Flexible Fingerprint Sensor
First Claim
1. A flexible pressure sensor comprising:
- a composite material comprising a first set of conductive particles, a second set of conductive particles and a third set of conductive particles all of which are at least partially embedded in an elastomeric layer that is capable of returning to substantially its original dimensions on release of pressure;
wherein the first set of conductive particles are electrically connected to form a first set of substantially parallel conductors within a lower portion of the elastomeric layer in the x direction;
wherein the second set of conductive particles are electrically connected to form a second set of substantially parallel conductors within an upper portion of the elastomeric layer in the y direction; and
wherein the third set of conductive particles have no relative orientation and are disposed within the elastomeric layer for electrically connecting the first set and second set of conductors in the z direction under application of sufficient pressure there between.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A flexible pressure sensor has a first set of substantially parallel conductors in the x direction, a second set of substantially parallel conductors in the y direction, and a composite material disposed between the first set and second set of conductors. The composite material is capable of returning to substantially its original dimensions on release of pressure. The composite material includes conductive particles at least partially embedded in an elastomeric layer that have no relative orientation and are disposed within the elastomeric layer for electrically connecting the first set and second set of conductors in the z direction under application of sufficient pressure there between.
51 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A flexible pressure sensor comprising:
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a composite material comprising a first set of conductive particles, a second set of conductive particles and a third set of conductive particles all of which are at least partially embedded in an elastomeric layer that is capable of returning to substantially its original dimensions on release of pressure; wherein the first set of conductive particles are electrically connected to form a first set of substantially parallel conductors within a lower portion of the elastomeric layer in the x direction; wherein the second set of conductive particles are electrically connected to form a second set of substantially parallel conductors within an upper portion of the elastomeric layer in the y direction; and wherein the third set of conductive particles have no relative orientation and are disposed within the elastomeric layer for electrically connecting the first set and second set of conductors in the z direction under application of sufficient pressure there between. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A flexible pressure sensor comprising:
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a first set of substantially parallel conductors in the x direction; a second set of substantially parallel conductors in the y direction; and a composite material disposed between the first set and second set of conductors, wherein the composite material is capable of returning to substantially its original dimensions on release of pressure and comprises conductive particles at least partially embedded in an elastomeric layer that have no relative orientation and are disposed within the elastomeric layer for electrically connecting the first set and second set of conductors in the z direction under application of sufficient pressure there between. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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11. A flexible pressure sensor comprising:
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a first set of substantially parallel conductors in the x direction; a composite material in contact with the first set of conductors, the composite material comprising a first set of conductive particles and a second set of conductive particles all of which are at least partially embedded in an elastomeric layer that is capable of returning to substantially its original dimensions on release of pressure; wherein the first set of conductive particles are electrically connected to form a second set of substantially parallel conductors within an upper portion of the elastomeric layer in the y direction; and wherein the second set of conductive particles have no relative orientation and are disposed within the elastomeric layer for electrically connecting the first set and second set of conductors in the z direction under application of sufficient pressure there between. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A flexible fingerprint sensor comprising:
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a first set of substantially parallel conductors in the x direction attached to, deposited on or placed on a flexible substrate; a composite material in contact with the first set of conductors, the composite material comprising a first set of conductive particles and a second set of conductive particles all of which are at least partially embedded in an elastomeric layer that is capable of returning to substantially its original dimensions on release of pressure; wherein the first set of conductive particles are electrically connected to form a second set of substantially parallel conductors within an upper portion of the elastomeric layer in the y direction; wherein the second set of conductive particles have no relative orientation and are disposed within the elastomeric layer for electrically connecting the first set and second set of conductors in the z direction under application of sufficient pressure there between; wherein the conductive particles comprise a metal, a core particle having a conductive coating, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, conductive fibers, or a combination thereof, wherein the fingerprint sensor has an overall thickness of less than 0.020 inches; and wherein the first set of conductors and second set of conductors provide a resolution of at least 300 dots per inch. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. A method for fabricating a flexible pressure sensor comprising the steps of:
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providing a composite material that is capable of returning to substantially its original dimensions on release of pressure and comprises conductive particles at least partially embedded in an elastomeric layer that have no relative orientation and are disposed within the elastomeric layer for electrically connecting a first set and a second set of conductors in the z direction under application of sufficient pressure there between; providing the first set of substantially parallel conductors in the x direction below or within a lower portion of the composite material; and providing the second set of substantially parallel conductors in the y direction above or within an upper portion of the composite material. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification