Offset Electrode Tactile Sensor for Shear Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tactile sensors face challenges in accurately measuring the magnitude and direction of shearing forces and vertical forces due to limitations in capacitance changes and overlapping electrode configurations.
Innovation Solution
A tactile sensor design featuring substrates with partially overlapping electrodes and an extensible and compressible dielectric substance, allowing for changes in capacitance based on force direction and magnitude, with specific electrode arrangements to distinguish between different force directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electrodes are arranged to fully overlap, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to distinguish force directions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally offsetting the second electrode from the first electrode in specific directions. This asymmetric arrangement creates different overlapping patterns for different force directions, enabling the sensor to distinguish between various force directions while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.
2Measurement precision
If electrodes are offset in all directions, then force direction detection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing offset arrangements only in specific regions or for specific electrode pairs where directional discrimination is needed. Not all electrodes are offset in all directions, which maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving sufficient directional detection capability where required.
3Stability of the object's composition
If dielectric substance is rigid, then structural stability is improved, but sensitivity to applied forces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting a dielectric substance with specific mechanical properties that balance rigidity and compliance. The dielectric's elasticity modulus and thickness are optimized to provide sufficient structural stability while allowing enough deformation under applied forces to generate measurable capacitance changes, thereby achieving both stability and sensitivity.
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 precise measurement of shearing and vertical forces by varying capacitance in response to applied forces, enhancing sensitivity and directional detection.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitance between at least part of the first electrodes and second electrodes corresponding to the at least part of the first electrodes may increase or decrease when a shearing force is applied to the first substrate
Implementation Method 2
The dielectric substance may be extensible and compressible
Data Source
AI summary
A tactile sensor includes a first substrate including a plurality of first electrodes, a second substrate including a plurality of second electrodes corresponding to the plurality of first electrodes, and a dielectric substance disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein a second electrode corresponding to any one of the first electrodes is offset in one direction with respect to the any one of the first electrodes while a second electrode corresponding to another first electrode neighboring the any one of the first electrodes is offset in another direction.