Force Sensing Device With Protruding Concentrators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force sensing devices suffer from reduced pressure sensitivity due to force being transmitted to areas between sensing elements, leading to decreased signal output and ineffective force distribution.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating force concentrating structures at each intersection of the sensing array, which protrude into the air gap, to direct the applied force primarily to the pressure sensitive elements rather than the spaces between them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensing elements are added at intersections to improve pressure sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but force is transmitted to areas between sensing elements causing signal decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces force concentrating structures with varying local properties (protruding into the air gap) at specific locations (intersections) to create non-uniform force distribution. This ensures force is directed precisely to sensing elements while minimizing transmission to inter-element regions, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and signal loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The force concentrating structures act as intermediary elements between the applied force and the sensing elements. These structures mediate the force transmission by concentrating it through their geometry (protruding shapes) to the sensing elements, preventing direct force dispersion to non-sensing areas and thus maintaining signal integrity while improving pressure sensitivity.
2Ease of operation
If a top layer is used to transmit force, then ease of operation is improved, but force is spread across a larger area reducing pressure sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The force concentrating structures introduce local quality variations in the force transmission path. While the top layer spreads force broadly for ease of operation, the protruding force concentrating structures at intersections create localized high-force regions that concentrate the distributed force back onto the sensing elements, restoring pressure sensitivity without sacrificing operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The force concentrating structures add a vertical dimension (protrusion into the air gap) to the otherwise planar force transmission system. This third dimension allows the structures to intercept and concentrate force from the broadly distributed top layer, channeling it vertically onto the sensing elements and recovering pressure sensitivity lost due to force spreading.
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 solution enhances the dynamic range of resistance change with applied force, improves force distribution, and increases the effectiveness of pressure sensitivity, allowing for better mapping of input force to resistance changes.
Implementation Method 1
force concentrating structures at each intersection of the sensing array, which protrude into the air gap, to direct the applied force primarily to the pressure sensitive elements
Data Source
AI summary
A force sensing device comprises a sensing array comprising a first conductive layer having a plurality of conductive rows and a second conductive layer having a plurality of conductive columns. The plurality of conductive rows and plurality of conductive columns are arranged to define a plurality of intersections. The force sensing device also comprises an electro-active layer overlaying the first conductive layer and comprising a pressure sensitive element at each intersection. A force concentrating structure is positioned at each intersection on the second conductive layer.