Extrema Degeneracy Force Sensor with Nonlinear Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Force sensors, such as accelerometers, face a challenge in increasing sensitivity without concurrently increasing noise levels, which affects their accuracy in applications like avionics and industrial machinery.

Innovation Solution

A sensor system comprising a first resonator with effective gain, a second resonator with effective loss, and a coupling circuit connected by a variable capacitor, tuned at an extrema degeneracy point with a nonlinear response to force, allowing for enhanced sensitivity while suppressing noise through frequency splitting analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the sensitivity of a force sensor is increased, then the measurement precision is improved, but the noise registered by the sensor increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is divided into two separate resonators (first resonator with effective gain and second resonator with effective loss) that are coupled together. This segmentation allows the system to measure force through the frequency difference between the two resonators, enabling sensitivity enhancement while maintaining noise suppression through the distributed measurement approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A coupling circuit with a variable capacitor is introduced as an intermediary element between the two resonators. This intermediary component enables the interaction and energy exchange between the gain and loss resonators, facilitating the nonlinear response at the extrema degeneracy point while isolating the measurement from direct noise sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the sensor operates at an extrema degeneracy point with nonlinear response, then the dynamic range is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidtuning complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system dynamically operates at an extrema degeneracy point where the resonant frequencies of the two resonators are tuned to be equal. This dynamic operating point enables nonlinear response and enhanced dynamic range, as the system can adapt its sensitivity characteristics based on the applied force while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes changes in the capacitance of the variable capacitor within the coupling circuit to tune the resonant frequencies of the two resonators. By adjusting this parameter, the system can achieve the extrema degeneracy condition and maintain enhanced dynamic range across different operating conditions without requiring complete redesign.

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

The system achieves an order of magnitude enhancement in dynamic range and sensitivity, effectively measuring force magnitudes with reduced noise interference, thereby improving the accuracy of force sensing applications.

Implementation Method 1

At least one of the first resonator, the second resonator, or the coupling circuit comprises a variable capacitor having a capacitance that varies as a function of a force applied to the variable capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The processing unit is configured to tune the first resonator and the second resonator at an extrema degeneracy point with a nonlinear response to the force, inject an input signal into the first resonator or the second resonator after tuning the first resonator and the second resonator at the extrema degeneracy point

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS12104967B2Electromechanical force sensor based on extrema degeneracy point with nonlinear response

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 WISCONSIN ALUMNI RES FOUND

AI summary

One or more computing devices, systems, and/or methods are provided. In an example, a method includes tuning a sensor comprising a first resonator having an effective gain, a second resonator having an effective loss, and a coupling circuit connected between the first resonator and the second resonator at an extrema degeneracy point with a nonlinear response to a force applied to the sensor. At least one of the first resonator, the second resonator, or the coupling circuit comprises a variable capacitor having a capacitance that varies as a function of the force. The method comprises injecting an input signal into one of the first resonator or the second resonator, receiving an output signal from one of the first resonator or the second resonator, and determining a magnitude of a force based on a difference between a first frequency extrema point and a second frequency extrema point in the output signal.