Normal Interface Surface Mating Sensor With Conductive Sensing Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact sensing technologies struggle to accurately detect contact events between components in extreme environments or confined spaces without mechanical linkage, particularly when components experience normal translation and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A normal interface surface mating sensor (NISMS) utilizing electrically conductive sensing elements and a power source to generate electrical signals upon contact, allowing for direct detection of contact events through changes in resistance or conductivity, even with angular or orthogonal misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional contact sensors are used to detect contact events between components, then contact detection capability is provided, but the sensors fail in extreme environments (thermal, fit, pressure) and require mechanical linkage that is incompatible with confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact sensors with an electrical field-based sensing system. Conductive sensing elements embedded in the first body detect contact events through electrical conductivity changes when a conductive area on the second body contacts the first body, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages and making the system suitable for confined spaces and extreme environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical field as an intermediary between the two bodies to detect contact events. The conductive sensing elements create an electrical field that interacts with the conductive area on the second body, allowing contact detection without direct mechanical coupling between the bodies
2Ease of operation
If conventional sensors with mechanical linkage are used, then contact detection is possible, but the device complexity increases and installation becomes difficult in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mechanical linkage from the sensing system, retaining only the essential contact detection function. The sensing elements are embedded directly in the body, eliminating separate mechanical components and simplifying installation in confined spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensing elements with the body structure itself. The conductive sensing elements are embedded in the first body, combining the structural component with the sensing function, thereby reducing overall device complexity and facilitating installation
3Measurement precision
If misalignment between contact surfaces is present, then normal operation continues, but accurate detection of contact events and misalignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the contact detection function into multiple discrete sensing elements arranged in an array. Each sensing element independently detects contact at its specific location, allowing the system to detect both contact events and misalignment patterns by analyzing which elements are activated
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to the detection system by arranging sensing elements in a two-dimensional array on the contact surface. This allows detection of contact events across different locations and angles, providing information about misalignment in multiple dimensions simultaneously
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 NISMS effectively detects contact events and misalignment between components, providing reliable contact indicators without mechanical linkage, suitable for environments where traditional sensors fail.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of electrically conductive sensing elements is arranged in a pattern such that a spatial location of each sensing element among the plurality of electrically conductive sensing elements forms a normal interface surface mating sensor (NISMS) that generates an electrical signal when a conductive area on an opposing contact face of an external second body physically contacts the first contact face
Data Source
AI summary
A normal interface surface mating sensor includes a power source, a plurality of electrically conductive sensing elements, and at least one of an ammeter or a voltmeter. The voltmeter is connected in parallel with the first terminal and the second terminal of the power source. The plurality of electrically conductive sensing elements is coupled to the first terminal of the power source, is arranged on a first contact face in a pattern such that a spatial location of each sensing element generates an electrical signal when a conductive area on an opposing contact face physically contacts the first contact face at the spatial location of the sensing element contacted. Measurements from the ammeter and the voltmeter together are output as a contact event indicator that includes a conductivity measurement corresponding to the electrical signal generated by the physical contact at a sequence of the NISMSs contacted.