Quantum Tunnelling Composite Sensor with Interdigitated Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure sensors with conductive fabric layers or quantum tunnelling composites face challenges in predicting resistance changes, leading to inconsistent responses and difficulty in engineering sensors for specific applications due to varying sensitivity to pressure levels.
Innovation Solution
A sensor configuration with a conductive material layer, a quantum tunnelling composite intermediate layer, and interdigitated electrodes, allowing for parallel electrical connections and varying voltage applications to measure resistance changes effectively across a wide range of forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conductive fabric layers are used for pressure sensing, then the sensor can detect pressure changes, but the resistance response varies widely and is difficult to predict
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conductive fabric to quantum tunnelling composite, which fundamentally alters the resistance-pressure relationship. The quantum tunnelling composite provides a more predictable and consistent resistance response to pressure changes, resolving the issue of variable and unpredictable responses observed with conductive fabric layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining quantum tunnelling composite with conductive layers. This composite material approach leverages the unique properties of quantum tunnelling composite to achieve both predictability and consistency in resistance responses while maintaining the electrical conductivity needed for sensing.
2Measurement precision
If quantum tunnelling composite is used, then resistance response can be controlled more accurately, but the sensor may be very sensitive to small pressures or have extended range with reduced initial sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different electrode configurations (interdigitated electrodes with specific finger arrangements) in different regions to optimize sensitivity characteristics. By varying the electrode geometry and arrangement, the sensor can be tuned to provide appropriate sensitivity across different pressure ranges while maintaining accurate resistance control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic electrode configuration where the interdigitated fingers can be arranged to optimize performance for different pressure ranges. The sensor system can adapt its measurement characteristics by changing which electrodes are activated or how the voltage is applied, allowing it to maintain both accuracy and appropriate sensitivity across varying pressure conditions.
3Device complexity
If top and bottom electrodes are used, then one resistance path is defined, but the force-resistance profile differs from interdigitated electrode configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode structure into multiple interdigitated fingers rather than using simple top and bottom electrodes. This segmentation creates multiple parallel current paths through the quantum tunnelling composite, providing more detailed information about the pressure distribution and improving the accuracy of the force-resistance profile while maintaining manageable device complexity.
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 sensor achieves balanced sensitivity to both low and high forces, providing accurate pressure measurements with extended force resistance curves, addressing the inconsistency issues of previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
said second layer is formed of a quantum tunnelling composite
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor is configured to experience resistance changes in response to an external interaction. The sensor comprises a first layer of a conductive material having a first electrode connected thereto; a second intermediate layer of a material having a resistance sensitive to said external interaction; and a third layer including a first set of fingers interdigitated with a second set of fingers. A second electrode is attached to the first set of fingers and a third electrode is attached to the second set of fingers. The second layer includes a quantum tunnelling composite and provides electrical conduction between the first layer and the third layer. In a preferred embodiment, the first electrode is connected to either one of said second electrode or said third electrode to complete a parallel connection. A method is described for constructing such a sensor.