Multi-Mode Sensor With Compliant Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems and methods for simultaneous or multi-mode sensing are inconvenient and suffer from various drawbacks, such as the inability to efficiently measure multiple parameters simultaneously or independently.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode sensor system utilizing a compliant material with embedded electrodes and distinct sense and attachment regions, allowing for simultaneous or independent measurement of physical parameters like angular displacement, strain, force, and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate sensors are used to measure different parameters, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (capacitive sensing for position/force, resistive sensing for strain/temperature) into a single integrated sensor system. The sensor includes multiple electrodes (first electrode, second electrode, third electrode) embedded in a compliant substrate that can simultaneously measure different physical parameters, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality to measure various physical parameters including angular displacement, force, strain, and temperature simultaneously. The compliant substrate with embedded electrodes can operate in different sensing modes (capacitive mode for position/force, resistive mode for strain/temperature), allowing a single device to perform multiple measurement functions.
2Device complexity
If a single sensor measures multiple parameters, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into distinct functional regions: a first sensing region with first and second electrodes for capacitive measurements (position, force), and a second sensing region with third electrode for resistive measurements (strain, temperature). This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific measurement function while maintaining overall system integration, thereby preserving measurement precision across multiple parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor substrate have different properties optimized for specific measurements. The first sensing region is configured with electrode arrangements optimized for capacitive sensing, while the second sensing region has configurations optimized for resistive sensing. This local optimization ensures high measurement precision for each parameter type within its designated region.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid sensor structures are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor employs a compliant substrate made of flexible material that can bend and conform to curved surfaces. Embedded electrodes are positioned within this flexible substrate, allowing the sensor to adapt to various geometries and applications while maintaining precise electrode configurations during manufacturing. The flexible nature enables deployment on non-planar surfaces without compromising manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor structure transitions from a static rigid configuration to a dynamic flexible configuration. The compliant substrate allows the sensor to dynamically adapt its shape and conform to different surfaces, while the embedded electrodes maintain their relative positions and functional relationships, enabling both adaptability and manufacturing precision.
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
The system enables efficient and flexible multi-mode sensing, allowing for simultaneous or independent measurement of multiple physical parameters, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the compliant material is configured such that a bend within the either of the first or second sense regions induce a strain within at least one of the first or second attachment regions
Implementation Method 2
a first electrode embedded in the compliant material adjacent to the bottom side and extending substantially continuously along the length of the compliant material, a second electrode embedded in the compliant material adjacent to the top side
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include a multi-mode sensor including an elastomeric strand having a first multi-mode sensing region configured to sense at least two different physical parameters, and a second multi-mode sensing region, space apart from the first multi-mode sensing region, and configured to sense at least two different physical parameters. In some disclosed embodiments the first multi-mode sensing region is configured to measure the physical parameters of angular displacement and strain.