Spring Sensor Element with Varying Height CNT Blocks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring sensor elements using carbon nanotubes face limitations in measurement sensitivity and manufacturing complexity due to the requirement of uniform CNT block lengths and vertical alignment, which restricts their ability to detect small forces and accelerations accurately.
Innovation Solution
A spring sensor element with carbon nanotubes arranged in CNT blocks of varying heights, where at least one block is positioned near electric contacts, allowing for greater deflection and sensitivity without the need for separate spring elements, enabling the detection of both vertical and horizontal force components with improved reproducibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If carbon nanotubes are arranged in uniform vertical blocks, then manufacturing is simplified, but measurement sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The CNT blocks are segmented into different height levels (first level with height H1, second level with height H2 where H1 > H2), allowing the sensor to achieve high measurement sensitivity through varied deflection responses while maintaining a structured, manufacturable block configuration
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor have different CNT block heights tailored to specific measurement needs. The taller blocks provide greater deflection and sensitivity in specific areas, while shorter blocks provide stability, creating local quality variations that optimize overall sensor performance
2Stability of the object's composition
If carbon nanotubes are arranged in blocks of the same length, then structural uniformity is achieved, but maximum deflection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The uniform structure is segmented into different height levels, with taller blocks (H1) providing greater deflection capability and shorter blocks (H2) providing structural stability, thereby achieving both maximum deflection and structural uniformity
3Ease of manufacture
If vertical CNT blocks are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but permanent contact with neighboring blocks occurs under compression
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor uses asymmetric block height arrangement where taller blocks (H1) are strategically positioned to bear compressive loads without contacting neighboring blocks, while shorter blocks (H2) provide spacing that prevents permanent contact, thereby improving measurement reproducibility
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single-height dimension to a two-level height dimension (H1 and H2), using the vertical dimension strategically to prevent block contact while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
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 enhances measurement sensitivity and precision, allowing for the detection of small forces and accelerations with high spatial resolution and reliability, while simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for precise alignment and reducing the risk of permanent contact between CNT blocks.
Implementation Method 1
The deformation of the sensor element and thus the deformation of the spring sensor element as a whole can be determined by measuring this resistance
Implementation Method 2
a movement of the spring element leads to a deformation of the spring sensor element. Therefore, there are variations in the electric conductivity and/or the electric resistance of this sensor element
Data Source
AI summary
The subject of the invention is a spring sensor element 1, comprising carbon nanotubes 6 on a carrier 2, wherein the carbon nanotubes 6 are arranged in CNT blocks 10, 20, 30, 40, wherein the carbon nanotubes 6 of each CNT block 10, 20, 30, 40 preferably have the same length and the same alignment with respect to the carrier 2, wherein at least the highest one of the CNT blocks 10, 20, 30, 40 is arranged nearby at least two electric contacts 60, 61, 62. The spring sensor element 1 has at least one additional neighboring CNT block 20, 30, 40 of the height H2 in addition to the first CNT block 10 of the height H1, wherein the heights H1 and H2 differ by a factor of at least 2.