Flexible Sensor Arrangement with Barometric Pressure Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements for robotic applications are expensive and lack sufficient resolution for force sensing, limiting their capability to accurately measure and manipulate objects.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement comprising a flexible circuit board with barometric pressure sensors mounted on a rigid core, covered by a compliant layer, which provides high resolution force measurement capabilities using machine learning techniques for force inference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard force sensors are used in robotic applications, then force sensing capability is provided, but the cost is high and resolution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical force sensors with a combination of barometric pressure sensors and machine learning algorithms. The pressure sensors detect contact forces through pressure changes, and a neural network model processes these signals to infer force magnitude and direction, achieving high-resolution force sensing without expensive mechanical sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement parameter from direct force detection to pressure detection. By measuring pressure changes in the barometric pressure sensors caused by contact forces, and then using machine learning to map these pressure signals to force parameters, the system achieves accurate force sensing with low-cost components
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid structure is used for sensor mounting, then stability is provided, but flexibility and adaptability to different shapes are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor arrangement into three functional segments: a rigid core for structural stability, a flexible circuit board for shape adaptability, and barometric pressure sensors for force detection. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining rigid and flexible materials. The rigid core provides structural stability, while the flexible circuit board wrapped around it provides shape adaptability. This composite design resolves the contradiction between stability and flexibility by integrating materials with complementary properties
3Measurement precision
If complex sensor arrangements are used to achieve high resolution, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor assemblies with a simple arrangement of barometric pressure sensors and a flexible circuit board. The high resolution is achieved not through mechanical complexity but through intelligent signal processing using machine learning algorithms, dramatically simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive barometric pressure sensors that can be easily manufactured and replaced. Instead of relying on expensive, complex force sensors, the system uses multiple low-cost pressure sensors whose signals are processed collectively to achieve high measurement precision, making the overall system more manufacturable and cost-effective
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 solution offers a cost-effective and high-resolution force sensing system capable of accurately measuring forces, enabling improved robotic capabilities in object manipulation and interaction.
Implementation Method 1
The compliant layer may be deformed in response to an applied force, while the rigid core absorbs the force and provides for a non-deformable reference
Implementation Method 2
Barometric pressure sensors usually provide for an output signal, i.e. a pressure value, that is dependent, for example proportional, on a force applied on the barometric pressure sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a sensor arrangement for sensing forces, the sensor arrangement including a flexible circuit board, a number of barometric pressure sensors, a rigid core and a compliant layer covering the barometric pressure sensors and providing a measurement surface. The disclosure relates further to a method for fabricating such a sensor arrangement.