Pressure-Sensitive Element With Inflection Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure-sensitive elements lack sufficient stretchability and have a narrow measurement range for pressing forces, with complex structures that complicate their implementation on freeform surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-sensitive element comprising a sheet-shaped elastic conductor, conductor wires with inflection parts, dielectrics, and a filamentous member that intersects and sews the conductor wires to the base material, detecting pressing forces through changes in electrostatic capacity based on the area of contact rather than distance between electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conductor wires are connected using a connector with a crank-shaped bent structure, then the detection elements can be connected, but the stretchability of the sensor as a whole is not sufficient and the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex crank-shaped bent connector from the structure entirely. Instead, conductor wires are directly embedded in the elastic base material and connected through inflection parts that form natural bends within the wire itself, eliminating the need for separate connector components and achieving both simplicity and stretchability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor wires incorporate inflection parts that can dynamically change their curvature and configuration in response to stretching forces. These inflection parts allow the wires to flex and deform elastically, enabling the sensor to stretch while maintaining electrical connectivity without requiring rigid connectors.
2Measurement precision
If a load sensor part includes front side and back side electrodes arranged on opposite sides of an elastomer base material to detect pressing force based on distance change, then the sensor can function, but the measurement range of pressing force is relatively narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical distance-based detection system with an electrostatic capacity-based detection system. Instead of measuring physical displacement between electrodes, the sensor detects changes in electrostatic capacity caused by pressing forces, which allows for a wider measurement range and eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment of front and back electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical distance to electrostatic capacity. By measuring changes in electrostatic capacity rather than physical distance, the sensor can detect a broader range of pressing forces including very light touches that would produce minimal mechanical displacement, thereby expanding the measurement range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a touch sensor is configured by stacking at least two conductive cloths face-to-face to detect pressing force, then the sensor can function, but the stretchability of the sensor as a whole is not sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin film-like conductor wires embedded in an elastic base material instead of thick conductive cloths. This thin-film structure allows the sensor to stretch more effectively while maintaining the detection function, as the thin wires can deform and elongate more easily than bulk cloth materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor wires are designed with inflection parts that can dynamically adjust their shape during stretching. This dynamic flexibility allows the sensor to maintain electrical connectivity and detection capability while undergoing significant deformation, ensuring both stretchability and reliable detection 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
This configuration provides a wider measurement range for pressing forces with a simpler structure and improved stretchability, enabling reliable detection on freeform surfaces like automobile interiors.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic capacity between the elastic conductor and each of the conductor wires changes in accordance with a pressing force applied between the base material and each of the conductor wires
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a pressure-sensitive element having a relatively wide measurement range of a pressing force and a relatively simple structure while having more sufficient stretchability. A pressure-sensitive element includes a base material, a plurality of conductor wires, a plurality of dielectrics, and a filamentous member. The base material includes an elastic conductor having elasticity and conductivity. Further, the base material has a sheet shape. The plurality of conductor wires are arranged in parallel so as to individually intersect with the elastic conductor in plan view. Further, each of the plurality of conductor wires has a plurality of inflection parts. The plurality of dielectrics are arranged between the elastic conductor and the plurality of conductor wires. The filamentous member elongates so as to intersect with the plurality of conductor wires in plan view. Further, the filamentous member sews the plurality of conductor wires to the base material.