Multi-Region Compliant Angular Displacement Sensor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sensor systems for measuring angular displacement face challenges such as limited elasticity, temporary or permanent deformation, and poor repeatability and accuracy when subjected to large angular displacements, particularly in applications like human joint movement monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A multi-region angular displacement sensor with stretchable and bendable sense regions made of elastomeric material, featuring compliant capacitors offset from a center axis, allowing independent measurement of angular displacement in three-dimensional space and capable of withstanding significant deformation without damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional sensor systems are used for measuring angular displacement, then basic measurement function is provided, but the sensor systems exhibit limited elasticity, temporary or permanent deformation, and poor repeatability and accuracy when subjected to large angular displacements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepeatability and accuracyVSAvoidelasticity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs elastomeric materials to create flexible sense regions that can undergo large angular displacements without permanent deformation. The elastomeric substrate with embedded capacitive sensors allows the sensor to bend and stretch while maintaining measurement accuracy, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability under large displacements and structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system combines elastomeric materials with conductive elements to create a composite structure that maintains both flexibility and electrical functionality. This composite approach enables the sensor to withstand large deformations while preserving measurement repeatability and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the sensor is designed to withstand large angular displacements, then elasticity and durability are improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveelasticityVSAvoidangular displacement measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is divided into multiple sense regions, each capable of independent measurement. This segmentation allows the sensor to distribute deformation across multiple regions, maintaining measurement precision even when individual regions undergo large displacements. Each region measures angular displacement independently, preventing cumulative errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses capacitive sensing parameters that remain stable despite mechanical deformation. By measuring changes in capacitance rather than relying on rigid structural parameters, the system maintains measurement precision while allowing the elastomeric material to flex and stretch freely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple sense regions are used for independent measurement, then measurement coverage and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidsensor structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sense regions are merged into a single continuous elastomeric substrate, allowing independent measurements without requiring separate sensor assemblies. The capacitive sensing elements are integrated directly into the elastomeric material, combining multiple measurement functions into a unified structure that reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 sensor system provides accurate and repeatable measurements of angular displacement across multiple joints, maintaining elasticity and avoiding deformation, even at large displacement angles, enhancing its durability and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

Some sensor systems may not have the elasticity to withstand such deformation. Other sensor systems may incur temporary or permanent deformation or damage if repeatedly subjected to large angular displacement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A first sense region includes a first angular displacement unit. A second sense region includes a second angular displacement unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3283839B1Compliant multi-region angular displacement and strain sensors

Publication Date: 2021.10.27 BEND LABS INC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A

AI summary

An apparatus includes a strand of compliant material with a center axis. The apparatus further includes a multi-region angular displacement sensor connected to the strand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor includes a first angular displacement unit in a first sense region of the stand. The first angular displacement unit is used to determine a first angular displacement in response to deformation of the first angular displacement unit. The multi-region angular displacement sensor also includes a second angular displacement unit disposed in a second sense region of the strand. The second angular displacement unit is used to determine a second angular displacement in response to deformation of the second angular displacement unit.