Multistage Sensing Device Magnetic Stiffness Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch sensors have a fixed sensing range due to the inherent properties of materials like polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), requiring material replacement to adjust sensing range, which limits flexibility and range.
Innovation Solution
A multistage sensing device comprising a substrate, a deformable unit with two bodies, and a sensor unit, where the deformable unit includes a filling member with tunable stiffness via an external electric or magnetic field, allowing for adjustable sensing range without material replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dielectric polymer such as PDMS is used to adjust the stiffness of the touch sensor, then the sensing range can be changed by adjusting the degree of crosslinking, but the fixed properties of the material cause the touch sensor to have a fixed sensing range and require material replacement to adjust the sensing range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a magnetic field-responsive component that enables the sensing device to dynamically adjust its stiffness and sensing range. The deformable unit contains a magnetic substance that responds to external magnetic fields, allowing real-time modulation of mechanical properties without material replacement. This transforms a static system into a dynamic one where the sensing range can be continuously adjusted through magnetic field control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by utilizing the magnetic field to alter the effective stiffness parameter of the sensing device. By applying different magnetic field strengths, the magnetic substance within the deformable unit changes its magnetic susceptibility, which directly modifies the mechanical stiffness and consequently the sensing range. This allows continuous adjustment of the sensing parameter without changing the physical material composition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensing range is adjusted by changing the proportion of curing agents in PDMS formation, then the sensing range can be modified, but this requires material replacement leading to reduced flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical system of material formulation with a magnetic field control system. Instead of adjusting curing agent proportions during material synthesis, the invention uses external magnetic fields to control the effective mechanical properties. This substitution eliminates the need for material replacement operations and provides a non-invasive, reversible method for adjusting sensing characteristics, significantly improving operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the control system and the sensing device's mechanical properties. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that translates electrical control signals into mechanical stiffness adjustments through the magnetic substance in the deformable unit. This intermediary approach allows indirect control of the sensing range without direct material manipulation, enhancing ease of operation.
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 a wider range of external force measurement from milli-newtons to newtons without replacing the deformable unit, enhancing flexibility and sensing capability.
Implementation Method 1
a filling member (4) extending into the first space (311) and comprising a magnetic substance for changing stiffness of the deformable unit (3) by an external magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The sensor unit (5) includes a first electrode (51), a second electrode (52), and a third electrode (53) that are disposed in the deformable unit (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A multistage sensing device includes a substrate, a deformable unit, and a sensor unit. The deformable unit has a first body disposed on the substrate, and a second body disposed on the first body and opposite to the substrate. The sensor unit includes a first sensor element and a second sensor element that are disposed in the deformable unit. The first sensor element is disposed between the second sensor element and the substrate. The second sensor element is operable to measure deformation of the second body when an external force is applied to the deformable unit. The first sensor element is operable to measure deformation of the first body when the first body is deformed by the deformation of the second body.