Force Detection Device Using Segmented Sensor Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection devices struggle to quickly detect the presence of external forces and accurately determine their direction and magnitude, particularly in applications like touch panels and robots, due to high computational costs and limitations in measuring in-plane forces.
Innovation Solution
A detection device comprising a first sensor for detecting force presence and a force component separation mechanism, with a control unit that separates and detects force magnitude and direction, utilizing multiple second sensors arranged around a reference point on a substrate, allowing for efficient detection of force presence and direction with high precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image processing is used to detect force distribution from protrusion transformation amounts, then force detection capability is achieved, but computation time increases and detection speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is divided into two independent segments: a first sensor for rapid force presence detection and a force component separation mechanism for detailed force analysis. This segmentation allows the system to perform quick initial detection without requiring complex image processing, thereby reducing computation time while maintaining force detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first sensor performs preliminary force presence detection before the more complex force component separation mechanism is activated. This preliminary action filters out cases where detailed analysis is unnecessary, reducing overall computation time while maintaining accurate force detection when needed.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detection points are used per contact to detect force distribution, then measurement precision improves, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into a first sensor that provides rapid initial detection and a force component separation mechanism that uses multiple second sensors arranged around a reference point. This segmentation enables the system to achieve high measurement precision through the distributed second sensors while maintaining fast detection response through the simplified first sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The force component separation mechanism uses multiple second sensors arranged around a reference point to detect force components in different directions. This partial action approach focuses sensing resources on detecting the essential force components needed for accurate measurement, rather than using excessive detection points across the entire contact area, thereby reducing detection time while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If force component separation mechanism is always active, then force magnitude and direction detection accuracy is maintained, but detection speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between the first sensor for rapid force presence detection and the force component separation mechanism for accurate force magnitude and direction detection. The control unit activates the force component separation mechanism only when the first sensor detects force presence, creating a dynamic detection system that adapts to operational needs and maintains both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The force component separation mechanism is activated periodically or conditionally based on force presence detection by the first sensor, rather than continuously. This periodic activation maintains accurate force magnitude and direction detection when needed while significantly improving overall detection speed by avoiding continuous operation of the complex mechanism.
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
Enables rapid detection of force presence and precise measurement of force magnitude and direction, reducing computational time and improving accuracy compared to prior art, while also allowing for detection of rotation torque.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor that is provided on a first substrate and which detects the presence of force
Implementation Method 2
an elastic protrusion that is provided on a second substrate that is arranged to face the first substrate and in which a front end portion abuts at a position that overlaps the reference point in plan view
Data Source
AI summary
A detection unit includes a sensor that detects the presence of force and a force component separation mechanism that separates the magnitude and the direction of the force and a control unit that controls the detection action of the force component separation mechanism based on the detection result of the sensor.