Pressure Detection Sensor with Elastic Layer and Spaced Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pressure detecting sensors integrated into shoe soles require multiple sensors, lack flexibility and elasticity, and suffer from noise issues when measuring pressure on curved surfaces, necessitating additional space and increased processing time.

Innovation Solution

A pressure detecting sensor with an elastic layer and electrode layer, where electrodes are spaced apart and connected by external pressure, incorporating conductive fibers or metal-coated fibers, and an adhesive layer to enhance flexibility and reduce noise by structurally separating sensing areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional pressure detecting sensors are built in shoe soles, then pressure measurement function is achieved, but additional space is required and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure measurementVSAvoidnumber of sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sensor functions into a single integrated sensor unit. The elastic layer with conductive fibers and electrode patterns combines pressure sensing, electrical connection, and structural support functions that would traditionally require separate components, thereby reducing the number of sensors needed while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor design achieves multi-functionality by incorporating adhesive layers that serve both as structural bonding agents and as electrical insulation layers, while the elastic layer provides both mechanical support and pressure sensitivity. This universal design reduces the need for additional dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If conventional sensors are applied to shoes with double curved surface shape, then pressure detection is possible, but flexibility and elasticity are insufficient and processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure detectionVSAvoidflexibility and elasticity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an elastic layer made of flexible materials such as foam, rubber, or elastomer that can conform to double curved surface shapes of shoes. This flexible layer maintains pressure detection capability while adapting to various shoe geometries, thereby improving versatility without sacrificing measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor design allows for parameter changes in the elastic layer properties (such as thickness, material composition, and hardness) to optimize both flexibility for curved surfaces and pressure sensitivity for accurate detection, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If conventional sensors measure pressure, then pressure data is obtained, but noise is generated from measuring pressure at parts other than the desired measurement location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure measurementVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode layer is divided into multiple discrete electrode patterns arranged in specific configurations. This segmentation allows the sensor to distinguish between pressure applied to different regions, enabling selective measurement from desired locations while filtering out noise from unwanted areas through spatial differentiation of the electrode responses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution allows precise pressure detection with improved durability and reduced material costs, enabling the sensor to be applied to various shoe shapes without additional space, while minimizing noise and enhancing sensitivity and durability.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic layer (130) comprising a hole (h1) and an electrode layer (150) comprising a plurality of electrodes (231, 232) which are arranged to be spaced apart on the elastic layer (130)... The plurality of electrodes (231, 232) are electrically connected by an external pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-induced deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

The plurality of electrodes may include a first electrode and a second electrode which is disposed to be spaced apart from the first electrode and has a different polarity from that of the first electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode may include conductive fibers, and the conductive fibers may be metal wires or fibers coated with metal films on surfaces thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10918156B2Pressure detection sensor and pressure detection insole including same

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed in an embodiment is a pressure detection sensor comprising: an elastic layer including a hole; and an electrode layer including a plurality of electrodes arranged on the elastic layer so as to be spaced apart, wherein the elastic layer includes a variable member arranged in the hole, the plurality of electrodes are electrically connected to each other by outside pressure, and at least one of the plurality of electrodes covers a part of the hole.