Textile-Embedded Force Sensing Glove Using Fluid Pressure Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies struggle to effectively quantify and monitor point and whole hand forces during complex hand motions, leading to increased risk of hand and wrist musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) due to repetitive tasks and forceful gripping.
Innovation Solution
A wearable force sensing glove with integrated textile-based pressure sensors, comprising a compression portion and transmission portion, and an electronic pressure sensing element, measures applied forces through a fluid-filled tube, providing real-time data for injury prevention and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional force sensing methods are used, then measurement capability is provided, but the system is bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the pressure sensing tube directly within the textile layers of the glove, nesting the sensing mechanism within the structure of the glove itself rather than adding it as a separate external component. This integration reduces overall system bulk while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the pressure sensing function with the textile structure by routing the tube through the textile layers and embedding it within the glove material. This merging of the sensing mechanism with the glove structure eliminates the need for separate bulky housing and mounting components.
2Measurement precision
If the sensing tube is directly exposed to compression forces, then force measurement accuracy is improved, but the tube is damaged by repetitive compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid-filled chamber as an intermediary between the compression forces applied to the glove and the pressure sensing element. The fluid transmits compression forces to the sensing element while protecting it from direct mechanical damage and repetitive stress, thereby improving both measurement accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a fluid-filled tube system where fluid pressure transmission conveys compression forces from the glove surface to the pressure sensing element. This hydraulic/pneumatic mechanism protects the sensing element from direct mechanical compression while maintaining accurate force measurement through fluid pressure transmission.
3Measurement precision
If the tube is routed through textile layers, then the sensing area is filled and force is received, but the tube is subjected to compression resistance from the textile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the textile layers by embedding the fluid-filled tube within them, changing the local mechanical properties of the textile-compression interface. This allows the textile to transmit compression forces effectively to the sensing area while the fluid-filled tube accommodates the compression through fluid pressure transmission rather than rigid resistance.
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 glove effectively quantifies hand and wrist forces, reducing the risk of WMSDs by providing real-time feedback and data analysis, enhancing productivity and ergonomics.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid within the tube
Implementation Method 2
the compression portion being routed into a sensing area fill geometry configured to receive a force applied to the textile
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a force sensor for a textile are provided where the sensor comprises: a tube having a compression portion and a transmission portion extending from the compression portion, the compression portion being routed into a sensing area fill geometry configured to receive a force applied to the textile in which the tube is embedded, the transmission portion comprised of a compression-resistant material, and the compression portion comprised of a compressible material; an electronic pressure sensing element fluidly coupled to the tube and spaced from the compression portion by the transmission portion, the electronic pressure sensing element configured to measure pressure exerted on the compression portion through the textile; and a fluid within the tube.