Load Sensor Linearizing Contact Area via Asymmetric Elastic Body Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load sensors with columnar second electrically-conductive members face difficulties in detecting loads smoothly due to non-linear changes in contact area and capacitance, making it challenging to accurately measure applied loads.
Innovation Solution
A load sensor design featuring an electrically-conductive elastic body with a linear shape and a dielectric body, where the width of the elastic body is adjusted to establish a linear relationship between load and contact area, thereby linearizing the capacitance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a columnar second electrically-conductive member is used, then the structure is simple, but the contact area between the first electrically-conductive member and the dielectric body does not linearly change with load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the electrically-conductive members by using linear shapes instead of columnar shapes. This parameter change transforms the contact area progression from non-linear to linear with respect to load, resolving the measurement precision issue while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces asymmetric width variation in the first electrically-conductive member along its longitudinal direction. This asymmetric design ensures that the contact area increases linearly with load, improving load detection accuracy without significantly increasing device complexity
2Ease of operation
If the contact area changes non-linearly with load, then the structure can be simple, but it becomes difficult to detect loads smoothly and accurately
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the geometric parameters of the electrically-conductive members to linear shapes with specific width variations, the invention achieves a linear relationship between load and contact area. This enables smooth and accurate load detection while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical load measurement systems with a capacitive sensing system. The linear geometric design of the electrically-conductive members ensures that capacitance changes linearly with load, providing smooth and accurate detection without complex mechanical components
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 smooth and simple detection of applied loads by maintaining a linear relationship between load and capacitance, improving measurement accuracy and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
the capacitance between the first electrically-conductive member and the second electrically-conductive member increases. When the value of the capacitance between the first electrically-conductive member and the second electrically-conductive member is detected, the load applied to the pressure-sensitive element can be detected
Data Source
AI summary
A load sensor includes: an electrically-conductive elastic body; an electrically-conductive member having a linear shape and disposed so as to cross the electrically-conductive elastic body; and a dielectric body disposed between the electrically-conductive elastic body and the electrically-conductive member. A width of the electrically-conductive elastic body in a longitudinal direction of the electrically-conductive member is changed such that a relationship between a load and a contact area between the electrically-conductive elastic body and the electrically-conductive member via the dielectric body becomes close to a linear relationship.