Variable Resistance Tactile Sensor for 3D Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tactile sensation measurement technologies for medical robots face challenges in minimizing organ damage due to the need for precise measurement of both shear and normal forces, requiring a tactile sensor with a smooth, flexible surface similar to human skin, but existing solutions are inadequate in accurately measuring three-dimensional tactile sensations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a variable resistance material with a resistance that changes with applied pressure, comprising a pressure measuring unit and a tactile sensation measuring unit, which determines pressure magnitude and direction based on resistance changes, and includes a pressure providing unit to simulate user motion, allowing for accurate measurement of three-dimensional tactile sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a tactile sensor uses a smooth, flexible material surface to minimize organ damage, then the flexibility and safety are improved, but the ability to accurately measure three-dimensional tactile sensations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile sensor is divided into multiple pressure measuring units arranged in a matrix pattern, with each unit containing its own variable resistance material and electrodes. This segmentation allows the sensor to measure pressure distribution across different regions, enabling three-dimensional tactile sensation reconstruction while maintaining a smooth flexible surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an electrical resistance-based measurement system. Variable resistance materials change their electrical resistance in response to applied pressure, converting mechanical pressure information into electrical signals that can be processed to determine three-dimensional tactile sensations.
2Measurement precision
If a tactile sensor measures both shear force and normal force accurately, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable resistance material serves multiple functions: it measures both normal pressure (through resistance change) and shear force (through resistance change in different orientations). The same basic unit structure enables detection of multiple force components, reducing the need for separate measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures shear force by rotating the measurement direction relative to the pressure application direction. By measuring resistance changes in different angular orientations, the system can distinguish between normal pressure and shear force components, adding measurement capability without adding physical complexity.
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 precise measurement of both normal and shear forces, minimizing organ damage by accurately determining pressure magnitude and direction, thus enhancing the stability and intelligence of medical robots.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance measuring unit to measure a resistance of a variable resistance material of which a resistance changes when an external pressure is applied
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for measuring a tactile sensation is provided. The tactile sensation measuring apparatus may include a plurality of pressure measuring units, each to measure a magnitude of an external pressure applied, using a variable resistance material of which a resistance changes when an external pressure is applied, and a tactile sensation measuring unit to measure a three-dimensional (3D) tactile sensation corresponding to the external pressure, based on a position of each of the plurality of pressure measuring units, and the magnitude of the external pressure measured by each of the plurality of pressure measuring units.