Interface Pressure Sensor for Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional force sensors are not suitable for small form factor applications, low-cost durable applications, or high precision and accuracy applications due to their large volume, nonlinear force sensitivity, and fragility.
Innovation Solution
An interface pressure sensor system that includes a sensing surface configured to receive a normal force, with a microelectromechanical fluid pressure sensor encapsulated in a rigid module enclosure and protected by an infill material, allowing for precise measurement of pressure and force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional force sensors are used, then force sensing capability is provided, but the device volume and area occupied are substantial
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical force sensors with a microelectromechanical fluid pressure sensor that uses fluid pressure transmission through an encapsulation material. This substitution enables force sensing while dramatically reducing the sensor's volume and footprint, allowing integration into portable electronic devices where space is constrained.
2Measurement precision
If conventional force sensors are used, then force sensing is provided, but the force sensitivity is structurally limited and nonlinear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an encapsulation material as an intermediary between the sensing surface and the microelectromechanical pressure sensor. This intermediary transmits applied forces uniformly to the sensor, enabling linear and accurate force measurement while simplifying the overall sensor structure compared to conventional designs that require complex mechanical elements.
3Measurement precision
If conventional high precision force sensors are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the sensors become delicate and expensive requiring specialized training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rigid encapsulation material that forms a protective shell around the microelectromechanical pressure sensor. This encapsulation protects the delicate sensor elements from damage while maintaining accurate force measurement capability, resulting in a durable sensor suitable for portable applications without requiring specialized handling or training.
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 interface pressure sensor system effectively measures pressure and force inputs with high precision and accuracy, suitable for various applications including wearable devices, sports equipment, and medical devices, while being compact and durable.
Implementation Method 1
a microelectromechanical fluid pressure sensor... with a pressure-sensitive structure that deforms in response
Implementation Method 2
the encapsulation material transits that force, or at least a portion thereof, to a microelectromechanical force or pressure sensitive structure that deforms in response
Data Source
AI summary
An interface pressure sensor includes a fluid pressure sensor disposed in a volume defined by a shear wall. The volume is enclosed, and the fluid pressure sensor is encapsulated by, an infill material. The infill material defines a sensing surface that, when pressed, can impart a force that is detectable by the fluid pressure sensor.