Pressure Sensor Electrode Overlap for High Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pressure sensors have low resolution and low sensing accuracy due to the large area occupied by each pressure unit, limiting the number of pressure units per unit area and failing to meet high resolution and accuracy demands.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor design featuring a plurality of pressure units with four resistors forming a Wheatstone bridge, where the orthogonal projections of electrodes from two resistor groups overlap, reducing the area occupied by each unit and increasing resolution, and the extension directions of electrode patterns being different to improve sensing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If each pressure unit occupies a large area, then the sensing accuracy is improved, but the number of pressure units per unit area decreases, reducing the resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of pressure units to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple pressure units are arranged in different layers along the vertical dimension, allowing high-density integration without increasing the lateral footprint. This enables both high resolution (many units per unit area) and high accuracy (sufficient units per pressure point) to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple pressure units are stacked vertically within a compact footprint. Each pressure unit contains resistors arranged in overlapping configurations, with subsequent units nested within the same lateral boundary. This nesting approach maximizes the number of pressure units per unit area while maintaining the sensing accuracy of individual units.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of pressure units per unit area is increased, then the resolution is improved, but the area occupied by each pressure unit decreases, reducing the sensing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by utilizing the vertical dimension for stacking multiple pressure units. Instead of reducing the area of individual units in the planar direction, the invention adds units along the depth axis, thereby increasing the quantity per unit area without compromising the sensing accuracy of each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor is segmented into multiple independent pressure units stacked in layers. Each unit maintains its own resistor configuration and sensing capability, allowing the system to achieve high resolution through multiple units while each unit preserves sufficient area for accurate pressure detection.
3Area of stationary object
If orthogonal projections of electrodes overlap, then the area occupied by each pressure unit is reduced, but the extension directions of electrode patterns must be differentiated to maintain sensing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric electrode pattern designs where adjacent resistors within a pressure unit have electrode extensions in different directions (e.g., horizontal vs. vertical orientations). This asymmetric configuration allows orthogonal projections to overlap while maintaining distinct sensing capabilities, reducing the required area without sacrificing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode patterns are assigned different extension directions based on local sensing requirements. By varying the orientation of electrode extensions in different parts of the pressure unit, the design achieves compact overlap while preserving the ability to detect pressure accurately through directional differentiation.
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 design increases the number of pressure units per unit area, enhancing resolution and accuracy, and reduces the influence of temperature gradients, thereby improving the overall performance of the pressure sensor.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the pressure units comprises four resistors having a same resistance value. The four resistors form a Wheatstone bridge.
Implementation Method 2
Each of the pressure units comprises four resistors having a same resistance value. The four resistors form a Wheatstone bridge.
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensor and a display device are described. The pressure sensor includes a plurality of pressure units. Each of the pressure units includes four resistors having substantially the same resistance value. The four resistors form a Wheatstone bridge. Two resistors of the four resistors form a first resistor group. The other two resistors of the four resistors form a second resistor group. Orthogonal projections of electrodes of the two resistors of each of the resistor groups at least partially overlap in a direction perpendicular to a plane on which the pressure units are located. Extension directions of electrode patterns of the two resistors of each of the resistor groups are different.