Flexible Force Sensor with Deformable Pillars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force sensors face challenges in mimicking the sensitivity and adaptability of human or animal skin, particularly in detecting various forces and stimuli, and in applications such as wearable devices and artificial prosthetics.
Innovation Solution
A flexible electronic force sensor with recoverably-deformable structures and sensor circuitry that includes conductive and resistive elements, allowing for variable conductivity and resistance changes based on applied forces, enabling tactile sensing and color-changing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional force sensors are used, then force detection capability is provided, but sensitivity and adaptability comparable to human or animal skin cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple independent micro-pillar structures, each capable of deforming independently in response to applied forces. This segmentation allows the sensor to detect different force magnitudes and distributions across the sensor surface, mimicking the distributed receptor network in biological skin.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-pillar structures are designed to be dynamically deformable, changing their physical configuration in response to applied forces. The pillars can bend, compress, or change shape depending on the force magnitude, enabling the sensor to adapt its response characteristics to different stimulation levels.
2Measurement precision
If complex sensor structures are implemented to enhance sensitivity, then force detection capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor structures with a simplified micro-pillar array design. The sensitivity enhancement is achieved through the geometric configuration and material properties of the pillars rather than through complex mechanical linkages or multi-component systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor achieves enhanced sensitivity by optimizing parameters such as pillar height, diameter, spacing, and material composition rather than increasing structural complexity. These parameter adjustments allow fine-tuning of the sensor response to match biological skin characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If high-performance force sensors are used, then detection accuracy improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor employs periodic or event-driven measurement cycles rather than continuous monitoring. The micro-pillar structures passively respond to forces through their mechanical deformation, and measurements are taken at optimal intervals or triggered by threshold events, reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining detection accuracy.
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 sensor effectively detects and distinguishes different forces through real-time signal output and color changes, providing a low-power consumption solution suitable for wearable devices, prosthetics, and smart robots with enhanced sensitivity and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of recoverably-deformable structures have a plurality of conductive-resistive elements. Further, each of the plurality of recoverably-deformable structures is a variable conductor or variable resistor.
Implementation Method 2
The first and second opposing electrodes generate an output indicative of force applied to the electronic force sensor (e.g., a capacitance or resistance value).
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure include apparatuses, devices, and methods. For example, an apparatus includes an electronic force sensor having a first opposing electrode and a second opposing electrode. The first and second opposing electrodes are configured to generate an output indicative of a force applied to the electronic force sensor. The electronic force sensor further includes a plurality of recoverably-deformable structures arranged between the first and the second opposing electrodes and having a plurality of conductive-resistive elements. Each of the recoverably-deformable structures including at least one of a variable conductor and a variable resistor and configured and arranged with attributes that set a force sensitivity of the electronic force sensor.