Segmented Sensor Device Stiffening Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for measuring surface deflections and force application are limited by their linear design, which restricts the localization of pressure/force to perpendicular applications, leading to false detection of inputs between adjacent buttons and close positioning challenges, and require a stiff counterpart for accurate measurement.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device comprising a first and second substrate with ring-shaped electrodes and force-sensitive elements, segmented to allow electronic insulation, and stiffening elements that redistribute deflection to electrode regions, enabling precise detection of force application points without a counterpart, using force-sensitive resistor material that changes resistance with applied force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a linear sensor design is used, then the sensor structure is simple, but the localization of pressure/force is limited to perpendicular applications and false detection occurs between adjacent buttons
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor surface is divided into multiple independently measurable segments or zones. Each segment can detect force application independently, allowing the system to distinguish between adjacent buttons and accurately locate the point of force application, thereby resolving the false detection issue while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor are designed with different mechanical properties or sensitivity characteristics. By creating zones with varying stiffness or deflection characteristics, the sensor can locally respond to force applications in distinct ways, enabling accurate localization without requiring complex overall structure
2Area of stationary object
If close positioning of adjacent operating elements is achieved, then the device becomes compact, but the necessary lever stroke of stiffening elements must be designed separately for each sensor
Solution Approach 1:
A universal stiffening element design is employed that can serve multiple sensor positions simultaneously. The stiffening elements are configured to work across different sensor locations with standardized dimensions and properties, eliminating the need for separate designs for each sensor while enabling compact arrangement of adjacent operating elements
3Measurement precision
If a stiff counterpart is used for accurate force measurement, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening function is extracted and integrated directly into the sensor substrate itself, eliminating the need for separate stiff counterparts. The substrate is designed with varying thickness or reinforced regions that provide the necessary mechanical stiffness locally, achieving accurate force measurement without additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffening elements are merged with the sensor substrate into a single integrated structure. Rather than using separate stiff counterparts, the substrate itself incorporates stiffening features through varied material properties, thickness distribution, or embedded reinforcement, combining multiple functions into one component
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
Enables accurate detection of force application points and pressure measurement without a counterpart, improving sensitivity and reducing false input detection by analyzing resistance changes across segmented areas.
Implementation Method 1
using force-sensitive resistor material that changes resistance with applied force
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device comprising a first substrate and a second substrate arranged in a planar manner at a distance to each other. A first electrode on an inner side a first substrate. A second electrode on an inner side of a second substrate. A first force sensitive element on the inner side of the first substrate and covering at least a part of the first electrode. A second force sensitive element on the inner side of the first substrate and covering at least part of the second electrode. The sensor device further comprises a plurality of outer stiffening elements arranged on at least one of the first substrate or the second substrate at an outer area of the sensor device, and a plurality of inner stiffening elements arranged on at least one of the first substrate or the second substrate (S2) on an inner area of the sensor device.