Piezoelectric Tensile Force Sensor Using Elastic and Sewing Threads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tensile force detecting devices lack a flexible and lightweight structure, which is essential for accurately measuring tensile loads in robotics and biometric applications, particularly in emulating the mechanical properties of tendons.
Innovation Solution
A tendon-inspired tensile force detecting device is developed, comprising a piezoelectric element, an elastic thread, and a sewing thread, where the piezoelectric element generates an electrical signal in response to tensile loads, and the elastic and sewing threads support and transmit the load, respectively, mimicking the fibrous anatomical structure of tendons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional tensile force detecting devices are used, then measurement capability is provided, but flexibility and lightweight structure are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a piezoelectric film as the core sensing element, which is a thin film structure that inherently provides both flexibility and lightweight characteristics. This thin film approach allows the device to conform to flexible surfaces while maintaining tensile force detection capability, directly resolving the contradiction between device weight and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple materials with complementary properties: piezoelectric film for sensing, elastic thread for flexibility and load distribution, and sewing thread for structural integration. This composite material strategy enables the device to achieve both lightweight construction and accurate tensile load measurement simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device structure is made very flexible and lightweight, then wearability is improved, but structural strength to support load may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the piezoelectric film for sensing, the elastic thread for flexibility and shock absorption, and the sewing thread for structural integration. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide both flexibility and load support capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic thread acts as an intermediary element between the flexible structure and the load-bearing requirements. It provides mechanical coupling that distributes tensile loads across the flexible structure, enabling the device to maintain both high flexibility and adequate load support capacity without compromising either property.
3Measurement precision
If piezoelectric materials are used for flexibility and piezoelectric properties, then sensing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the piezoelectric film serves as both the flexible substrate and the sensing element, while the elastic and sewing threads simultaneously provide structural support, load distribution, and mechanical coupling. This merging approach reduces device complexity by eliminating separate components for each function.
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 device effectively detects a wide range of tensile loads without fatigue, suitable for severe environments like small joints in the human body, and demonstrates high synchronization with body movements, making it suitable for wearable motion sensing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element to generate an electrical signal by a load
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a tensile force detecting device including a piezoelectric element to generate an electrical signal by a load, the elastic thread connected to the piezoelectric element to support the load applied to the piezoelectric element, and a sewing thread connected to the piezoelectric element to transmit the load to the piezoelectric element.