Soft Force Sensor Array for Irregular Surface Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force sensors lack sufficient accuracy in measuring forces applied to irregularly shaped objects, leading to potential damage due to excessive or insufficient force, and require adaptation to varying surface areas.
Innovation Solution
A sensor array comprising soft sensor elements with deformable elastomer elements that encapsulate sensors, allowing flexible arrangement and high spatial resolution, enabling precise force measurement across larger surface areas and irregular shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional force sensors are used to measure force on irregularly shaped objects, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient and the sensor cannot adapt to varying surface areas
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple soft sensor elements arranged in an array, where each element contains a sensor, deformable element, and reacting element. This segmentation allows the sensor array to measure forces at multiple discrete locations, improving overall measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from punctual force measurement to surface area measurement by distributing multiple sensor elements across a two-dimensional array. This dimensional expansion enables the sensor to measure forces over larger surface areas and adapt to irregularly shaped objects, significantly improving measurement precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If force sensors are used with rigid structures, then the sensor is easy to manufacture, but the sensor cannot adapt to irregular shapes and varying surface areas
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor elements are enclosed by deformable elements made of soft materials that can flex and conform to irregular surfaces. This flexibility allows the sensor array to adapt to various object shapes and surface areas while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard soft material processing techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable elements are designed to dynamically adjust their shape and configuration in response to applied forces and surface geometries. This dynamic adaptability allows the sensor to conform to irregular shapes while the modular design maintains manufacturing simplicity
3Area of stationary object
If a single punctual force sensor is used, then the device complexity is low, but the sensor cannot measure forces over larger surface areas
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement surface is segmented into multiple discrete sensor element locations, allowing the array to cover larger surface areas while each individual element remains simple in structure. The segmentation enables distributed force measurement across the surface
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensor elements are merged into a coordinated array system that functions as a unified measurement device. The combining of multiple simple elements creates a complex-capable system that measures forces over large surface areas while the modular approach keeps individual component complexity low
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 array provides accurate, high-resolution force measurements, adaptable to arbitrary surfaces, reducing the risk of damage and enabling precise identification of object stiffness, particularly useful in automotive and medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable element may be deformable and may extend at least partially between the sensor and the element. The deformable element may undergo an elastic deformation, i.e. it returns to its original shape and/or volume once the external force does no longer act upon the element.
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may be configured to provide dual sensing, which allows detection of linear forces as well as shear forces. If the element for reacting with the sensor is a magnet and the sensor is a magnetic sensor, then the reduction in distance between the magnet and the sensor causes the sensor to detect a different magnetic field.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor array for measuring a force is provided. The sensor array comprises a plurality of soft sensor elements, the soft sensor elements each comprising a sensor, a deformable element, wherein the deformable element is deformable by the force, and at least one element for reacting with the sensor for measuring the force by a deformation of the deformable element, wherein the deformable element extends at least partially between the sensor and the at least one element. Further, a method for measuring a force using a sensor array is provided.