Capacitive Grip Sensor Structure for Durable Deformation-Free Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grip sensors face issues such as exposed wires, requirement for surface deformation, specific hand placement, and sensitivity concerns due to delicate sensor elements, limiting their application and durability.
Innovation Solution
The development of robust capacitive grip sensors with embedded conductive strands and non-conductive layers on a substrate, allowing for efficient grip detection without surface deformation, using a processor hub to interpret capacitance changes and provide binary output for grip presence and adequacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional grip sensors use exposed wires along the circumference, then grip detection is enabled, but reliability deteriorates due to exposed wires and limited topcoat application options
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor elements are nested within multiple protective layers including a first non-conductive layer, a second non-conductive layer, and a topcoat. The conductive strands are embedded in the first non-conductive layer, which is then coated with the second non-conductive layer, creating a nested structure that protects the delicate sensor elements while maintaining grip detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-conductive layers are introduced as intermediary materials between the delicate sensor elements and the external environment. These intermediate layers provide mechanical protection and enable topcoat application without compromising the sensor elements, resolving the conflict between durability and structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If grip sensors require surface deformation to register an event, then pressure detection is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited placement flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical deformation-based sensing with capacitive sensing. The sensor detects changes in capacitance caused by the proximity of the hand to the sensor surface, eliminating the need for mechanical surface deformation. This substitution maintains measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation and hand placement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing mechanism transitions from detecting mechanical deformation to detecting electrical parameter changes (capacitance). By measuring capacitance changes rather than physical deformation, the system achieves both high measurement precision and operational flexibility without requiring surface deformation.
3Reliability
If sensor elements are made delicate for precise detection, then measurement precision improves, but reliability deteriorates due to sensitivity to topcoat application
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple protective layers are nested around the delicate sensor elements. The first non-conductive layer provides immediate protection, the second non-conductive layer adds another protective barrier, and the topcoat provides environmental protection. This nested structure allows the use of delicate sensor elements for precise detection while ensuring reliability through layered protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Protective non-conductive layers are applied beforehand to cushion and protect the delicate sensor elements from damage during topcoat application and subsequent use. This prior cushioning allows the sensor elements to remain delicate and sensitive for precise detection while being protected from mechanical damage.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If exposed wires are used for grip sensing, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful factors increase due to exposed wires along the circumference
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive wires are nested within non-conductive layers rather than being exposed. The first non-conductive layer embeds the conductive strands, the second non-conductive layer provides additional coverage, and the topcoat seals the structure. This nested arrangement eliminates exposed wire hazards while the multi-layer construction provides necessary protection for the conductive elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-conductive layers serve as intermediary materials that replace exposed wires with a safer, enclosed structure. These intermediate layers eliminate the harmful exposed wire surfaces while maintaining the electrical functionality needed for grip sensing, resolving the conflict between safety and construction complexity.
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 reliable and durable grip sensing across various applications, including barbell and dumbbell spotting, without compromising the sensor with topcoat application, and allows for flexible placement and pressure detection without surface deformation.
Implementation Method 1
robust capacitive grip sensors that may be used in a variety of applications... efficiently measure the presence of a human grip
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide robust capacitive grip sensors that may be used in a variety of applications, including single-handed and double-handed grips, such as but not limited to barbells. Apparatus as disclosed herein and efficiently measure the presence of a human grip without requiring deformation of a gripped surface area.