Tactile and Proximity Sensor with Integrated Elastic Optical Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile and proximity sensors require complex device configurations and mechanisms to perform both tactile and proximity sensing, making them bulky and difficult to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tactile and proximity sensor design incorporating a light source, light receiver, elastic structure with a reflecting mirror, and transparent substrate, which guides detection light to reflect and transmit portions to enable both tactile and proximity sensing through a simple optical mechanism, reducing diffusion and enhancing signal reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate tactile sensor and proximity sensor are mounted, then sensing functions are complete, but device configuration becomes large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines tactile sensing and proximity sensing functions into a single integrated sensor device. The light source and light receiver are positioned within the same housing, and the elastic body serves dual purposes: detecting contact forces (tactile) and modulating light for proximity detection. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor mounts and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining complete sensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic body in the patent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a force-sensitive element for tactile sensing, a light modulator for proximity sensing, and a structural component housing the optical elements. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate sensors, thereby reducing device configuration complexity while maintaining versatile sensing functions.
2Measurement precision
If complicated detection principle is used, then sensing accuracy is improved, but sensing mechanism becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing mechanisms with an optical detection system. Instead of using multiple mechanical sensors or complex electrical measurement circuits, the invention uses a light source and light receiver to detect both contact and proximity. The elastic body's mechanical deformation naturally modulates the light path, converting mechanical effects into optical signals that are easier to detect and process with higher precision while simplifying the overall sensing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (light intensity, light path) in response to mechanical deformation of the elastic body. When the elastic body deforms due to contact or proximity forces, it changes the light path and intensity reaching the light receiver. This parameter change approach provides high measurement precision through optical detection while avoiding the need for complicated mechanical or electrical sensing mechanisms.
3Reliability
If light diffusion is reduced, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but optical mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the light source and light receiver within the elastic body structure itself, creating a nested configuration where optical elements are integrated into the force-sensitive element. This nesting allows the elastic body to naturally guide and focus light paths while responding to external forces, reducing light diffusion without requiring additional optical components like lenses or mirrors. The integrated structure maintains a simple optical mechanism while improving signal-to-noise ratio through reduced light scattering.
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
The solution allows for efficient sensing of contact and proximity with improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced device size, enabling wider distance range and accurate proximity sensing while maintaining reliability and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that emits light
Implementation Method 2
a light receiver that receives light and generates a signal indicating a result of reception of the light
Implementation Method 3
an elastic body that is deformable in response to an external force
Implementation Method 4
includes a reflecting portion that reflects light
Implementation Method 5
includes a transmitting portion that transmits light
Data Source
AI summary
A tactile and proximity sensor includes a light source, a light receiver, an elastic structure, and a reflecting mirror. The light source emits light. The light receiver receives light and generates a signal indicating a result of reception of the light. The elastic structure includes an elastic body deformable in response to an external force and includes a reflecting portion to reflect light and transmitting portions to transmit light. The reflecting mirror faces the light source to guide the light from the light source to the reflecting portion and the transmitting portion.