Layered Foam Sensor Dual Sensing Linear Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soft flexible sensors lack dual sensing capabilities with linear sensing characteristics, limiting their applications in IoT devices, wearables, and medical devices.
Innovation Solution
A layered foam sensor apparatus is developed, comprising multiple layers with a top and bottom elastomer foam layer and an intermediate electrical conductor layer, which produces piezoelectric voltage and changes in capacitance upon deformation, utilizing triboelectric effects and parallel plate capacitor principles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing soft flexible sensors are used, then flexibility and conformability are achieved, but dual sensing capabilities with linear sensing characteristics are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple functional layers including piezoelectric layers, capacitor layers, and elastomer layers. Each layer performs a specific sensing function, with the piezoelectric layers detecting impact forces and the capacitor layers measuring static force, thereby achieving dual sensing capabilities with linear characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor combines piezoelectric materials (such as PVDF or P(VDF-TrFE)) with elastomer materials (such as PDMS or TPU) to create a composite structure. This composite design enables both piezoelectric sensing for impact detection and capacitive sensing for static force measurement, providing dual sensing modes with linear response characteristics
2Measurement precision
If packaged ceramics and PVDF-based materials are used, then piezoelectric response is achieved, but linear sensing characteristics are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges piezoelectric sensing elements with capacitive sensing elements into a single integrated sensor structure. The piezoelectric layers provide response to dynamic impact forces while the capacitive layers measure static force, and both operate simultaneously within the same flexible sensor apparatus, achieving linear sensing characteristics across different force types
3Ease of operation
If a flexible capacitive sensor is used, then conformability is achieved, but dual sensing with linear characteristics is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sensor is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both piezoelectric and capacitive sensing mechanisms within the same conformable structure. The sensor can simultaneously detect static force through capacitive changes and impact forces through piezoelectric voltage generation, providing dual sensing capabilities while maintaining flexibility and conformability to various surfaces
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 apparatus achieves dual sensing modes, providing linear force and impact sensing with a hybrid sensor that produces statistically significant linear relationships between applied forces and measured voltages and capacitance changes.
Implementation Method 1
The first elastomer layer has a first rating on a triboelectric series, the second elastomer layer has a second rating on a triboelectric series
Implementation Method 2
the first and second plurality of layers are productive of a change in capacitance in response to being deformed
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor apparatus includes a first of a plurality of layers having a top layer, a bottom layer, and at least one intermediate layer having an electrical conductor layer, each of the top layer, the bottom layer, and the at least one intermediate layer is disposed in direct contact with a respective adjacent layer. A second of the plurality of layers is disposed in direct contact with the first plurality of layers such that the bottom layer of the second plurality of layers is disposed in direct contact with the top layer of the first plurality of layers. The first and second plurality of layers are productive of a piezoelectric voltage absent of an external current producing device and in response to being deformed, and are productive of a change in capacitance in response to being deformed.