Pressure Sensor with Segmented Electrodes for Wiring Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure sensors require multiple sensing elements and complex wiring systems to accurately measure pressure across multiple regions, leading to increased complexity and difficulty in wiring.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor design featuring a substrate with a conductive layer, a spacer layer, and an elastic membrane with sensing electrodes that contact the conductive layer upon pressure application, allowing for simplified electrical connections and reduced wiring complexity through the use of two electrodes connected to separate connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensing elements are provided to identify applied pressure in multiple regions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex wiring systems
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing electrode layer is divided into multiple independent electrodes (first electrode, second electrode, third electrode, fourth electrode) arranged in specific patterns. Each electrode can independently detect pressure in different regions, enabling precise pressure location identification while maintaining simplified wiring connections to a single processing circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-dimension pressure sensing to two-dimensional pressure location detection by arranging electrodes in both horizontal and vertical directions. This dimensional expansion allows the sensor to identify pressure applied at different locations across the sensing surface using the same electrode structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensing elements are provided to accurately measure pressure across multiple regions, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to wiring difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode outputs are merged into a single processing circuit through shared connection lines. The first and second electrodes connect to the processing circuit through a first connector, while the third and fourth electrodes connect through a second connector, reducing the number of independent wiring paths and simplifying installation and operation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensing elements are provided to identify applied pressure in multiple regions, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to complex assembly processes
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode layer structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the sensing element and the signal transmission path. The same electrodes that detect pressure also form the connection network to the processing circuit, eliminating the need for separate wiring assembly steps and reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 design enables accurate determination of pressure location with reduced wiring complexity and improved sensitivity by transmitting resistance data from the electrodes to a processor, enhancing the accuracy and ease of pressure measurement.
Implementation Method 1
said first electrode and said second electrode are configured to contact said conductive layer in response to an applied pressure on said elastic membrane to achieve an electrical connection
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensor comprises a substrate and a conductive layer disposed on the substrate and a spacer layer having a thickness larger than the thickness of the conductive layer. The pressure sensor also comprises an elastic membrane connected to the spacer layer, which overlays the conductive layer with the spacer layer providing a space therebetween and a sensing electrode layer arranged on a lower surface of the elastic membrane and spaced apart from the conductive layer. The sensing electrode layer forms at least two electrodes opposed and spaced apart from each other. The two electrodes are respectively connected to respective connectors and contact the conductive layer in response to an applied pressure on the elastic membrane. Each electrode transmits an output signal of resistance data to a processor through the respective connector.