Kinesthetic Sensor System for Expanded Dynamic Range
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems face challenges in expanding their dynamic range without compromising resolution when detecting forces applied by objects, as increasing the dynamic range often requires altering the mechanical characteristics of kinesthetic-sense sensors, which is burdensome and undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system configuration that includes a substrate with kinesthetic-sense sensors disposed on both a reference plane and a projection part, allowing for the selection and calculation of signals to determine pressing forces and moments, while maintaining resolution by using capacitance-type sensors and compressible projection parts to expand the dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the dynamic range of the sensor system is expanded by changing the mechanical characteristics of the kinesthetic-sense sensor, then the dynamic range is improved, but the resolution deteriorates and the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into multiple independent kinesthetic-sense sensors (first sensor, second sensor, third sensor, fourth sensor) positioned at different locations on the substrate. Each sensor operates independently within its own dynamic range, allowing the system to detect forces across a broader overall range while maintaining high resolution in each segment. The control unit selectively combines signals from different sensors based on the applied force magnitude, achieving expanded dynamic range without sacrificing resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-sensor approach to a multi-sensor spatial arrangement, adding a dimensional aspect to force detection. By positioning sensors at different locations and orientations on the substrate, the system detects forces in multiple dimensions simultaneously, expanding the overall dynamic range while maintaining resolution through selective signal combination based on spatial configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dynamic range is expanded by adopting a structure that sacrifices resolution, then the dynamic range is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically changes the operational parameters by selectively choosing which sensor signals to use for calculation based on the magnitude of applied force. For small forces, signals from all sensors are used with full precision; for large forces, the control unit selects signals from sensors that remain within their optimal detection range, effectively adapting the measurement parameters to maintain precision across the expanded dynamic range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple kinesthetic-sense sensors are used to expand dynamic range, then the dynamic range is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each kinesthetic-sense sensor is designed with multi-functionality, capable of detecting forces in multiple directions (orthogonal axis and two parallel axes) simultaneously. This universal detection capability means that the same sensor structure serves multiple measurement functions, reducing the overall system complexity compared to using specialized sensors for each direction. The control unit leverages this multi-functionality by selectively combining outputs from these universal sensors to achieve expanded dynamic range.
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 easy expansion of the dynamic range while minimizing the decrease in resolution, allowing for accurate detection of applied forces and moments, and facilitates easy assembly and calibration of the sensor system.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of kinesthetic-sense sensors may be capacitance-type sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system includes a substrate with a reference plane, a plurality of kinesthetic-sense sensors disposed on the substrate, each of the plurality of kinesthetic-sense sensors being configured to output signals of three axial directions corresponding to an orthogonal-axis direction orthogonal to the reference plane and two axial directions parallel to the reference plane, respectively, according to an external force from an object received at a force receiving part, a control unit configured to determine whether or not a value of each of the signals is larger than a predetermined threshold, and calculate a pressing force in the orthogonal-axis direction or a moment around the orthogonal axis received from the object based on a result of the determination, and an output unit configured to output a result of the calculation.