Displacement sensing apparatus and methods
US10605628B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 4, 2016 |
| Grant date | Mar 31, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D5/2415
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A displacement sensor for sensing a change in separation between a first element and a second element along a displacement direction. The sensor comprises a reference electrode mounted to the second element in the form of a conductive trace on a surface of the second element facing the first element. A deformable electrode, e.g. a conductive elastomeric material, is arranged between the first element and the second element so as to overlie the reference electrode. The deformable electrode has a contact surface facing the reference electrode and insulated therefrom. At least part of the contact surface is inclined relative to an opposing surface of the reference electrode such that when the deformable electrode is compressed along the displacement direction there is a reduction in volume between the contact surface and the opposing surface of the reference electrode, thereby changing the capacitive coupling between them. The sensor further comprises a controller element configured to measure a characteristic of the capacitive coupling between the reference electrode and the deformable electrode and to determine if a change in separation between the first element and the second eleme…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.