PCB Flexure Collision Sensing for Adjustable Furniture Drives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collision detection systems for adjustable furniture, such as those using piezoelectric diaphragms, suffer from unreliable detection due to false signals caused by friction and are unable to detect low-force collisions, leading to potential property damage and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A collision detection device with a circuit board whose electrical characteristics change based on flexure, integrated with a holder and wiring circuit, which transmits force from the driving arrangement, allowing for reliable detection of collisions during motion by measuring electrical quantities and issuing appropriate signals to halt or reverse the motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mini safety edge is used to detect obstacle contact, then collision detection is provided, but motion stops only when obstacle contacts the safety edge
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the telescopic column while simultaneously acting as the collision detection sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate safety edges, enabling collision detection across the entire surface area where the column is mounted.
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 solution provides enhanced reliability and accuracy in detecting collisions, reducing false positives and enabling detection of low-force impacts, thereby improving safety and preventing damage.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical characteristic of the wiring circuit is configured to depend on the flexure of the circuit board
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a collision detection device (2) configured to be arranged in an adjustable piece of furniture comprising a driving arrangement (11) and a first part (14) and a second part (16) being moveable relative to each other. The collision detection device is configured to detect a collision during motion of said adjustable piece of furniture. The collision detection device (2) comprises a holder (38) configured to, when in use, be arranged to one of the first and second parts (14, 16) of the adjustable piece of furniture to be at least indirectly in contact with a part of the driving arrangement (11), and a circuit board (31) arranged on the holder (38), said circuit board (31) comprising a wiring circuit (40) on at least one of its sides. The holder (38) is configured to, when arranged to the adjustable piece of furniture, transfer a force from the driving arrangement (11) acting on the holder (38) to the circuit board (31) such that said force implies a flexure of the circuit board (31). An electrical characteristic of the wiring circuit (40) is configured to depend on the flexure of the circuit board (31).