Pram Pusher Bar Force Sensor for Gloved Operation

The patent replaces capacitive sensing (electrical field-based) with a non-capacitive measurement method that uses mechanical force sensors (such as strain gauges or force-sensitive resistors) to directly measure the force applied by the user on the pusher bar. This mechanical substitution ensures reliable detection regardless of whether the user is wearing gloves, as it measures the actual force transmission through the bar rather than attempting to detect the user's presence through capacitive coupling.

The patent integrates the sensor system directly into the pusher bar structure, merging the sensing function with the structural component. The pusher bar is designed with sensor elements (such as strain gauges) embedded or attached to its structure, allowing the bar itself to serve both as the mechanical support and as the force-sensing element. This integration eliminates the need for separate sensor housings or additional structural components, achieving full-width force measurement coverage while maintaining structural simplicity.

The patent employs force-sensitive materials or structures that automatically convert applied mechanical force into measurable electrical signals without requiring complex signal processing or additional active components. Examples include strain gauges that change electrical resistance in response to mechanical deformation, or force-sensitive resistors that directly convert force into resistance changes. This self-service approach provides reliable glove-compatible detection while keeping the sensor system relatively simple and easy to integrate.