Stretchable Electrode Array Using Conductive Resin Load Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stretchable devices face challenges in detecting tensile and compressive loads without compromising their elasticity and flexibility, as strain gauges at hinges can hinder deformation and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable device design featuring a resin base member with meandering hinges and an array layer, where conductive resin with fillers is used to electrically couple array electrodes to common electrodes, allowing for load detection through resistance changes in response to tensile and compressive loads without strain gauges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauges are provided at the hinges to detect tensile and compressive loads, then load detection capability is improved, but the elasticity and flexibility of the stretchable device are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the load detection function from the hinge structure itself and relocates it to the conductive resin layer. By removing strain gauges from the hinges and placing conductive resin at the body array portions, the detection function is separated from the mechanical deformation function, allowing hinges to maintain full flexibility while loads are detected through resistance changes in the conductive resin
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive resin serves as an intermediary element that simultaneously performs electrical connection and load detection functions. It mediates between the array electrodes and common electrodes while its resistance changes in response to deformation, enabling indirect load detection without requiring direct mechanical sensing elements at the hinges
2Measurement precision
If strain gauges are provided at the hinges to detect loads, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive resin performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection between array electrodes and common electrodes, and it serves as the sensing element for load detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate strain gauge components and their associated wiring, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining load detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the electrical connection function and the sensing function into a single component - the conductive resin. By combining these functions that were previously performed by separate elements (electrical traces and strain gauges), the overall device structure is simplified while achieving the desired measurement precision
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 effective detection of loads without compromising the device's elasticity and flexibility, as the conductive resin's resistance changes with deformation, allowing for precise load monitoring without damaging functional elements.
Implementation Method 1
A stretchable device according to an embodiment uses conductive resin with fillers to electrically couple array electrodes to common electrodes. The conductive resin's resistance changes with deformation, allowing for precise load monitoring without damaging functional elements.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a stretchable device includes: an array substrate comprising a resin base member and an array layer stacked on the resin base member. The resin base member includes: a plurality of bodies disposed apart from one another; and a plurality of hinges that couple the bodies. The array layer includes: a plurality of body array portions provided at the bodies; and a plurality of hinge array portions provided at the hinges. A first body array portion serving as at least part of the body array portions is provided with an array electrode. A common electrode is provided at part of the array layer other than the first body array portion. A conductive portion made of conductive resin is provided between the array electrode and the common electrode, the conductive portion being configured to electrically couple the array electrode to the common electrode and including a conductive filler.