Hydrophobic Elastomer Colour-Forming Material for Low-Threshold Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure recording systems, such as Fuji Prescale Film, are limited in measuring cumulative pressure over extended periods and have a high minimum pressure threshold, making them unsuitable for applications requiring pressure measurement in the range of 0-1000 mmHg, which is relevant for fields like structural engineering, medical devices, and sporting goods.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a hydrophobic material with a colour-forming material dispersed throughout, which interacts with a colour developer upon pressure application or removal, allowing for cumulative pressure recording over minutes to days, with a response threshold in the range of 0-1000 mmHg, using a solid elastomeric material that allows diffusion of the colour-forming material, enabling the device to indicate pressure duration and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pressure recording films (e.g., Fuji Prescale Film) are used, then pressure measurement is achieved, but the minimum pressure threshold is too high (0.2 MPa or 1500 mmHg) for applications requiring measurement in the range of 0-1000 mmHg
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the pressure-sensitive material by using a solid dispersion of colour-forming material in a hydrophobic elastomeric material, which enables the material to respond to lower pressure thresholds (0-1000 mmHg) compared to conventional films. This parameter change in material composition and structure allows the device to measure pressures previously undetectable by standard pressure recording films.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional pressure recording films are used, then momentary and continuous pressure can be recorded, but cumulative pressure over extended periods (hours to days) cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The solid dispersion material enables continuous colour development over extended periods when subjected to pressure, allowing cumulative pressure measurement from minutes to days. The colour-forming material continuously reacts with the colour developer as long as pressure is applied, creating a persistent visual record that accumulates over time rather than resetting or requiring frequent replacement of the sensing element.
3Measurement precision
If a solid dispersion of colour-forming material in hydrophobic elastomeric material is used, then cumulative pressure measurement with low threshold is enabled, but the device complexity increases compared to simple film structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material system consisting of a solid dispersion of colour-forming material within a hydrophobic elastomeric matrix. This composite structure combines the pressure-sensitivity of the colour-forming material with the flexibility and low-threshold response of the elastomeric hydrophobic material, achieving cumulative pressure measurement capability while maintaining a relatively simple single-layer construction that does not require complex multi-component assemblies.
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 the measurement of cumulative pressure over extended periods with a low pressure threshold, providing a robust and flexible solution for various applications by using a solid dispersion of colour-forming materials in hydrophobic materials, allowing for precise recording of pressure duration and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a solid elastomeric material that allows diffusion of the colour-forming material
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to devices and apparatus for detecting contact and optionally its duration and/or recording the level of pressure and/or its duration and/or recording the level of shear force and/or its duration. In particular, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to devices which comprise an element comprising a hydrophobic material and a colour-forming material dispersed in at least a portion of the hydrophobic material. Certain embodiments of the present invention relates to materials comprising a solid dispersion of a colour-forming material in an elastomeric hydrophobic material. The solid dispersion may take the form of a molecular dispersion or a partial molecular dispersion. Also included in the present invention, although not exclusively, are devices which comprise a hydrophobic material, a colour-forming material and a colour developing material wherein the colour forming material and the colour developing material are brought into contact when pressure of a predetermined threshold level is applied or removed from the device.