Load Sensor With Uneven Elastic Surface for Capacitance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load sensors face limitations in enhancing load detection sensitivity due to restricted material selection, particularly in electrostatic capacitance type sensors.
Innovation Solution
A load sensor design featuring a conductive elastic member with an uneven surface opposite to a conductive member, where the conductive elastic member is softly deformed to wrap the conductive member upon load application, increasing electrostatic capacitance change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the material of the conductive elastic body is adjusted to enhance load detection sensitivity, then the load detection sensitivity is improved, but the selection of material is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the conductive elastic body by forming an uneven shape on its surface. This structural parameter modification enables the elastic body to deform more effectively under load, increasing the change in contact area and thus enhancing load detection sensitivity without being constrained by material selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an uneven shape (curved surface) on the conductive elastic body instead of using a flat surface. This curvature allows the elastic body to wrap around the conductive member more effectively when pressed, increasing the contact area change and improving detection sensitivity
2Measurement precision
If a complex configuration is used to enhance load detection sensitivity, then the sensitivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating an uneven shape only on the surface of the conductive elastic body that contacts the conductive member. This localized structural modification enhances sensitivity at the critical interface without complicating the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the conductive elastic body and the uneven shape into a single integrated component. The uneven shape is formed directly on the conductive elastic body, merging the elastic function and the sensitivity-enhancing geometric feature into one element, thereby avoiding additional complex components
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 design enhances load detection sensitivity by increasing the electrostatic capacitance change, achieving improved sensitivity characteristics with a simple configuration.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive elastic member is likely to be softly deformed so as to wrap the conductive member when a load is applied
Implementation Method 2
the electrostatic capacitance between the conductive member and conductive elastic member changes. By measuring the electrostatic capacitance, the load applied to the load sensor is detected
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a load sensor capable of enhancing load detection sensitivity with a simple configuration. A load sensor includes a conductive elastic member (a base member and a conductive elastic body), a conductive member disposed on the conductive elastic member, and a dielectric material interposed between the conductive elastic member and the conductive member. The conductive elastic member has an uneven shape on a surface opposite to a surface on which the conductive member is overlapped.