Actuator for Force Sensor with Overload Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical integration of force sensors into touch-sensitive devices is challenging due to the need for additional control dimensions and protection from excessive forces, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical actuator device with a deformable top surface, a force-concentrating feature, fastening features such as adhesive or re-flow solder, an elastic component for preload, and an overload protection element to limit excessive displacement and protect the force sensor, integrated with a force-sensing system assembly method that includes attaching the actuator device to a substrate and aligning it with the force sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If force sensors are integrated into touch-sensitive devices, then additional control dimensions are provided, but mechanical integration becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator device is divided into separate functional components: a deformable top surface for force application, a force concentrator element, an elastic component for preload, and an overload protection element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall integration process into the touch-sensitive device
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator device serves as an intermediary mechanical structure between the force sensor and the touch surface. It includes a deformable top surface that transmits user touch forces to the force sensor while incorporating an elastic component that provides necessary preload and an overload protection element that limits excessive forces, thus mediating the mechanical interaction
2Measurement precision
If force sensors are integrated into touch-sensitive devices, then force measurement capability is added, but protection from excessive forces becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The overload protection element is designed in advance to limit the displacement of the deformable top surface. This element acts as a mechanical stop that prevents excessive forces from reaching the force sensor during extreme touch events, providing beforehand protection against harmful force levels
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator device with its deformable top surface and overload protection element serves as a protective intermediary between the user's touch and the force sensor. It allows normal force measurement while blocking excessive forces that could damage the sensor
3Measurement precision
If an elastic component is added to provide preload force, then accurate force measurement is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic component is merged with the actuator device structure, attaching to the deformable top surface and providing preload force to the force sensor. This integration combines the preload function with the existing actuator components rather than adding a completely separate system
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic component serves multiple functions: it provides preload force to ensure accurate force measurement, acts as a mechanical element in the force transmission path, and works in conjunction with the overload protection element to limit excessive displacement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate 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
Enables effective mechanical integration of force sensors into touch-sensitive devices, providing additional control dimensions while protecting the sensors from excessive forces, ensuring accurate and reliable force measurement.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic component can compress upon the application of force on the touch surface, providing a preload force to the force sensor
Implementation Method 2
The fastening feature can be an attachment layer such as an adhesive layer configured to bond with the substrate
Implementation Method 3
a re-flow solder process can be used to attach the actuator device to the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An example actuator device for a force sensor is described herein. The device can include a device body, a force concentrator element, an overload protection element, one or more legs, and an attachment layer for attaching the device to a substrate. An example method for assembling a force sensing system is also described herein. Further, an example method for protecting a force sensor from excessive forces or displacement is described herein.