Soft Force Sensor with Deformable Element for Gripper Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force sensors, particularly those used in grippers, lack sufficient accuracy in measuring forces applied to objects, leading to potential damage due to excessive or insufficient force, and are vulnerable to damage themselves.
Innovation Solution
A soft sensor arrangement featuring a deformable element that changes shape or volume under external force, allowing for accurate force measurement through displacement detection, with optional protective and adaptive elements to distribute force and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If very fragile sensors are used for very accurate measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to damage
Solution Approach 1:
A deformable element is introduced as an intermediary between the object and the sensor. This element absorbs mechanical stress and protects the fragile sensor from direct contact with the object, preventing damage while still enabling accurate force measurements through the deformable element's response to applied forces
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable element serves as a protective cushion that is pre-positioned between the sensor and the object. This cushioning layer prevents direct impact and excessive forces from reaching the sensor, thereby protecting it from damage before such damage can occur
2Measurement precision
If existing force sensors are used in grippers, then force measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision is insufficient leading to potential damage to gripped objects
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable element acts as a mediator that enables more precise force measurements while also serving as a protective interface. The sensor can accurately detect forces through the deformable element's deformation, allowing for precise control of gripping forces to prevent object damage
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arrangement enables real-time feedback on the forces applied to the object. By measuring the deformation of the deformable element, the system can continuously monitor and adjust gripping forces to maintain precision and prevent damage to the gripped object
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 high-accuracy force measurement with reduced risk of sensor damage, allowing for precise control of forces applied to objects and adaptability to various objects without compromising sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable element may be deformable and may extend at least partially between the sensor and the element. An element is deformable when it undergoes a change of shape and/or volume, when an external force acts onto the element.
Implementation Method 2
a sensor arrangement according to the invention comprises a sensor (110), an element (130) for reacting with the sensor (110), and a deformable element (120) extending at least partially between the sensor (110) and the element (130)
Data Source
AI summary
A soft sensor arrangement for measuring a force includes a sensor, a deformable element deformable by the force, and an element for reacting with the sensor for measuring the force by a deformation of the deformable element. The deformable element extends at least partially between the sensor and the element.