Full-axis sensor for detecting input force and torque
US7603917B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 20, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05G2009/04762
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A sensor (100) for detecting input force and/or torque with six degrees of freedom for use as a computer input device is provided. The sensor has a technically simple detection mechanism which obviates the need for complex and fragile securing components. A user-manipulable core (106) is enclosed in a casing (109). Electrodes (114) in the casing (109) are separated from the core (106) by a layer of elastically deformable conductive polymer (108). Electric current flows between the core (106) and the electrodes (114). The polymer (108) has variable resistivity depending on the stress it experiences. Manipulation of the core (106) causes deformation of the polymer (108); the type of deformation, and hence the type of force/torque applied to core (106), is determinable from the currents flowing through the electrodes (114).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.