Pressure Sensing Glove Sensor Stack Diffusion Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems face inaccuracies in measuring pressure due to forces being applied at non-perpendicular angles relative to the sensor surface, leading to variations in resultant pressure measurements, which can be detrimental for tasks requiring precise force identification.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensing glove system with a sensor stack design incorporating a pair of contact layers and a pair of diffusion layers that distribute and normalize forces across a sensing layer, ensuring accurate measurement of resultant pressure by receiving forces at multiple locations across the surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a planar sensor surface is used, then the sensor structure is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates when forces are applied at non-perpendicular angles
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple sensing elements arranged in an array, with each element having its own contact layer, diffusion layer, and sensing layer. This segmentation allows the sensor to capture force vectors from different angles more accurately while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact layers and diffusion layers are designed with spatially varying properties to optimize force distribution. The diffusion layer specifically has a structure that varies locally to normalize forces from different incident angles, improving measurement precision without requiring a completely complex sensor architecture.
2Measurement precision
If contact layers and diffusion layers are added to normalize forces, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution adds layers in the vertical dimension (contact layer, diffusion layer, sensing layer) rather than expanding the horizontal footprint. This multi-layer approach normalizes forces from different angles by distributing them through multiple levels, improving measurement precision while keeping the lateral sensor size compact and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffusion layer acts as an intermediary between the contact layer and the sensing layer. It receives forces from the contact layer and redistributes them uniformly to the sensing layer, effectively mediating the force transmission process. This intermediary structure improves measurement accuracy without requiring direct complex interactions between the contact and sensing layers.
3Measurement precision
If forces are distributed across multiple locations, then measurement precision improves, but the sensor requires more complex layer structure
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array segments the sensing area into multiple discrete sensing elements, each capable of detecting forces at its specific location. This segmentation enables precise spatial mapping of force distribution across the sensor surface while maintaining a regular, manufacturable layer structure for each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact layers and diffusion layers are merged into a unified multi-layer structure that serves both force distribution and force normalization functions simultaneously. This merging reduces the need for separate complex structures while achieving both objectives of force distribution and measurement precision.
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 system effectively normalizes and distributes forces across the sensing layer, enhancing the accuracy of pressure measurements even when forces are applied at varying angles, thereby improving task performance by providing precise force data.
Implementation Method 1
The pair of contact layers distributes a force received along outer surfaces of the sensor across the pair of diffusion layers
Implementation Method 2
The pair of diffusion layers normalizes the force received from the pair of contact layers across the sensing layer
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensing glove for measuring a force includes a sensor having a pair of contact layers and a pair of diffusion layers disposed between the pair of contact layers. The pair of contact layers distributes a force received along outer surfaces of the sensor across the pair of diffusion layers. The sensor further includes a sensing layer disposed between the pair of diffusion layers. The pair of diffusion layers normalizes the force received from the pair of contact layers across the sensing layer. The sensing layer receives the force at a plurality of locations across a surface area of the sensing layer to determine a resultant pressure applied to the sensor.