Embedded Capacitive Trace Array for Precise Position Sensing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing embedded sensors face limitations in cost, size, and accuracy, making them inadequate for effectively determining the position and orientation of individuals, particularly in healthcare settings.

Innovation Solution

The development of embedded sensors featuring a plurality of transmission and coupling traces with fringing field regions, along with switches and a processor to measure capacitance and determine object properties such as presence, size, distance, or material properties, using a system that includes a computing device and a portable electronic device for data processing and output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional embedded sensors are used, then the system is simple and low cost, but the measurement accuracy and detection precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition and orientation detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is divided into multiple independent trace elements (transmission traces and coupling traces) arranged in arrays. Each trace pair forms a discrete sensing unit that measures local capacitance, enabling high-resolution position and orientation detection through spatial segmentation of the measurement field.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from traditional single-point or single-axis sensing to a two-dimensional array of trace intersections. This dimensional expansion creates a grid of fringing field regions that simultaneously capture position and orientation information across the entire sensing area, resolving the accuracy-complexity contradiction through spatial multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If high accuracy sensors are implemented, then position and orientation detection improves, but the cost and device size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject property detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor footprint area

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensing functions (position detection, orientation detection, object property measurement) are merged into a single integrated trace array structure. The same fringing field regions that detect position also detect orientation and material properties through capacitance measurements, eliminating the need for separate sensor arrays and reducing overall device area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trace array structure serves multiple sensing purposes simultaneously. Each intersection of transmission and coupling traces creates a multi-functional sensing node that can detect presence, position, orientation, and material properties of objects, maximizing measurement capability per unit area and resolving the accuracy-area contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transmission and coupling traces are used, then detection accuracy and object property measurement improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject property detection capabilityVSAvoidtrace array fabrication ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical sensor assemblies with planar printed circuit board traces. The transmission and coupling traces are fabricated using standard PCB printing techniques, substituting mechanical construction with electrical circuit patterns that are easier to manufacture with high precision and consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing mechanism relies on changes in electrical parameters (capacitance) rather than mechanical parameters. By measuring capacitance variations in the fringing fields between traces, the system detects object properties through electrical parameter changes, enabling versatile detection while maintaining simple planar trace structures that are easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution enhances the accuracy and efficiency of position and orientation sensing, enabling precise detection of objects without the need for expensive equipment, and allows for real-time monitoring and alarm outputs, improving safety in healthcare settings.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of fringing field regions formed by adjacent transmission traces and coupling traces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFringing field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

measuring capacitance between the transmission trace and the coupling trace

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20240219209A1Embedded sensors

Publication Date: 2024.07.04 NOVAA LTD

AI summary

An example embedded sensor system is described herein. The example embedded sensor includes a plurality of transmission traces, a plurality of coupling traces; and a plurality of fringing field regions formed by adjacent transmission traces and coupling traces. Optionally, the embedded sensor system can include a processor operably coupled to a switch, and configured to: select a transmission trace and a coupling traces from the plurality of transmission traces and coupling traces using the switch; and measure a capacitance between the transmission trace and the coupling trace.