Stretchable Hinge Signal Line Layout for Accurate Strain Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stretchable devices face challenges in accurately detecting strain in hinges due to significant strain generated in signal lines when the hinges expand or contract, leading to inaccurate strain detection.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a resin base member with bodies and meandering hinges, featuring a signal line configuration with a bend signal line and a base signal line stacked on bends and bases, where the base signal line has a larger occupied area per unit length, and an annular portion is provided to reduce strain and improve detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the signal line is stacked on the hinge to detect strain, then strain detection capability is provided, but the signal line itself generates large strain when the hinge expands or contracts, causing inaccurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The signal line is divided into multiple segments with different occupied areas. The base signal line has a larger occupied area to reduce strain, while the bend signal line has a smaller occupied area to follow the hinge curvature. This segmentation allows each part to serve its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the signal line are given different properties (occupied areas) according to their location and function. The base signal line has larger occupied area for strain reduction, while the bend signal line has smaller occupied area for flexibility. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between strain reduction and flexibility.
2Measurement precision
If the base signal line has larger occupied area to reduce strain, then strain detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple signal line configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The base signal line and bend signal line are merged into a single integrated signal line structure that transitions between different occupied areas. This combining approach reduces the need for separate signal line components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the strain reduction benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal line configuration is designed to be dynamic, transitioning from a larger occupied area at the base to a smaller occupied area at the bend portion. This dynamic adaptation allows the signal line to optimize its properties at different locations without requiring multiple discrete components.
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 reduces strain in the signal lines, enabling accurate detection of strain in the hinges by minimizing the strain generated in the signal lines, thus improving the accuracy of strain detection.
Implementation Method 1
The base signal line has an occupied area per unit length in a length direction of the signal line larger than the bend signal line when viewed in a stacking direction in which the signal line is stacked on the resin base member
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a stretchable device includes: a resin base member; and a signal line and a strain gauge 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 while meandering. The hinges each include: a plurality of bends that bend and are disposed between the bodies; and a base that linearly extends to couple one of the bodies to a corresponding one of the bends. The signal line includes: a bend signal line stacked on the bends; and a base signal line stacked on the base. The base signal line has an occupied area per unit length in a length direction of the signal line larger than the bend signal line when viewed in a stacking direction in which the signal line is stacked on the resin base member.