Force Sensor with Lattice Electrode for Stable Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Force sensors with two-dimensional resolution face challenges in achieving accurate force detection due to non-uniform electrical characteristics, particularly at positions where the electrical change is small, leading to instability in force detection across different positions.
Innovation Solution
A force sensor design featuring a substrate with first electrodes, an elastic body containing conductive particles, and a third electrode with a continuous lattice shape that separates adjacent first electrodes, allowing for consistent electrical coupling and stable force detection regardless of the detection position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If switches are arranged two-dimensionally to achieve two-dimensional force detection resolution, then the detection coverage area is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates at positions where electrical change is small due to non-uniform electrical characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a separate power supply line for each switch unit in the two-dimensional array. This ensures that each local region (switch unit) has its own dedicated power supply, compensating for non-uniform electrical characteristics at different positions. The local power supply configuration maintains consistent electrical characteristics across all detection positions, thereby preserving measurement precision while maintaining two-dimensional detection coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple switches are arranged in a two-dimensional array to expand detection area, then the area of stationary object is improved, but the reliability of force detection deteriorates due to non-uniform electrical characteristics causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the two-dimensional electrode array into multiple independent switch units, where each unit consists of a first electrode, second electrode, and dedicated power supply line. This segmentation isolates the electrical characteristics of each unit, preventing non-uniformity in one unit from affecting others. As a result, each switch unit operates reliably and independently, maintaining overall system reliability while achieving two-dimensional detection coverage.
3Device complexity
If switches with non-uniform electrical characteristics are used to reduce device complexity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates at positions with small electrical change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves equipotentiality by providing a dedicated power supply line to each switch unit, ensuring that all first electrodes and second electrodes maintain consistent electrical potential regardless of their position in the two-dimensional array. This equipotential configuration compensates for non-uniform electrical characteristics of individual switches, enabling consistent measurement precision across all detection positions without requiring complex calibration or adjustment mechanisms.
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 sensor effectively stabilizes force detection accuracy across all positions by ensuring consistent electrical characteristics and clear distinction between conduction states, even at positions far from the power supply, thereby improving the reliability of force measurement.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic body includes a conductive particle that electrically couples the first electrodes and the second electrode when force is applied that causes the first electrodes and the second electrode to be approached
Implementation Method 2
an elastic body that is in contact with the first electrodes... when force is applied that causes the first electrodes and the second electrode to be approached
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a force sensor includes: a plurality of first electrodes that are arranged along a substrate; an elastic body that is in contact with the first electrodes; a second electrode that is in contact with the elastic body, the elastic body being interposed between the second electrode and the first electrodes; and a third electrode that is provided on the substrate side of the second electrode and configured to be electrically coupled to the second electrode. The elastic body includes a conductive particle that electrically couples the first electrodes and the second electrode when force is applied that causes the first electrodes and the second electrode to be approached. The third electrode has a continuous lattice shape that separates at least the first electrodes adjacent in one direction from each other.