Ferroelectric Multilayer Sensor for Contact, Deformation, and Heat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensors require multiple types to cover different detection ranges, leading to increased cost, complexity, and size due to separate control and evaluation electronics, and continuous monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A single sensor utilizing capacitive, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric effects to detect temperature changes, deformations, and contact, combining these effects in a multilayer structure with flexible ferroelectric materials like PVDF and PZT, and electrodes for enhanced sensitivity and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensor types are integrated into a single application, then comprehensive environmental detection is achieved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines capacitive, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric sensing capabilities into a single sensor element with a multi-layer structure. The sensor integrates different detection methods (capacitive for proximity, piezoelectric for contact pressure, pyroelectric for temperature) within one device, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and their associated control electronics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor is designed to perform multiple detection functions simultaneously using a single device. The multi-layer structure enables the sensor to detect proximity, contact pressure, and temperature changes across different spatial zones, providing universal environmental monitoring capability without requiring multiple specialized sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensor types are integrated into a single application, then comprehensive environmental detection is achieved, but technical effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidtechnical effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines capacitive, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric sensing capabilities into a single sensor element with a multi-layer structure. The sensor integrates different detection methods (capacitive for proximity, piezoelectric for contact pressure, pyroelectric for temperature) within one device, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and their associated control electronics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensor types are integrated into a single application, then comprehensive environmental detection is achieved, but system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidsensor system size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines capacitive, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric sensing capabilities into a single sensor element with a multi-layer structure. The sensor integrates different detection methods (capacitive for proximity, piezoelectric for contact pressure, pyroelectric for temperature) within one device, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and their associated control electronics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If continuous monitoring of multiple sensors is performed, then detection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines capacitive, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric sensing capabilities into a single sensor element with a multi-layer structure. The sensor integrates different detection methods (capacitive for proximity, piezoelectric for contact pressure, pyroelectric for temperature) within one device, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and their associated control electronics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Reduces the need for multiple sensors by integrating different detection methods, simplifying electronics, and providing a comprehensive environmental overview with improved sensitivity and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor element can be used to detect an approach, contact or temperature change

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPyroelectric effect: Pyroelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The sensor element can be used to detect an approach, contact or temperature change

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

A measurement signal can be detected as a voltage change between the electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive effect: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4322409B1Ferroelectric sensor
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 TDK ELECTRONICS AG
  • EP4322409B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4322409B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4322409B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A sensor (1) is described comprising a first electrode (3a), a ferroelectric layer (2), and a second electrode (3b). The second electrode (3b) is connected to ground, and the ferroelectric layer (2) is arranged between the first and second electrodes (3a, 3b). The sensor (1) also includes further first electrodes (3a), second electrodes (3b), and ferroelectric layers (2), with the ferroelectric layers (2) arranged between the first and second electrodes (3a, 3b).