Multifunctional-Layer Contact Sensor for Crosstalk-Resistant Robot Skin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tactile sensors for intelligent robots lack the ability to simultaneously perform touch sensing, pressure and slide sensing, temperature sensing, and humidity sensing while being miniaturized, and suffer from interference issues and crosstalk in sensor matrices.

Innovation Solution

A touch sensor with multifunctional layers, comprising four layers forming capacitors and piezoresistors, with electromagnetic shielding and regional scanning to prevent crosstalk, enabling simultaneous sensing and interference reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensing functions are integrated into a single sensor, then sensing capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is divided into four distinct functional layers: first and second layers for touch sensing, third layer for pressure sensing, and fourth layer for slide sensing. Each layer independently performs a specific sensing function, allowing comprehensive sensing capability while maintaining manageable complexity through functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor achieves multi-functionality by integrating four different sensing mechanisms within a single device structure. The first and second layers provide touch sensing, the third layer provides pressure sensing, and the fourth layer provides slide sensing, enabling the sensor to perform multiple sensing functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If sensor matrix is formed for large area coverage, then sensing area is improved, but crosstalk between sensors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing areaVSAvoidcrosstalk
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A ground shielding layer is introduced as an intermediary between adjacent sensor units in the matrix configuration. This shielding layer acts as a mediator that blocks electrical interference and crosstalk between neighboring sensors, enabling large area coverage through matrix formation while preventing harmful electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If electromagnetic shielding is added to reduce interference, then anti-interference capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-interference capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ground shielding layer is merged with the existing four-layer sensor structure rather than being added as a separate external component. The shielding layer is integrated between the functional layers, combining the sensing functions and interference protection into a unified compact structure, thereby improving anti-interference capability without proportionally increasing device 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 achieves comprehensive sensing capabilities, including touch, pressure, slide, temperature, and humidity sensing, while minimizing interference and crosstalk, suitable for intelligent robots and electronic skin applications.

Implementation Method 1

the first multifunctional layer and the third multifunctional layer form a capacitor C1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

the capacitors C1 and C2 are used to determine whether an object is approaching and determine the type and proximity of the approaching object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric Field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 3

the second multifunctional layer and the fourth multifunctional layer form a capacitor C2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 4

the capacitors C1 and C2 are used to determine whether an object is approaching

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric Field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 5

a first detection unit for detecting a three-dimensional force is arranged in each of the multifunctional layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoresistive Effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3748321B1Contact sensor having multi-functional layer, electronic skin and smart robot
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 BEIJING TASHAN TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP3748321B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP3748321B1 patent drawingFigure 7~14
  • EP3748321B1 patent drawingFigure 15~20

AI summary

The present application relates to a touch sensor with multifunctional layers and an intelligent robot. The touch sensor comprises a plurality of sensor units. Each of the sensor units comprises regions contained in four multifunctional layers. The first multifunctional layer and the third multifunctional layer are higher than the second multifunctional layer and the fourth multifunctional later, and the distance from the center of the first multifunctional layer to the center of the third multifunctional layer is greater than the distance from the center of the second multifunctional layer to the center of the fourth multifunctional layer. The first multifunctional layer and the third multifunctional layer form a capacitor C1, and the second multifunctional layer and the fourth multifunctional layer form a capacitor C2.