Fabric Sensor Cavity Structure for Cleaner Signal Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fabric-like sensors suffer from signal noise cancellation due to local expansion and contraction of the sensor element constrained by the ground yarn, leading to reduced output signals and risk of damage or fracture, especially when deformed.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating line-shaped cavity portions within the fabric base material where the sensor element is unconstrained, using piezoelectric sensors, and employing a non-slip elastomer material to prevent signal loss and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the line-shaped sensor element is woven into the fabric and constrained by ground yarn, then the sensor is integrated into the fabric structure, but the sensor element becomes wavy shaped and generates noise signals that reduce output quality
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element is extracted from the woven fabric structure and placed inside cavity portions of the fabric base material. This separation removes the constraint of ground yarn while maintaining fabric integration, eliminating the wavy shape and noise signals that reduced output quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Cavity portions are introduced as intermediary structures within the fabric base material to house the sensor element. These cavities act as mediators that allow the sensor to be integrated into the fabric without direct constraint by ground yarn, preserving signal quality while maintaining manufacturability.
2Ease of operation
If the line-shaped sensor element is exposed to the outside, then the sensor can detect contact and shape change, but the sensor element is easily damaged when hard objects come into contact
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element is nested inside cavity portions of the fabric base material, similar to a nested doll structure. This nesting protects the sensor element from direct contact with hard objects while allowing it to detect contact and shape change through fabric deformation, simultaneously improving durability and maintaining detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric base material with cavity portions provides beforehand cushioning protection for the sensor element. When hard objects contact the fabric, the fabric structure absorbs and distributes the impact before it reaches the sensor, preventing damage while allowing the sensor to function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elasticity is imparted to the fabric, then the fabric becomes flexible and comfortable, but the sensor element is subjected to pulling loads that may cause disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element is extracted from the constrained woven structure and placed inside cavity portions, removing it from the direct path of pulling loads. This allows the fabric to be elastic and flexible while the sensor remains protected from disconnection risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric base material has different local qualities: regions with cavity portions provide sensor protection and stability, while other regions maintain elasticity and flexibility. This local differentiation allows the fabric to be flexible overall while protecting the sensor from damaging loads.
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
Enhances detection accuracy and prevents sensor element damage by minimizing noise signals and protecting the sensor from external forces, ensuring reliable electrical signal output.
Implementation Method 1
using a piezoelectric sensor for at least one of the line-shaped sensor elements 2
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem]To Provide a fabric-like sensor in which an output signal can be improved when in use and damage or fracture of a sensor element hardly occurs, and a fabric-like sensor device using it.[Solution]In a fabric-like sensor S having a fabric base material 1 and a line-shaped sensor element 2, at least one line-shaped cavity portion 11 is provided inside the fabric base material 1, and at least a part of the cavity portion 11 is composed of a raw fabric at least a part of the cavity portion has no elasticity in a line direction of the cavity portion 11, and further the line-shaped sensor element 2 is arranged in a state of not being substantially constrained or fixed in at least one of cavity portions in a fabric 1.