Stretchable Force Sensor with Segmented Array Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force sensors struggle to accurately detect force values when they expand and contract, leading to inconsistent resistance readings and inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A force sensor design featuring a resin substrate, a stretchable base material with intersecting extension parts, an array layer with branch and body parts, and a sensor layer divided into sections to minimize deformation and maintain consistent resistance, along with an optional annular guard electrode for equipotential protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor layer expands and contracts with the array substrate and counter substrate, then the force sensor becomes stretchable, but the resistance value of the sensor layer changes leading to inaccurate force detection
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor layer is divided into multiple independent sensor elements arranged in an array. Each sensor element is electrically isolated from others, allowing the sensor layer to expand and contract while maintaining stable resistance values in each individual element. This segmentation prevents the resistance change problem that occurs in continuous sensor layers during stretching.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a conductive elastomer is used as the sensor layer, then the sensor layer can deform with the base materials, but the electric resistance decreases when deformed leading to resistance value changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the sensor system. The sensor layer uses a conductive elastomer with specific local properties (conductive filler distribution, crosslinking density) that maintain stable resistance during deformation. The array substrate and counter substrate have different local properties optimized for their respective functions, creating a coordinated system where each component's local quality compensates for the others' limitations.
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
This design allows for precise force detection by minimizing the deformation of the sensor layer and maintaining consistent resistance values during expansion and contraction, ensuring accurate force measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The electric resistance of the conductive elastomer decreases when the conductive elastomer deforms
Implementation Method 2
a force sensor (stretchable force sensor) that is stretchable in a planar direction has been disclosed. In such a force sensor, the array substrate and the counter substrate expand and contract
Data Source
AI summary
A force sensor includes a resin substrate, an array substrate, a sensor layer, a common electrode, and a protective film that are sequentially stacked. The array substrate includes a stretchable base material stacked on the resin substrate, and an array layer stacked on the resin substrate with the stretchable base material interposed between the array layer and the resin substrate, and the stretchable base material includes a plurality of first extension parts extending in a first direction parallel to the resin substrate and arranged in a second direction parallel to the resin substrate and intersecting the first direction, a plurality of second extension parts extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction, and a plurality of body parts provided at parts where the first extension parts intersect the second extension parts.