Multibend Shape Sensor Capacitive Sliding Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bend sensors are inadequate for accurately determining complex curves due to limitations in sensitivity, precision, and cost, particularly when measuring dynamic deformations in human motion and other applications, as they often suffer from drift, fatigue, and accumulated measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
A multibend sensor system comprising a sliding strip and a reference strip with capacitive sensing technology, which measures relative shifts between layers to accurately reconstruct complex curves by modeling them as series of connected arcs, providing improved precision and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple single bend sensors are used to measure complex curves, then measurement coverage is improved, but accumulated measurement errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor strip is divided into multiple sensing zones along its length, with each zone containing electrode pairs that independently measure local bend angles. This segmentation allows the sensor to capture complex curves through multiple discrete measurements that are then integrated to reconstruct the overall shape, improving measurement coverage while maintaining accuracy through localized measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a reference strip that remains relatively stable alongside the sliding strip to provide a baseline for comparison. By continuously measuring the relative displacement between the sliding strip (which moves with the bent object) and the reference strip, the system creates a feedback mechanism that compensates for drift and accumulated errors, maintaining long-term measurement reliability.
2Measurement precision
If custom fitted bend sensors are used for each joint spacing, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and fitting difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor strip is designed as a universal, one-size-fits-all device that can be applied to various joint configurations without custom fitting. The strip contains multiple sensing zones that can detect bends at different locations along its length, allowing it to adapt to different joint spacings and body types. This universality simplifies deployment while maintaining measurement accuracy through the distributed electrode pairs that can detect bends regardless of their position along the strip.
3Ease of manufacture
If inexpensive bend sensors are used, then cost is reduced, but angular precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of measuring angle directly with a single sensor, the system measures linear displacement along the length of the strip and uses geometric relationships to calculate angular information. By transitioning from direct angular measurement to linear displacement measurement followed by mathematical computation, the system achieves high angular precision using inexpensive linear displacement sensors rather than costly angular encoders.
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 multibend sensor system achieves accurate and cost-effective measurement of complex curves with reduced error propagation, enabling precise tracking of human motion and deformation in various applications, including gesture recognition and posture monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive sensing technology, which measures relative shifts between layers
Data Source
AI summary
A multibend sensor comprises a reference strip having a first plurality of electrodes, wherein each of the first plurality of electrodes is adapted to receive a signal; a sliding strip having a second plurality of electrodes, wherein each of the second plurality of electrodes is adapted to transmit at least one signal, wherein the sliding strip moves with respect to the reference strip; and measurement circuitry adapted to process signals received by the first plurality of electrodes, wherein the processed signals provide information regarding the relative position of the sliding strip to the reference strip.