Undulating Electrode Force Sensor for Non-Planar Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force sensors fail to accurately measure forces when subjected to significant shear forces or non-planar contact surfaces, as they tend to crack or break under stretching conditions.
Innovation Solution
A force sensor design featuring layers with electrodes in repeating, undulating patterns that move relative to each other, allowing the sensor to stretch and conform to irregular surfaces without breaking, with a pressure-sensitive material between electrodes to measure force variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor uses a conventional planar electrode structure, then the manufacturing is simple, but the sensor cracks or breaks under stretching conditions and cannot measure forces on non-planar surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the electrode patterns by designing them with undulating or serpentine geometries instead of straight lines. This allows the electrodes to flex and stretch without cracking when the sensor conforms to non-planar surfaces, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the electrode patterns from linear to undulating configurations. This parameter change enables the electrodes to accommodate stretching and non-planar contact surfaces while maintaining electrical continuity and preventing cracks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor uses a rigid planar structure, then the electrode intersections remain stable, but the sensor cannot stretch or conform to irregular surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the electrode structure by making the patterns flexible and movable rather than rigid. The undulating electrode designs allow the intersections to shift and adapt dynamically when the sensor stretches, maintaining both adaptability and functional stability.
3Strength
If the sensor uses flexible electrode patterns, then the sensor can stretch without breaking, but the electrode intersections may shift or misalign
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode structure into segmented undulating patterns that can independently flex and deform. This segmentation allows each segment to accommodate stretching while the overall pattern maintains proper alignment and intersection geometry through the coordinated movement of multiple segments.
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 sensor effectively measures forces on non-planar surfaces by maintaining electrode intersections and varying resistance, enabling accurate force measurement even under significant stretching conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure sensitive material is responsive to an applied force and provides a measurable resistance that varies depending on the force applied on either side of the sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A force sensor for measuring force and/or pressures disclosed. In some embodiments, the sensor includes first and second layers, each layer having one or more electrodes arranged in a repeating, undulating pattern. Such an undulating pattern may include a serpentine pattern or a repeating v-shaped pattern. When arranged, the one or more electrodes on the first layer are placed in facing relationship and cross the one or more electrodes on the second layer to form a plurality of electrode intersections. When stretched, the one or more electrodes on the first layer move relative to the one or more electrodes on the second layer while creating new electrode intersections.