Electrostatic Capacity Sensor with Integrated Flexible Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrostatic capacity sensors have low durability due to peeling off of movable electrodes and signal lines from flexible substrates when used in environments with repeated pressure, leading to reduced effectiveness over time.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic capacity sensor design featuring a flexible member with a second electrode facing a first electrode, integrated within a substrate, and an electric wire extending within the flexible member, which maintains the second electrode's attachment during elastic deformation, enhancing durability and allowing for force detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the movable electrode and signal line are attached to the flexible substrate, then the sensor can detect pressure, but the electrodes and signal lines may peel off after repeated use, reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attaching the electrode to the flexible substrate as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the structure by integrating the second electrode directly into the flexible substrate itself. This makes the electrode an integral part of the substrate, eliminating the peeling issue that occurs when separate components are attached and detached during repeated bending cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structure where the flexible substrate and electrode are combined into a single integrated component. This composite approach ensures that the electrode moves together with the substrate during deformation, preventing relative motion and peeling that would occur in multi-layer attached structures.
2Reliability
If the electrode is integrated into the flexible member, then durability improves during repeated elastic deformation, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrode and flexible substrate into a single integrated component rather than assembling separate parts. This combining approach actually simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of assembly steps, bonding processes, and quality control checks needed for multi-layer attachments, while simultaneously improving durability through integral construction.
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 improves durability and detection sensitivity by preventing peeling of electrodes and wires, enabling long-term use in environments with repeated elastic deformation, and allows for triaxial force detection.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible member that is fixed to the substrate and has dielectric properties and elasticity
Implementation Method 2
a flexible member that is fixed to the substrate and has dielectric properties and elasticity
Implementation Method 3
a second electrode that is provided in the flexible member so as to face the first electrode with a distance from the first electrode and is for detecting an electrostatic capacity between the second electrode and the first electrode
Data Source
AI summary
In an electrostatic capacity sensor 1, first electrodes 11a to 11d are provided on a substrate 10, and an electrode support 14 has dielectric properties and elasticity and is fixed to the substrate 10. A second electrode 12 is provided in the electrode support 14 so as to face the first electrodes 11a to 11d with a distance from the first electrodes 11a to 11d. The electrostatic capacity sensor has improved durability.