Inclined Eccentric Sensing Column for Compact Force Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure and force sensors with vertical sensing columns have large footprints, leading to larger device sizes and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

The use of eccentric and inclined sensing columns with a gel material, a printed circuit board, and a protective cap, which allows for a compact design by varying the width and angle of the sensing column cavity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If vertical sensing columns are used, then measurement functionality is achieved, but device footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure and force measurement capabilityVSAvoidsensor footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing column is positioned eccentrically within the housing rather than centrally, creating an asymmetric layout that reduces the required footprint area while maintaining measurement functionality. The sensing column is also inclined at an angle rather than vertical, further optimizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing column is inclined at an angle θ relative to the vertical axis, transitioning from a purely vertical orientation to a three-dimensional angled configuration. This dimensional change allows the sensing column to achieve the same measurement function within a smaller horizontal footprint by utilizing vertical space more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If eccentric and inclined sensing columns are used, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor footprintVSAvoidsensing column cavity fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is designed with adjustable parameters including the inclination angle θ and eccentricity distance e of the sensing column. By optimizing these parameters, the design achieves compact footprint while maintaining manufacturability through standardized production processes for the housing cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure serves multiple functions: it contains the gel material, positions the sensing column at the required eccentric and inclined orientation, provides mechanical support, and defines the sensing area. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying manufacturing despite the complex geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260022985A1Sensor with eccentric sensing column

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Example embodiments described herein may include a housing for at least one sensing element defining an inclined and/or eccentric sensing column cavity. The sensing column cavity may be filled with a gel material for imparting force and/or pressure to a sensing element. In some embodiments, the sensing column cavity may have a first width at the end of the sensing column cavity proximate to a PCB. The sensing column cavity may have a second width at the end of the sensing column cavity proximate to a protective cap. The first width may be smaller than the second width, wherein the first width defines a diameter of a substantially circular profile of the sensing column cavity and the second width defines a major axis of a substantially elliptical profile of the sensing column cavity. The sensing column cavity may comprise one or more additional widths defining one or more additional profiles.