Meandering Hinge Signal Lines for Strain-Gauge Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stretchable devices face challenges in accurately detecting strain in hinges due to significant strain generated in signal lines when the hinges expand or contract, leading to inaccurate strain gauge readings.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a signal line and strain gauge design with a base signal line having a larger occupied area per unit length than the bend signal line, and includes an annular portion or dummy wiring lines to distribute stress, reducing strain in the signal lines and improving detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the signal line is stacked on the hinge to detect strain, then the strain detection function is provided, but the signal line itself generates large strain when the hinge expands or contracts, causing inaccurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The signal line is divided into multiple segments (first signal line, second signal line, third signal line) with different occupied areas. The first and second signal lines have smaller occupied areas and are stacked on the bends, while the third signal line has a larger occupied area and is stacked on the base. This segmentation allows each part of the signal line to experience different strain levels, with the larger occupied area portions acting as strain filters to reduce overall strain in the signal path.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the signal line are given different occupied areas (local quality differentiation). The signal line has regions with smaller occupied areas where it is stacked on the bends, and regions with larger occupied areas where it is stacked on the base. This local quality variation allows the signal line to adapt to different strain environments at different locations, reducing strain in critical detection areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge is designed with meandering shape and arcs to provide flexibility, then the stretchable device achieves elasticity, but the base of the hinge generates large strain when the arcs deform to expand
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is segmented into multiple functional portions: bends (with arcs) and bases (with linear portions). The bends are responsible for the meandering shape and flexibility, while the bases provide linear coupling to the bodies. This segmentation allows the arcs to deform for flexibility while the bases maintain more stable strain characteristics, as each segment performs its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire hinge structure highly flexible with uniform arc shapes, the design inverts the approach by having the bases (linear portions) provide structural stability while the bends (arcs) provide flexibility. The linear bases counterintuitively reduce strain by providing a more rigid connection point, while the arcs handle the deformation.
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 configuration allows for accurate detection of strain in the hinges by minimizing strain in the signal lines, thereby enhancing the precision of strain measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The base signal line has an occupied area per unit length in a length direction of the signal line larger than the bend signal line when viewed in a stacking direction in which the signal line is stacked on the resin base member
Implementation Method 2
minimizing strain in the signal lines, thereby enhancing the precision of strain measurements
Implementation Method 3
includes an annular portion or dummy wiring lines to distribute stress, reducing strain in the signal lines and improving detection accuracy
Implementation Method 4
When a tensile load acts on the stretchable device, the arcs of the hinge deform to have a smaller curvature. In other words, the arcs deform to expand. As a result, the bodies are separated from each other, and the stretchable device extends
Implementation Method 5
it has been considered to provide a strain gauge to the hinge and detect the amount of strain in the hinge to detect the load acting on the stretchable device
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a stretchable device includes: a resin base member; and a signal line and a strain gauge stacked on the resin base member. The resin base member includes: a plurality of bodies disposed separately from each other; and a plurality of hinges that couple the bodies while meandering. The hinges each include: a plurality of bends that bend and are disposed between the bodies; and a base that linearly extends to couple one of the bodies to a corresponding one of the bends. The signal line includes: a bend signal line stacked on the bends; and a base signal line stacked on the base. The base signal line has an occupied area per unit length in a length direction of the signal line larger than the bend signal line when viewed in a stacking direction in which the signal line is stacked on the resin base member.