Load Sensor Linear Capacitance via Dielectric Permittivity Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load sensors with a linearly shaped second conductive member complicate the detection process due to a curved relationship between load and capacitance, requiring complex wave shape consideration.
Innovation Solution
A load sensor design featuring a first and second base member with an electrically-conductive elastic body and a wire member, where the dielectric body's permittivity changes in the contact surface direction with load increase, aligning capacitance change closer to a straight line, allowing simpler load detection via capacitance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a linearly shaped second electrically-conductive member is used, then the structure is simple, but the relationship between load and capacitance becomes curved, complicating the detection process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the conductive members from linear shapes to curved shapes (arc-shaped first conductive member and U-shaped second conductive member). This parameter change transforms the capacitance-load relationship from a curved waveform to a substantially linear relationship, simplifying the detection process while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If the contact area increases with load, then the capacitance changes, but the relationship follows a curved wave shape requiring complex processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the conductive members (curving the first conductive member into an arc shape and the second into a U-shape) to change the functional relationship between contact area and load. This transforms the capacitance-load relationship from a curved wave shape to a substantially linear relationship, enabling simpler detection processing while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If a curved wave relationship exists between load and capacitance, then capacitance detection is possible, but the detection process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the conductive members from linear to curved configurations, which fundamentally alters the capacitance-load relationship from a curved wave shape to a substantially linear relationship. This enables accurate capacitance detection while greatly simplifying the processing requirements and improving ease of operation.
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 straightforward and accurate load detection by converting the capacitance change into a linear relationship, simplifying the detection process and improving detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A permittivity of the dielectric body is changed in a contact surface direction in which contact of the dielectric body advances in association with increase in a load, such that a form of change in capacitance between the electrically-conductive elastic body and the wire member associated with change in the load becomes close to that of a straight line.
Implementation Method 2
an electrically-conductive elastic body disposed on an opposing face of the first base member
Data Source
AI summary
A load sensor includes: a first base member and a second base member disposed so as to face each other; an electrically-conductive elastic body disposed on an opposing face of the first base member; a wire member that is electrically conductive and disposed between the second base member and the electrically-conductive elastic body; and a dielectric body disposed between the electrically-conductive elastic body and the wire member. A permittivity of the dielectric body is changed in a contact surface direction in which contact of the dielectric body advances in association with increase in a load, such that a form of change in capacitance between the electrically-conductive elastic body and the wire member associated with change in the load becomes close to that of a straight line.