Graphene Sensor with Transition Metal Chalcogenide Sheets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure-strain sensors lack sensitivity and durability, particularly in measuring compressive, tensile, and bending forces due to limitations in material properties and manufacturing methods.

Innovation Solution

A pressure-strain sensor incorporating a graphene structure with a three-dimensional porous structure, planar sheets made of transition metal chalcogenide compounds, and a polymer layer, along with a protection layer, which enhances sensitivity and durability by utilizing a manufacturing method involving thermal treatment and immersion in transition metal chalcogenide solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional materials and manufacturing methods are used for pressure-strain sensors, then the device structure is simple, but the sensitivity and durability are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of graphene structure, planar sheets of transition metal chalcogenide compounds, and polymer layer. This multi-material composite approach enhances both sensitivity and durability while managing the increased structural complexity through systematic integration of functional layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions and layers of the sensor are assigned specific materials with optimized properties: graphene provides structural framework and electrical conductivity, transition metal chalcogenide planar sheets enhance sensitivity through piezoresistive effects, and polymer layers provide mechanical protection and flexibility. This local optimization of material properties throughout the structure improves overall reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If conventional materials are used for pressure-strain sensors, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the sensitivity in measuring compressive, tensile, and bending forces is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process incorporates preliminary thermal treatment at 600-1000°C to pre-form the graphene structure on metal foam before subsequent steps. This preliminary structuring creates a stable foundation that facilitates later deposition of planar sheets and polymer layers, improving sensitivity while streamlining the overall manufacturing sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes controlled thermal treatment parameters (temperature range 600-1000°C) and chemical immersion parameters (transition metal chalcogenide compound concentration 0.1-5 wt%) to optimize the formation of graphene and planar sheets. These parameter optimizations enhance measurement sensitivity while maintaining manufacturability through controlled process variables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If a three-dimensional porous graphene structure with multiple layers is used, then the restoring force and sensitivity are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverestoring forceVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a three-dimensional porous graphene structure formed on metal foam substrate. The porous architecture provides excellent restoring force through elastic deformation of the foam framework while maintaining lightweight construction. The porous structure also facilitates penetration and adhesion of polymer layers, integrating structural and functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor structure follows a nested configuration where planar sheets of transition metal chalcogenide compounds are deposited on the graphene structure, which itself is formed on the metal foam substrate. Polymer layers are then applied over these nested structures. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and functional integration while managing manufacturing complexity through sequential layer formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 exhibits improved sensitivity and durability in measuring compressive, tensile, and bending forces, with the graphene structure and polymer layer providing excellent restoring force and resistance changes, while the transition metal chalcogenide planar sheets enhance sensitivity, and the protection layer ensures durability and protection.

Implementation Method 1

a manufacturing method involving thermal treatment and immersion in transition metal chalcogenide solutions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal treatment: Heat Treatment

Implementation Method 2

providing planar sheets on the graphene structure to provide a second pre-structure; the providing of the planar sheets may include immersing the first pre-structure in a transition metal chalcogenide compound solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImmersion deposition: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 3

the graphene structure and polymer layer providing excellent restoring force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

A pressure-strain sensor of a piezo resistive type is a sensor configured to sense a resistance change occurring according to a strain in length of the object and measure the pressure, the tensile force, or the compressive force of the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11002619B2Pressure-strain sensor including a graphene structure
Publication Date: 2021.05.11 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST
  • US11002619B2 patent drawing
  • US11002619B2 patent drawing
  • US11002619B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a pressure-strain sensor including a graphene structure having a three-dimensional porous structure, planar sheets provided on a surface of the graphene structure, and a polymer layer configured to cover the graphene structure and the planar sheets, wherein each of the planar sheets contains a transition metal chalcogenide compound.