that is a constant voltage is applied from a power source, a measurement electrode which is disposed opposite to the application electrode and whose potential is measured, and a dielectric which is disposed between the application electrode and the measurement electrode
Implementation Method 3
a dielectric which is disposed between the application electrode and the measurement electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A contact detecting apparatus comprises an electrostatic sensor, a first bridge capacitor, a charge/discharge switching element, a control device, and a measuring instrument. The electrostatic sensor is configured to have an electrostatic capacitance that changes in accordance with at least one of an area contacted by a conductor and a distance to the conductor, and is configured to have a time constant τ hat changes depending on an electrical resistance corresponding to a distance from a first measurement position; and in a charging process, the measuring instrument detects a position where the conductor is in contact with the electrostatic sensor based on a first potential first sampling value, which is a first potential acquired at a first sampling time point, and a first potential second sampling value, which is the first potential acquired at a second sampling time point after a predetermined time has elapsed from the first sampling time point.