Single-Surface Position Sensor Using Electrostatic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position sensors have high energy consumption, large volume, low resolution, and high cost due to their passive nature and reliance on digital positioning technology based on sensor arrays, limiting their accuracy and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A single-surface position sensor utilizing electrostatic and triboelectric principles, featuring a substrate layer with induction electrodes and a friction layer, where the electrodes are grounded through load resistors, generating different voltage outputs based on object interactions, allowing for position determination by analyzing voltage ratios, and employing a method to fit curves from peak voltage data for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a passive sensor is used, then the device structure is simple, but energy consumption is high and resolution is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional passive mechanical sensing mechanisms with an active electrostatic sensing system. Induction electrodes generate electric fields that actively detect object positions through capacitive coupling, eliminating the need for complex passive sensor arrays while reducing energy consumption through controlled field generation only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using variable capacitance detection instead of fixed threshold sensing. The induction electrodes measure continuous capacitance variations as objects move through the detection region, enabling high-resolution positioning without requiring dense sensor arrays or continuous high-power operation.
2Measurement precision
If a digital positioning technology based on sensor array is used, then the positioning function is achieved, but the positioning accuracy is limited by sensor array density and fabrication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from discrete spatial sampling (sensor array density in x-y plane) to continuous spatial detection by introducing the electric field dimension. The induction electrodes create overlapping electric fields that extend throughout the detection region, allowing any position within the field to be detected with high precision without increasing physical sensor density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrical field patterns as virtual copies of spatial information. Instead of physically placing sensors at every measurement point, the electric fields generated by induction electrodes create virtual sensing points throughout the detection region, enabling high-resolution positioning without corresponding increases in physical component density.
3Measurement precision
If a sensor array with high density is used, then positioning accuracy improves, but total cost increases due to high-quality fabrication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single induction electrode structure. One or more induction electrodes simultaneously perform detection across the entire detection region through their electric fields, eliminating the need for multiple discrete sensors that would require complex alignment and high-precision fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction electrodes serve multiple functions: they generate detection fields, sense object positions through capacitance changes, and provide continuous coverage across the detection region. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized components, simplifying fabrication and reducing cost while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
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 solution reduces energy consumption, improves resolution, and lowers production costs, enabling the creation of flexible, transparent thin-film sensors suitable for portable and wearable devices with high reliability and stability, not limited by sensor array density.
Implementation Method 1
a single-surface position sensor based on electrostatic and triboelectric principle
Implementation Method 2
a single-surface position sensor based on electrostatic and triboelectric principle
Data Source
AI summary
A single-surface position sensor and a positioning method thereof are disclosed. The single-surface position sensor comprises a substrate layer (1) and induction electrodes (3, 4, 5, 6); the induction electrodes (3, 4, 5, 6) are located on the substrate layer (1); the sensor further comprises a friction layer (2); the friction layer (2) is located on the substrate layer (1); the friction layer (2) is located among the induction electrodes (3, 4, 5, 6); the individual induction electrodes (3, 4, 5, 6) are grounded through the same load resistors, so that an object under test contacts with and is separated from the friction layer (2) at least one time and different voltage outputs are generated across the various load resistors; a position of the object under test is determined by analyzing a ratio of the voltages of all the electrodes (3, 4, 5, 6); the single-surface position sensor is an active sensor and reduce energy consumption as compared with traditional sensors; the single-surface position sensor can be manufactured into a flexible transparent thin film and can be widely applied to portable electronic devices and wearable devices; and the single-surface position sensor is simple in process and low in cost.