Plush Toy Hug Sensor Using Conductive Foam

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sensors used in plush toys are rigid and perceivable upon squeezing, which contradicts the soft nature of these items, failing to effectively detect varying degrees of compression for responsive actions.

Innovation Solution

A flexible and compressible sensor composed of conductive foam sheets separated by a non-conductive foam sheet with holes, allowing for compression-induced electrical connections to detect different levels of interaction, enabling appropriate audible responses based on the degree of squeeze.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid sensors are used in plush toys, then sensor functionality is achieved, but the softness and comfort of the plush toy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor functionalityVSAvoidperceivability of mechanical components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flexible foam sheets (both conductive and non-conductive) instead of rigid sensor components. The conductive foam sheets are separated by a non-conductive foam sheet, creating a flexible sensor assembly that maintains the softness of the plush toy while enabling compression detection through electrical conductivity changes when compressed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor uses composite material construction combining conductive foam sheets with non-conductive foam sheets. This composite structure allows the sensor to detect compression through electrical properties while maintaining the overall soft and compressible characteristics needed for plush toy integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If rigid sensors are used to detect compression, then compression detection is achieved, but the natural squeezing experience of the plush toy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression detectionVSAvoidsqueezing experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible foam-based sensor construction allows the plush toy to be squeezed naturally without encountering rigid obstacles. The sensor components conform to the compression forces applied during squeezing, maintaining the natural tactile experience while accurately detecting compression levels through changes in electrical conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor detects compression by measuring changes in electrical conductivity parameters of the conductive foam sheets. As the foam is compressed, its conductivity changes, providing measurement precision for detecting varying degrees of compression while the foam's physical properties remain soft and compliant to natural squeezing forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single sensor is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to detect varying degrees of compression deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor structureVSAvoidvarying compression levels

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is segmented into multiple conductive foam sheets separated by non-conductive foam sheets with holes. This segmentation allows different regions of the sensor to detect different aspects of compression, enabling the system to distinguish between gentle and strong hugs by analyzing which conductive sheets make contact and the pattern of electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The non-conductive foam sheet with holes acts as an intermediary element between the conductive foam sheets. It controls and modulates the electrical connectivity between conductive layers based on compression magnitude, providing a mechanism to detect varying degrees of compression while maintaining overall sensor simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 sensor provides a soft and squeezable electrical component that accurately identifies and responds to varying levels of compression, enhancing the interactive experience of plush toys by providing appropriate audio feedback, while maintaining the toy's softness.

Implementation Method 1

the conductive foam sheets may be made to connect in the holes by compressing the two outer sheets together

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9573070B2Plush toy with non-rigid sensor for detecting deformation

Publication Date: 2017.02.21 HALLMARK CARDS INC

AI summary

A plush toy having electronics therein for interacting with a user includes a non-rigid electrical component for detecting deformation thereof. The component, also referred to as a hug sensor, has an electrically conductive and compressible material and is movable from a rest, non-compressed position towards a compressed position by way of the application of an external force thereon (e.g., a hug or squeeze). The hug sensor has a resistance there across that is monitored by a microprocessor. Compression of the hug sensor causes changes in the resistance across the hug sensor. Changes in the detected resistance across the hug sensor result in activation of responses (e.g., playing of audio and/or movement). Varying responses may be activated as a result of varying changes in resistance.