Flexible Metallic Inductive Sensor Target for Off-Center Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive sensor targets face challenges in uniformly detecting pressure across their surface, particularly when pressure is applied off-center, leading to non-detections and reduced precision due to the flexibility of the target and the design of the detection device.
Innovation Solution
A non-magnetic metallic target assembly with flexible fixing tabs, where the central portion is surrounded by tabs that are stiffer closer to the central portion and more flexible at the ends, allowing for even pressure distribution and amplification of movement, enabling detection across a larger area with increased sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible non-magnetic metallic target is used for inductive sensor detection, then the target can be pressed to enable detection, but the flexibility causes non-uniform pressure distribution and detection precision loss when pressure is applied off-center
Solution Approach 1:
The target is segmented into a central portion and multiple fixing tabs extending from it. The fixing tabs are further divided into a first portion (closer to central portion) and a second portion (farther from central portion). This segmentation allows different regions to have different mechanical properties, enabling the target to be pressed while maintaining detection precision through the stiffer first portion that provides better pressure transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the fixing tabs have different stiffness characteristics. The first portion closer to the central portion is made stiffer to ensure uniform pressure distribution and accurate detection, while the second portion farther away is more flexible to allow pressing operation. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between pressability and detection precision.
2Ease of operation
If the target is made flexible to allow pressing operation, then the target can be actuated for detection, but the flexibility reduces the uniformity of pressure distribution across the target surface
Solution Approach 1:
The target structure is divided into a central portion and multiple fixing tabs with differentiated portions. This segmentation allows the first portion of the fixing tabs to maintain structural integrity and pressure uniformity, while the overall flexibility is preserved through the second portion and the connection to the central portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The first portion of the fixing tabs is designed with higher stiffness to ensure uniform pressure distribution when pressure is applied, while the second portion maintains flexibility for actuation. This local quality variation ensures that pressure is distributed uniformly across the central portion regardless of where on the tabs the pressing force is applied.
3Measurement precision
If additional compressible elements are added to improve pressure distribution, then detection uniformity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of the target and the compressible elements are merged into a single integrated structure. The fixing tabs themselves provide the compliance and pressure distribution function that would otherwise require separate compressible elements. This merging eliminates additional components while achieving the same detection uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing tabs serve multiple functions: they attach the central portion to the support, provide flexibility for pressing operation, ensure uniform pressure distribution, and maintain structural integrity. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components including compressible elements.
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
This design enhances the sensitivity of the inductive sensor by ensuring that off-centered pressure is effectively transferred to the central portion, allowing for accurate detection of pressure changes over a larger surface area without the need for additional compressible elements, thus improving the precision and uniformity of the detection process.
Implementation Method 1
An inductive sensor, with the target being translationally movable in a reciprocating movement relative to at least one coil forming part of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an assembly of a non-magnetic and metallic target for an inductive sensor and its support, the target being flexible under pressure and under the release of the pressure in a reciprocating movement toward and away from the support. The target includes a central portion surrounded by flexible fixing tabs, a first end of which is secured to the central portion and a second end of which is fixed to the support, the fixing tabs being evenly distributed around the central portion, a first portion of each fixing tab closest to the central portion being stiffer relative to a portion of the fixing tab farthest away from the central portion.