Sensor Cord Array with Conductive Sensors for Activity Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems lack a compact and easily constructible design suitable for various applications, such as security and monitoring, which limits their effectiveness in detecting breaches or external forces across large areas.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising a plurality of sensor cords arranged in a parallel configuration, each with resilient conductive members separated by non-conductive material, allowing for flexible deployment and sensitive force detection, integrated with a processing circuitry to track sensor activations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a sensor system is designed to cover large areas, then the detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity and construction difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple sensor cords, each containing multiple sensors arranged in series. This segmentation allows the system to cover large areas by deploying multiple cords while keeping each individual cord simple in structure and easy to construct, thereby resolving the contradiction between large coverage area and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional sensor arrays to three-dimensional configurations by arranging sensor cords in parallel layers and stacking them vertically. This dimensional expansion enables coverage of large areas through spatial distribution while maintaining the simplicity of individual cord construction
2Measurement precision
If sensors are made highly sensitive to detect external forces, then the detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high force detection sensitivity by optimizing physical parameters of the sensor components, such as the resilience of the top and bottom portions, the conductivity of the conductive members, and the spacing between sensors. These parameter optimizations enable sensitive detection without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor design concentrates sensitivity enhancement at specific locations where conductive members are positioned to make contact with opposing surfaces. The local quality of conductive material placement and the resilient properties of specific sensor regions provide high force detection sensitivity while keeping the overall structure simple
3Area of stationary object
If sensor cords are arranged in parallel configuration, then the detection coverage is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel configuration is implemented by manufacturing individual sensor cords as separate, standardized segments that can be produced independently using simple processes. These pre-fabricated cords are then deployed in parallel arrangements, which simplifies manufacturing by allowing mass production of identical units rather than constructing complex integrated structures
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor cord is designed as a universal module that can function independently or in combination with other cords. The standardized design of conductive members, resilient portions, and interconnections allows the same manufacturing process to produce all cords in the parallel array, thereby improving manufacturing ease while enabling extensive coverage through parallel deployment
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 efficient coverage of large areas with high sensitivity and durability, suitable for diverse applications including security, healthcare, and cargo monitoring, with minimal cost and easy deployment.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the sensors includes a resilient top portion having at least one resilient conductive member. Each of the sensors also includes a resilient lower portion having a plurality of active sections and a plurality of resilient lower portion conductive members
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing device for sensing activity on or around an object, includes sensor cords provided in a parallel or a substantially parallel arrangement. Each sensor cord includes sensors disposed adjacent one another. Each sensor includes a resilient top portion having at least one resilient conductive member, and a resilient lower portion having active sections and resilient lower portion conductive members channeled and interconnected through the lower portion, the lower portion conductive members being separated by non-conductive material. Each active section further includes a layer of resilient conductive material at a top of the lower portion, resilient non-conductive material arranged over the lower conductive members to insulate the lower portion conductive members from the conductive layer, and a communicating conductive material to connect one of the conductive members to the resilient conducting material on top of the active section.