Capacitive Fabric Deformation Sensor Using Flocked Conductive Yarns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deformation detecting devices are not satisfactory in terms of manufacturing simplicity and operational reliability and precision.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive deformation detecting device integrated into a multi-functional fabric, where at least some weft or warp yarns are electrically conductive and feature flocked non-conductive fibers, forming capacitive sensors with an electronic control unit to detect capacitance variations and generate deformation signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional deformation detecting devices are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but operational reliability and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor elements directly into the fabric structure by integrating conductive yarns and flocking materials during the weaving process. This merging of sensing functionality with the fabric itself eliminates separate sensor components, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring reliable operation through direct integration of the detection mechanism into the material structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining conductive yarns with non-conductive flocking fibers to create a multi-functional fabric that inherently possesses both structural and sensing properties. This composite approach allows the fabric to serve as both the substrate and the sensor, improving reliability through material-level integration while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through textile processing techniques.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional deformation detecting devices are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating capacitive sensor regions at specific locations within the fabric through selective placement of conductive yarns and flocking. This allows high-precision measurement at critical points while maintaining simple fabric construction elsewhere, achieving detection precision through localized sensor integration without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves high measurement precision by utilizing changes in capacitance parameters that occur during fabric deformation. The conductive yarns and flocking create capacitive structures whose electrical parameters (capacitance, impedance) change in response to mechanical deformation, enabling precise detection through parameter monitoring while maintaining simple fabric-based construction.
3Measurement precision
If flocked conductive yarns are used, then detection sensitivity and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by allowing the fabric structure itself to provide the sensing functionality through its inherent capacitive properties when deformed. The conductive yarns and flocking automatically create capacitive sensors that detect deformation without requiring external sensor components or complex electronic systems, achieving high sensitivity while limiting complexity through self-sensing material behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves multi-functionality by designing the fabric so that the same conductive yarns and flocking structure serve both as structural elements and as sensing elements. This universal approach allows the fabric to simultaneously provide mechanical support and deformation detection, improving sensitivity without proportionally increasing device complexity through separate specialized components.
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 device achieves high sensitivity and precision in deformation detection due to the nature of flocked yarns, allowing reliable and precise deformation measurement.
Implementation Method 1
yarns connected to conductive ends of different polarities define respective plates of a capacitive sensor, while the fibers of the flocking of said weft yarns define a dielectric material interposed between the capacitive sensor plates
Implementation Method 2
the fibers of the flocking of said weft yarns define a dielectric material interposed between the capacitive sensor plates
Data Source
AI summary
A deformation detecting device includes weft yarns and warp yarns woven together. At least some of the weft yarns, or some weft yarns, and some warp yarns, are electrically conductive. The weft yarns include a flocking made up of non-electrically conductive fibers protruding substantially radially from the weft yarns. The electrically conductive yarns are connected to conductive ends for applying an electrical voltage, such that yarns that are connected to conductive ends with different polarities define respective plates of a capacitive sensor, while the fibers of the flocking of the weft yarns define a dielectric material interposed between the capacitive sensor plates. The device comprises an electronic control and processing unit configured to detect a deformation of the fabric based on a capacitance variation of the capacitive sensor.