Force-sensitive occupancy sensing technology
US9631987B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 2016 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01L25/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A force-sensitive capacitive sensor that includes a first conductive plate, a second conductive plate that is spaced apart from the first conductive plate, and a compressible dielectric insulator positioned between the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate. The sensor also includes a first protective insulator, a second protective insulator sealed to the first protective insulator to encase the first conductive plate, the second conductive plate, and the compressible dielectric insulator, and a circuit attached via wires to the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate. The sensor may also include electromagnetic shielding. The circuit is configured to sense a change in capacitance between the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate caused by compression of the compressible dielectric insulator resulting from a person occupying the sensor or a support surface positioned above the sensor, and transmit output based on the sensed change in capacitance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.