Modular Pressure-Sensing Flooring via Segmented Foil Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure-detecting flooring systems face challenges such as high costs, poor modularity, and lack of scalability, along with limited re-usability across different configurations and locations, which restrict their adaptability and effectiveness in applications like monitoring behavior in public spaces.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-detecting flooring system comprising a first and second electrically isolated foil layer with conductors and a resistance layer, arranged to measure pressure changes, connected via a matrix grid with interconnectors, allowing for modular and scalable installation on various flooring types, and equipped with a controller to continuously monitor pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pressure-detecting flooring systems are implemented, then pressure detection capability is achieved, but cost increases and modularity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flooring system is divided into modular sensor units, each comprising a first foil layer with conductors, a second foil layer with resistance, and a separator. These discrete modules can be independently manufactured, installed, and replaced, transforming a complex monolithic system into manageable segments that maintain detection capability while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor modules are designed with universal connector points that allow the same basic unit to be configured in various flooring arrangements and applications. The standardized interface enables single modules to serve multiple functions across different locations and configurations, reducing the need for specialized components and lowering costs.
2Reliability
If traditional pressure-detecting flooring systems are implemented, then pressure detection capability is achieved, but scalability and re-usability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flooring into standardized sensor modules with uniform connector interfaces, the system achieves scalability through simple replication of units and adaptability through flexible arrangement patterns. Each module remains functionally independent yet electrically connectable to form larger detection areas or different geometric configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design with standardized connectors enables dynamic reconfiguration of the flooring system. Modules can be added, removed, or rearranged to adapt to changing spatial requirements or application needs, providing both scalability for expansion and versatility for different uses without requiring system redesign.
3Measurement precision
If complex pressure detection systems are implemented, then detection accuracy is improved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor modules utilize inexpensive foil layers and separator materials that can be manufactured at low cost using simple lamination processes. The design accepts that individual modules may need replacement rather than designing for indefinite service life, significantly reducing material and manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate detection accuracy for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves detection accuracy through measurement of electrical resistance changes in the foil layers rather than complex mechanical or optical sensing mechanisms. This parameter-based approach using simple electrical properties of inexpensive materials provides sufficient precision for pressure detection while keeping manufacturing costs low.
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 efficient detection of pressure and weight distribution, providing a cost-effective, scalable, and adaptable solution for monitoring presence and behavior, with reduced noise and improved accuracy through a matrix grid connection and continuous scanning of resistance changes.
Implementation Method 1
the resistance measured between the first and the second electric conductor decreases, in dependence of the pressure on the device
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
Device, for detecting a pressure comprising a first foil layer, provided with at least a first electric conductor and at least a second electric conductor, electrically isolated from each other; a second foil layer, comprising an electric resistance; wherein the first layer and the second layer are arranged on top of each other, such that the respective sides with the at least one first and second electric conductor and the resistance face each other, and wherein the device is dimensioned such that a projection of the location of the electrical resistance on the first layer covers an area to which both the at least one first and second electric conductor extend; a separator, for keeping the first and the second layer at least locally at a distance from each other when there is no pressure applied to the device; at least a first connector point, electrically coupled to the first electric conductor, and outwardly available at a first pair of opposite sides of the device; at least a second connector point, electrically coupled to the second electric conductor, and outwardly available at the second pair of opposite sides of the device.