Folded Flexible Force Sensor Array for Triaxial Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force sensors are costly to manufacture due to their complex structure and are limited to detecting forces in one direction, lacking the ability to detect multiaxial forces efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A force detection device with a simple structure that utilizes a flexible substrate fixed in a folded state, equipped with multiple force sensors oriented in three-dimensional directions, allowing triaxial force detection through a flexible substrate and a resin-based fixing means, and a computation device for force calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex bent structure is used to detect multiaxial forces, then force detection capability in multiple directions is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by folding a two-dimensional substrate into a three-dimensional structure. The substrate is folded along multiple axes to create sensor elements oriented in different spatial directions, enabling multiaxial force detection. This approach transforms a planar manufacturing process into a 3D detection capability without requiring complex bent structures, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining versatility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid structure is used for force detection, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and resistance to breaking during deformation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible substrate that can be folded into complex 3D configurations. This flexible substrate maintains structural stability when folded and fixed, while simultaneously providing the necessary flexibility to deform without breaking during force detection. The flexible material allows the sensor to adapt to various deformation states while detecting forces, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If force sensors are arranged two-dimensionally on a substrate, then spatial resolution for force distribution detection is improved, but the ability to detect forces in three-dimensional directions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by folding the two-dimensional substrate along multiple axes to create three-dimensional sensor orientations. Sensors that are initially arranged in a 2D grid on the flat substrate become oriented in different 3D directions after folding. This transformation enables the sensors to detect forces in multiple spatial directions while maintaining the high spatial resolution provided by the dense 2D arrangement on the substrate.
Data Source
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AI summary
A force detection device (1) includes: a substrate (12); a plurality of force sensors (11) disposed on the substrate (12); and a fixing means (13) configured to fix the substrate (12). The fixing means (13) is configured to fix the substrate (12) in a folded state. The fixing means (13) may fix the substrate (12) in a randomly folded state or a regularly folded state. The plurality of force sensors (11) may be disposed on the substrate (12) according to a two-dimensional distribution. The substrate (12) is flexible. The fixing means (13) is a resin.