Stretchable Hinge Layout for Accurate Strain Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stretchable devices experience significant strain in signal lines and output lines due to the deformation of hinges, leading to inaccurate strain detection and noise components in the signals.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a resin base member with a specific arrangement of hinges, where a second hinge with a longer meander length is used to stack the strain gauge, signal line, and output line, reducing strain concentration in these components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the strain gauge, signal line, and output line are stacked on the hinge, then the strain detection function is enabled, but the signal line and output line experience significant strain leading to noise components and inaccurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into two distinct types: a first hinge with a shorter meander length that experiences higher strain, and a second hinge with a longer meander length that experiences lower strain. This segmentation allows the strain gauge to be placed on the first hinge where strain is needed for detection, while the signal line and output line are placed on the second hinge where strain is minimized, thereby reducing noise and improving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the stretchable device are assigned different functional qualities. The first hinge region is designed with shorter meander length to provide high strain for strain gauge measurement, while the second hinge region is designed with longer meander length to provide low strain for stable signal transmission. This local differentiation of structural properties resolves the contradiction between needing strain for detection and avoiding strain for signal integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a uniform hinge design is used across the stretchable device, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the signal line and output line cannot avoid strain concentration when stacked on the hinge
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is segmented into two categories with different geometric properties. The first hinge type has a shorter meander length and is optimized for strain generation, while the second hinge type has a longer meander length and is optimized for signal stability. This segmentation enables reliable signal transmission by separating the functional requirements of different components while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.
3Volume of moving object
If the meander length of all hinges is kept short to maintain compactness, then the device size is reduced, but the signal line and output line experience excessive strain leading to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs local quality differentiation by assigning different meander lengths to different hinge regions. The first hinge has a shorter meander length suitable for compactness and strain generation, while the second hinge has a longer meander length that provides strain relief for the signal line and output line. This local adaptation allows the device to maintain overall compactness while eliminating noise in critical signal paths.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the meander length of the hinge is increased to reduce strain in signal lines, then the device size increases, but the strain gauge cannot effectively detect strain
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is segmented into two functional types with different meander lengths. The first hinge with shorter meander length provides sufficient strain for the strain gauge to detect load changes effectively, while the second hinge with longer meander length provides a low-strain path for the signal line and output line. This segmentation enables the device to achieve both effective strain detection and noise reduction without excessive size increase.
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 configuration minimizes strain in the signal and output lines, allowing for accurate strain detection by reducing noise components and ensuring precise measurement of load on the stretchable device.
Implementation Method 1
it has been considered to provide a strain gauge to the hinge and detect the amount of strain in the hinge to detect the load acting on the stretchable device
Implementation Method 2
When a tensile load acts on the stretchable device, the arcs of the hinge deform to have a smaller curvature. In other words, the arcs deform to expand. As a result, the bodies are separated from each other, and the stretchable device extends
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a stretchable device includes: a resin base member; and a strain gauge, a signal line, and an output line stacked on the resin base member. The resin base member includes: a plurality of bodies disposed separately from each other; and a plurality of hinges that couple the bodies adjacently disposed while meandering in an intersecting direction intersecting an imaginary line that couples the bodies adjacently disposed. The hinges include a first hinge and a second hinge that couple the bodies adjacently disposed. A meander length of the second hinge in the intersecting direction is longer than a meander length of the first hinge in the intersecting direction. The strain gauge is provided to the first hinge. The signal line and the output line are provided to the second hinge.