Linearized Pressure Sensor Pattern Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical pressure sensors produce non-linear output for applied force, requiring highly sensitive and expensive sensors to detect changes near saturation points, making them impractical for efficient force measurement.
Innovation Solution
A linearized pressure sensor pattern is designed by correlating the contact patch size between the sensor's top and bottom surfaces with applied force, using a transfer function to define the conductor shape, resulting in a substantially linear relationship between applied force and electrical output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a typical pressure sensor is used, then the sensor can detect applied force, but the output becomes non-linear near saturation points requiring highly sensitive and expensive sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the pressure sensor system by changing the conductor geometry (using non-circular patterns such as rectangular, triangular, or irregular shapes) and the elastomer thickness distribution. These parameter changes transform the non-linear force-output relationship into a linear one, improving measurement precision across the full range from initial contact to saturation without requiring more expensive high-sensitivity sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the pressure sensing function into separate components: the elastomer layer that deforms under force, and the conductor patterns that translate deformation into electrical signals. By segmenting the sensor design and independently optimizing each component's geometry, the system achieves linear output characteristics while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
2Ease of operation
If a typical pressure sensor is used, then the sensor can provide activation and level input, but the non-linear output makes level detection difficult near saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the conductor patterns from standard circular shapes to non-circular shapes (rectangular, triangular, irregular). This parameter modification linearizes the relationship between applied force and electrical output, making input level detection straightforward and precise across the entire operating range including near saturation points
3Measurement precision
If the conductor pattern is changed to linearize output, then measurement resolution improves, but the conductor shape becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different conductor shape patterns to different regions or uses specific non-circular geometries (rectangular, triangular, irregular) that can be locally optimized for linearization. Each conductor pattern is designed with specific local geometric properties that contribute to the overall linear response, balancing measurement precision with manufacturable shape complexity
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
This approach improves measurement resolution and allows for the use of less expensive detectors, as the linear relationship between force and output remains consistent from initial contact to saturation, facilitating easier and more cost-effective force measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor may comprise an elastomeric material, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first conductor, and a second conductor
Implementation Method 2
an applied force to electrical property output (e.g., resistance or conductivity) comprises an exponential relationship
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for generating a linearized pressure sensor pattern for a pressure sensor. Force may be applied to a pressure sensor sample, comprising the pressure sensor without conductors. A patch, comprising an area of contact between a top and bottom surface of the sensor sample, can be measured, which corresponds to the applied force. Patch measurements can be made for respective applied force intervals, resulting in one or more indications of applied force, respectively corresponding to an indication of a patch measurement. The linearized pressure sensor pattern can be generated using the one or more force indications and corresponding patch measurement indications.