Fabric Pressure Sensor with Conductive Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure measurement technologies face challenges in accurately determining pressure over extensive regions due to difficulties in positioning discrete sensors and the presence of wired connections, which can cause disturbances, especially in applications like fluidic filters and footwear.
Innovation Solution
A sensor comprising a fabric support with electrically conductive structures that respond to deformations, coupled with a processor to sense resistance variations and provide pressure difference signals across the fabric's faces, allowing for both local and average pressure measurements without the need for wired connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an array of independent point sensors is employed to measure pressure over extensive regions, then pressure measurement capability is improved, but positioning difficulty and wired connection complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete sensor elements into a single integrated flexible sensor array. The conductive traces are directly patterned onto the flexible substrate, combining the sensing elements and their interconnections into one unified structure that can be easily positioned and integrated without complex wiring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical wired connections with electrical traces patterned on the flexible substrate. The conductive patterns serve as both structural support and electrical interconnection, eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses and mechanical mounting fixtures
2Measurement precision
If discrete sensors are used in fluidic filters, then pressure monitoring is improved, but fluid flow disturbance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin flexible substrate as the sensor base, which can be integrated into fluidic filters with minimal impact on fluid flow. The flexible nature of the substrate allows it to conform to the filter structure while maintaining low flow resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible substrate can be designed with porous structure that allows fluid to pass through while supporting the conductive traces. This enables pressure sensing without significantly obstructing the fluid flow path in the filter
3Measurement precision
If discrete sensors with wired connections are deployed, then pressure data acquisition is improved, but electronic component usage and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the sensor elements, acts as the sensing medium that deforms under pressure, and serves as the circuit board for electrical interconnections. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate electronic components needed
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 accurate and extensive pressure measurement across large surfaces with reduced disturbance, optimizing electronic component usage and allowing for permeability to fluids, thus expanding its application range, including in fluidic fields.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrically conductive structure comprising a plurality of tracks on the fabric support having resistance variations in response to deformations
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for pressure measurement may include a fabric support, an electrically conductive structure including tracks on the fabric support having resistance variations in response to deformations thereof, and a processor coupled to the electrically conductive structure and configured to sense resistance values of respective tracks of the electrically conductive structure and to provide a signal representative of a pressure difference across opposite faces of the fabric support.