Film-Coupled Tactile Sensor for Waterproof High-Resolution Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile sensors are prone to failure due to liquid and dust ingress, which compromises their spatial resolution and sensitivity, and they are unsuitable for use in environments like endoscopic or robotic surgery where direct tactile feedback is needed.
Innovation Solution
A tactile sensor design that houses the sensor element within a casing protected by a flexible film, with the contact ends bonded to the film, ensuring waterproof and dust-proof properties while maintaining high sensitivity and spatial resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor element is embedded inside a resin block to protect from liquids and dust, then waterproof and dust-proof properties are improved, but spatial resolution and sensitivity decrease due to force dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is segmented into a casing with an opening rather than a complete resin block embedding. This allows the sensor element to be partially exposed through the opening, enabling direct contact with measuring objects while the casing protects against liquids and dust from other directions.
Solution Approach 2:
A film is introduced as an intermediary between the sensor element and the external environment. The film covers the opening of the casing, providing a barrier against liquids and dust while allowing the sensor element to maintain its sensitivity and spatial resolution through direct or near-direct contact with measuring objects.
2Measurement precision
If fine mechanical structure is exposed to detect fine ruggedness and friction force, then spatial resolution and sensitivity are improved, but liquid and dust ingress occurs into gaps inhibiting mechanical structure movement
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible film is used to cover the opening of the casing. The film is thin enough to allow the sensor element to detect fine ruggedness and friction force with high spatial resolution and sensitivity, while simultaneously providing a barrier against liquid and dust ingress that would otherwise enter the gaps of the mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure combines a rigid casing made of liquid- and dust-proof material with a flexible film covering. This composite structure maintains the mechanical integrity and protection against environmental factors while allowing the fine mechanical structure to function with high precision.
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 design prevents liquid and dust intrusion, maintaining the sensor's sensitivity and spatial resolution, allowing for effective tactile feedback in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
since the sensor element is housed in the casing, liquids and dust do not intrude into the sensor element
Implementation Method 2
the contact moves following the movement of the film that directly comes into contact with a measuring object
Implementation Method 3
JP S63 113326 A relates to a tactile sensation sensor using force applied thereto to act on a strain generator with a diaphragm via a spherical pressure part to generate strain in the strain generator. A pressure-sensitive element converts the generated strain into an electric signal.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a tactile sensor that allows restraining a decrease in spatial resolution and sensitivity of a sensor element and has waterproof and dust-proof properties. A tactile sensor AA includes a sensor element 1 and a casing 2 that houses the sensor element 1. The sensor element 1 includes: a base portion 10; a contact 20A having a contact end; a support body that supports the contact 20A in a displaceable manner with respect to the base portion; and a displacement detector that detects a displacement of the contact 20A with respect to the base portion 10. The casing 2 includes a film having flexibility that covers at least the contact end among the sensor element 1, and the contact end is secured to an inner surface of the film 60.