Tactile Array Sensor Using Insulated Electrodes for High Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-point array tactile sensors lack sub-millimeter resolution and are complex to assemble, with excessive connections, limited flexibility, and non-modular designs, making them unsuitable for biomimetic robotics and automation.
Innovation Solution
A tactile array sensor with compressible, flexible dielectric material layers between insulated conducting electrodes, allowing for close spacing and easy assembly without expensive infrastructure, and featuring modular design for flexible resolution deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional multi-point array tactile sensors are used, then sensing capability is provided, but resolution is limited above 1mm and device complexity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into multiple independent sensor pixels, each comprising separate conductive electrode layers and dielectric layers. This segmentation allows for high-resolution sensing while simplifying assembly, as each pixel can be manufactured and tested independently before final integration into the complete sensor array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where conductive electrode layers are interleaved with dielectric layers in alternating sequence. This nesting approach enables precise positioning of sensing elements at sub-millimeter resolution while maintaining a compact, organized structure that reduces assembly complexity.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution sensing is achieved through dense electrode spacing, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive electrode layers and dielectric layers are prepared and positioned in advance during the manufacturing process, with pre-defined spacing and alignment features. This preliminary action ensures that when the sensor array is assembled, the electrodes are already positioned at the required sub-millimeter resolution, eliminating the need for complex real-time alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric layers serve as intermediaries between the conductive electrode layers, providing both electrical isolation and mechanical spacing. This intermediary structure enables precise control of electrode spacing for high-resolution sensing while simplifying the manufacturing process, as the dielectric layers can be easily positioned and bonded.
3Ease of repair
If modular sensor pixel design is implemented, then ease of repair improves through individual pixel replacement, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor pixel is designed as an independent modular unit with its own conductive electrode layers and dielectric layers. This segmentation enables individual pixels to be replaced without affecting other pixels, significantly improving ease of repair. The modular design, while appearing complex, actually simplifies maintenance by allowing targeted replacement of only defective pixels.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flexible dielectric material is used between electrode layers, then adaptability improves for curved surfaces, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric layers are designed with variable physical parameters, including flexibility and compressibility, that allow them to adapt to curved surfaces. By carefully selecting dielectric materials with appropriate mechanical properties, the patent achieves surface conformability while maintaining sufficient layer alignment accuracy for high-resolution sensing through the structured interleaved arrangement.
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 high-resolution multi-point sensing with reduced complexity and cost, facilitating deployment in robotics and automation by eliminating the need for expensive infrastructure and allowing for separate replacement of individual sensor pixels.
Implementation Method 1
The change in capacitance of a pixel is detected by an external circuit, identifying the contact and its location
Implementation Method 2
A contact on the surface of external layer causes pressure and resulting compression of the dielectric layer
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitance based tactile array sensor is disclosed that provides for close resolution of sensing pixels by using insulated conductors as electrodes, and allows for eliminating the need for a joint or connection interface near periphery of the sensor array. Optional aspects of the invention include provision for allowing use of stretchable conductors, reduction of the burden of number of connections at one layer of conductors in the sensor, providing for differential sensing resolutions at different areas of sensing, and modularity in configuration allowing replacement of a defective sensor pixel in the array. The tactile array sensor may be integrated with surface of a robotic hand's finger, palm, or any other surface of a device that requires multi-point sensing of external contacts. The capacitance information is processed for useful display or control of systems based on the contact feedback.