In an example, a vehicle seat sensor system includes a vehicle seat, a flexible seat sensor, and an electronics unit. The vehicle seat includes a seat surface. The flexible seat sensor is disposed within a deformable distance from the seat surface and includes one or more signal electrodes, one or more ground electrodes, one or more dielectric layers, and one or more capacitors. Each capacitor is formed by a combination of a corresponding signal electrode and a corresponding ground electrode with a corresponding dielectric layer positioned between the corresponding signal electrode and the corresponding ground electrode. The electronics unit is connected to the flexible seat sensor and is configured to electrically communicate with the flexible seat sensor. The flexible seat sensor is configured to provide a capacitive output proportional to an amount of pressure applied to the flexible seat sensor.
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
B60N 2/00 - Seats specially adapted for vehiclesArrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
B60R 21/015 - Electrical circuits for triggering safety arrangements in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats, e.g. for disabling triggering
G01L 1/14 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in capacitance or inductance of electrical elements, e.g. by measuring variations of frequency of electrical oscillators
2.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FOLDABLE MULTI-MODE BEND SENSORS
Disclosed embodiments include systems and methods for additively manufacturing (e.g., by "printing" or the like) a bend sensor as a 2D structure that can then be configured into a 3D or stacked structure. Further disclosed embodiments include bend sensors with foldable sensing regions configurable into a 3D or stacked structure. A differential strain in a sensing region is linearly proportional to the displacement as measured from the endpoints of the sensing region. The differential strain is measurable as a differential change in the capacitance of the sensing regions.
G01B 7/287 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring contours or curvatures using a plurality of fixed, simultaneously operating transducers
G01D 5/24 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance
G01B 7/30 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for testing the alignment of axes
3.
Electrode and shielding systems and methods for compliant sensors
Disclosed embodiments include compliant sensors having a signal electrode layer of an elastomeric material with conducting material confined to at least one sensor region, at least one trace connected to the at least one sensor, and a perimeter electrode region. The compliant sensors also include a dielectric layer including an elastomeric material having a first side in contact with the signal electrode layer and configured to allow electrical contact to the perimeter electrode region and a top electrode layer including an elastomeric material with conducting material integrated within and in contact with a second side of the dielectric layer and in electrical contact with the perimeter electrode region. In some embodiments, the top electrode layer includes a portion of electrically conducting material configured in a hatched pattern.
G01D 5/241 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance by relative movement of capacitor electrodes
4.
ELECTRODE AND SHIELDING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMPLIANT SENSORS
Disclosed embodiments include compliant sensors having a signal electrode layer of an elastomeric material with conducting material confined to at least one sensor region, at least one trace connected to the at least one sensor, and a perimeter electrode region. The compliant sensors also include a dielectric layer including an elastomeric material having a first side in contact with the signal electrode layer and configured to allow electrical contact to the perimeter electrode region and a top electrode layer including an elastomeric material with conducting material integrated within and in contact with a second side of the dielectric layer and in electrical contact with the perimeter electrode region. In some embodiments, the top electrode layer includes a portion of electrically conducting material configured in a hatched pattern.
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
G01L 5/101 - Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands using electrical means using sensors inserted into the flexible member
In an example, a vehicle tire includes a tread portion, a sidewall portion, and a sensor module for estimating one or more parameters of the tire. The sensor module includes a detector patch that includes one or more capacitors, each of which has an electrostatic capacity that is variable due to at least deformation of each capacitor. The sensor module also includes an electronics unit connected to each capacitor and configured to control the sensor module. The detector patch is adhered to an inside of at least one of the tread portion or the sidewall portion. At least one of the capacitors is located on the inside of the at least one of the tread portion or the sidewall portion. The electronics unit is configured to estimate at least one of the parameters based on the electrostatic capacity of each capacitor.
B60C 23/06 - Signalling devices actuated by deformation of the tyre
B60C 23/04 - Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre
G01L 9/00 - Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elementsTransmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
G01P 15/125 - Measuring accelerationMeasuring decelerationMeasuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration by making use of inertia forces with conversion into electric or magnetic values by capacitive pick-up
B60C 19/00 - Tyre parts or constructions not otherwise provided for
Disclosed embodiments include a multi-mode sensor including an elastomeric strand having a first multi-mode sensing region configured to sense at least two different physical parameters, and a second multi-mode sensing region, space apart from the first multi-mode sensing region, and configured to sense at least two different physical parameters. In some disclosed embodiments the first multi-mode sensing region is configured to measure the physical parameters of angular displacement and strain.
G01B 7/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
G01L 1/14 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in capacitance or inductance of electrical elements, e.g. by measuring variations of frequency of electrical oscillators
An apparatus includes a strand of compliant material with a center axis. The apparatus further includes a multi-region angular displacement sensor connected to the strand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor includes a first angular displacement unit in a first sense region of the stand. The first angular displacement unit is used to determine a first angular displacement in response to deformation of the first angular displacement unit. The multi-region angular displacement sensor also includes a second angular displacement unit disposed in a second sense region of the strand. The second angular displacement unit is used to determine a second angular displacement in response to deformation of the second angular displacement unit. The multi-region angular displacement sensor also includes a reinforcement structure that restricts movement of the first and second angular displacement unit with respect to the center axis.
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
G01B 7/30 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for testing the alignment of axes
9.
Compliant multi-region angular displacement and strain sensors
An apparatus includes a glove for a human hand, and a sensing network coupled to the glove. The sensing network includes a strand of compliant material with a center axis and a multi-region angular displacement sensor connected to the strand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor includes a first angular displacement unit in a first sense region of the stand. The first angular displacement unit is used to determine a first angular displacement in response to deformation of the first angular displacement unit by a first joint of the human hand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor also includes a second angular displacement unit disposed in a second sense region of the strand. The second angular displacement unit is used to determine a second angular displacement in response to deformation of the second angular displacement unit by a second joint of the human hand.
G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
G01D 5/24 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
G01B 7/30 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for testing the alignment of axes
Disclosed is a first force sensing region of footwear. The first force sensing region includes a first force sensor unit. The first force sensor unit includes a first compliant capacitor disposed with respect to a first plane. The first force sensor unit also includes a strain transformation structure disposed with respect to the first plane. The strain transformation structure includes a first transformation element coupled to an outer surface of the first electrode of the first compliant capacitor and a second transformation element coupled to an outer surface of the second electrode of the first compliant capacitor.
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
G01B 7/30 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for testing the alignment of axes
G01L 1/14 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in capacitance or inductance of electrical elements, e.g. by measuring variations of frequency of electrical oscillators
Disclosed is a first force sensing region of footwear. The first force sensing region includes a first force sensor unit. The first force sensor unit includes a first compliant capacitor disposed with respect to a first plane. The first force sensor unit also includes a strain transformation structure disposed with respect to the first plane. The strain transformation structure includes a first transformation element coupled to an outer surface of the first electrode of the first compliant capacitor and a second transformation element coupled to an outer surface of the second electrode of the first compliant capacitor.
A61B 5/103 - Measuring devices for testing the shape, pattern, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
G01L 1/14 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in capacitance or inductance of electrical elements, e.g. by measuring variations of frequency of electrical oscillators
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A43B 3/00 - Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
12.
Compliant multi-region angular displacement and strain sensors
An apparatus includes a glove for a human hand, and a sensing network coupled to the glove. The sensing network includes a strand of compliant material with a center axis and a multi-region angular displacement sensor connected to the strand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor includes a first angular displacement unit in a first sense region of the stand. The first angular displacement unit is used to determine a first angular displacement in response to deformation of the first angular displacement unit by a first joint of the human hand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor also includes a second angular displacement unit disposed in a second sense region of the strand. The second angular displacement unit is used to determine a second angular displacement in response to deformation of the second angular displacement unit by a second joint of the human hand.
G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
G01D 5/24 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
Disclosed is an apparatus including a compliant capacitor and an elongated structure extending between a first end and a second end. The elongated structure is compliant material that is flexible and bendable from a linear, non-bent position to multiple bendable positions and is an elastomer based material. The compliant capacitor includes a first conductive filler embedded within and extending from the first end to the second end along a longitudinal length of the elongated structure to form a first electrode of the compliant capacitor. The compliant capacitor also includes a second conductive filler embedded within and extending from the first end to the second end along the longitudinal length to form a second electrode of the compliant capacitor. The compliant capacitor further includes an elastomer dielectric layer extending between the first conductive filler and the second conductive filler.
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
G01B 7/30 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for testing the alignment of axes
G01L 1/14 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in capacitance or inductance of electrical elements, e.g. by measuring variations of frequency of electrical oscillators
G01B 7/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
A61B 5/107 - Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
14.
Compliant multi-region angular displacement and strain sensors
An apparatus includes a strand of compliant material with a center axis. The apparatus further includes a multi-region angular displacement sensor connected to the strand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor includes a first angular displacement unit in a first sense region of the stand. The first angular displacement unit is used to determine a first angular displacement in response to deformation of the first angular displacement unit. The multi-region angular displacement sensor also includes a second angular displacement unit disposed in a second sense region of the strand. The second angular displacement unit is used to determine a second angular displacement in response to deformation of the second angular displacement unit.
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
G01D 5/24 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance
15.
COMPLIANT MULTI-REGION ANGULAR DISPLACEMENT AND STRAIN SENSORS
An apparatus includes a strand of compliant material with a center axis. The apparatus further includes a multi-region angular displacement sensor connected to the strand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor includes a first angular displacement unit in a first sense region of the stand. The first angular displacement unit is used to determine a first angular displacement in response to deformation of the first angular displacement unit. The multi-region angular displacement sensor also includes a second angular displacement unit disposed in a second sense region of the strand. The second angular displacement unit is used to determine a second angular displacement in response to deformation of the second angular displacement unit.
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
Disclosed is an apparatus including a compliant capacitor and an elongated structure extending between a first end and a second end. The elongated structure is compliant material that is flexible and bendable from a linear, non-bent position to multiple bendable positions and is an elastomer based material. The compliant capacitor includes a first conductive filler embedded within and extending from the first end to the second end along a longitudinal length of the elongated structure to form a first electrode of the compliant capacitor. The compliant capacitor also includes a second conductive filler embedded within and extending from the first end to the second end along the longitudinal length to form a second electrode of the compliant capacitor. The compliant capacitor further includes an elastomer dielectric layer extending between the first conductive filler and the second conductive filler.
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
G01B 7/30 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for testing the alignment of axes
G01B 7/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
A61B 5/107 - Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof
G01L 1/14 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in capacitance or inductance of electrical elements, e.g. by measuring variations of frequency of electrical oscillators
Disclosed is a sensing device that includes a flexible substrate having an elongated structure extending between a first end and a second end, the elongated structure being compliant material that is flexible and bendable from a linear, non-bent position to multiple bendable positions. The sensing device also includes a first compliant strain sensing element embedded within the compliant material and extending between the first end and the second end along a longitudinal length of the elongated structure. The first compliant strain sensing element includes a second compliant material that is flexible and bendable, where an electrical property of the first compliant strain sensing element changes in proportion to an applied strain on the elongated structure.
G01B 7/30 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for testing the alignment of axes
G01B 7/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
A61B 5/107 - Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
G01L 1/14 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in capacitance or inductance of electrical elements, e.g. by measuring variations of frequency of electrical oscillators
Disclosed is a sensing device that includes a flexible substrate having an elongated structure extending between a first end and a second end, the elongated structure being compliant material that is flexible and bendable from a linear, non-bent position to multiple bendable positions. The sensing device also includes a first compliant strain sensing element embedded within the compliant material and extending between the first end and the second end along a longitudinal length of the elongated structure. The first compliant strain sensing element includes a second compliant material that is flexible and bendable, where an electrical property of the first compliant strain sensing element changes in proportion to an applied strain on the elongated structure.
G01B 7/30 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for testing the alignment of axes
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
A61B 5/11 - Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb
G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
Disclosed is a sensing device that includes a flexible substrate having an elongated structure extending between a first end and a second end, the elongated structure being compliant material that is flexible and bendable from a linear, non-bent position to multiple bendable positions. The sensing device also includes a first compliant strain sensing element embedded within the compliant material and extending between the first end and the second end along a longitudinal length of the elongated structure. The first compliant strain sensing element includes a second compliant material that is flexible and bendable, where an electrical property of the first compliant strain sensing element changes in proportion to an applied strain on the elongated structure.
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
G01B 7/30 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for testing the alignment of axes
G01B 7/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
A61B 5/107 - Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof
G01L 1/14 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in capacitance or inductance of electrical elements, e.g. by measuring variations of frequency of electrical oscillators
