Electrostatic Capacity Sensor with Elastomer Electrodes for Bending Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostatic capacity-type sensors face challenges in detecting bending deformation due to high manufacturing costs, limited durability, and inability to follow dielectric deformation, especially when made with metal electrodes, and have restricted expansion/contraction properties when using conductive cloth electrodes.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic capacity-type sensor comprising a dielectric film made of elastomer with conductive filler-blended electrodes that are flexible and can deform with the dielectric film, allowing for improved durability and sensitivity in detecting bending deformation, along with self-temperature compensation to correct for temperature-induced changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If metal electrodes are used in electrostatic capacity-type sensor, then high dimensional accuracy and stability are achieved, but the sensor cannot detect bending deformation and has poor durability due to plastic deformation and separation from dielectric
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the electrodes from metal to elastomer with conductive filler, transforming the physical properties to enable elasticity and deformability while maintaining electrical conductivity. This allows the electrodes to follow the deformation of the dielectric film without separation or plastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material consisting of elastomer matrix combined with conductive filler particles. This composite provides both the mechanical properties (elasticity, deformability) needed for bending detection and the electrical conductivity required for electrostatic capacity measurement, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conductive cloth is used for electrodes, then expansion/contraction properties are achieved, but the expansion/contraction direction is restricted by weaving method and electrostatic capacity is reduced due to stitch clearances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameter of the electrode from woven fabric to a homogeneous elastomer composite material. This eliminates the directional restrictions of weaving and stitch clearances, allowing uniform expansion and contraction in all directions while maintaining continuous electrical conductivity and larger electrostatic capacity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If metal electrodes are used, then stable electrical properties are achieved, but the electrode is easy to be broken due to plastic deformation when bent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the electrode from rigid (metal) to flexible (elastomer composite), enabling the electrode to undergo large deformations without breaking while the conductive filler network maintains electrical conductivity through the deformed structure.
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 high sensitivity and durability in detecting bending deformation, can be easily attached to curved surfaces, and provides a large detection range with minimal malfunction or erroneous discrimination, while maintaining conductivity and resistance to repeated use.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic capacity-type sensor for detecting a deformation based on a change in the electrostatic capacity between a pair of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic capacity-type sensor which is excellent in durability and can detect bending-deformation. An electrostatic capacity-type sensor comprises a dielectric film made of an elastomer and a pair of electrodes arranged via the dielectric film, and detects the deformation based on a change in the electrostatic capacity between the pair of electrodes. The pair of electrodes have an elastomer and a conductive filler blended in said elastomer, and are expansible/contractible depending on the deformation of the dielectric film, and exhibit a small change in the conductivity even when expanded and contracted.