Stretchable Sensor Network with Zigzag Conductors for Curved Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor networks face challenges in flexible attachment to surfaces due to the protrusion or winding of stranded cables when sensors are spaced closer than the cable length, complicating manufacturing and customization.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional sensor network with elongated connecting elements and sensor points forming a grid structure, utilizing a stretchable substrate and non-stretchable conductors, allowing for flexible attachment and adaptation to various surfaces without prior customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sheathed conductors are used to connect sensors spaced closer than cable length, then sensors can be arranged flexibly on a surface, but the cable either protrudes from the surface or has to be laid in a winding pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are divided into multiple sections with individual conductors that can be independently routed. Each section contains conductors running in different directions (longitudinal and transverse), allowing flexible connection paths without requiring the entire cable to protrude or wind unnecessarily.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements incorporate conductors that run not only longitudinally but also transversely across the substrate. This multi-dimensional conductor arrangement allows current to flow in multiple directions, enabling flexible sensor placement without cable protrusion or winding.
2Length of moving object
If sensors are spaced closer than the length of stranded cables, then flexible sensor arrangement is enabled, but the cable protrudes from the surface or must be laid in a winding pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are designed with expandable substrates that can be stretched to adapt to different sensor spacings. The conductors are arranged to maintain electrical connectivity while the substrate expands, allowing the same connecting element to accommodate various sensor distances without changing cable configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate material properties are selected to allow controlled expansion and contraction. By changing the physical state of the substrate (expanded or contracted), the same connecting element can accommodate different sensor spacings while maintaining proper cable configuration without protrusion or winding.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a stretchable substrate with non-stretchable conductors is used, then flexible attachment to curved surfaces is enabled, but maintaining electrical conductivity during stretching is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection is segmented into multiple conductor paths (longitudinal and transverse) distributed across the substrate. When the substrate stretches, these segmented conductor paths can deform independently while maintaining overall electrical connectivity, preventing single-point failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductors are arranged in curved or bent patterns rather than straight lines. This curved configuration allows the conductors to accommodate substrate stretching and curvature better, maintaining electrical conductivity even when the substrate is deformed or attached to curved surfaces.
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 easy manufacturing and flexible attachment of sensors to curved surfaces, supporting integration into custom-made components like orthoses and prosthetic sockets, while maintaining electrical conductivity and resistance during stretching.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting elements each have an expandable substrate, which substrate is present as a straight strip on which at least one conductor is present, which runs from one end region of the connecting element along its longitudinal direction to a second end region of the connecting element, wherein the conductor consists of a non-stretchable material and the conductor has a twisted or bent course on the stretchable substrate
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a network comprising sensor points (1) that form the node points of the network and elongated connecting elements (2) that form the edges of the network, wherein the connecting elements (2) each have an extensible substrate (3) on which there is at least one conductor (4) that runs from one end region of the connecting element (2) in the longitudinal direction thereof to a second end region of the connecting element (2), wherein the conductor (4) consists of a non-extensible material and the conductor (4) has a sinuous or zigzag progression on the extensible substrate (3), such that the individual sections of the conductor (4) run transverse to the longitudinal direction of the respective connecting element (2).