Force sensing sheet
First Claim
1. A flexible force sensing array comprising:
- an elastically stretchable sheet;
a plurality of first conductive paths supported on said elastically stretchable sheet;
a layer of sensing material positioned in contact with said first conductive paths, said layer of sensing material having an electrical characteristic that varies in response to physical forces exerted thereon;
a layer of semiconductive material positioned in contact with said layer of sensing material on a side of said layer of sensing material opposite said plurality of first conductive paths; and
a plurality of second conductive paths positioned in contact with said layer of semiconductive material on a side of said layer of semiconductive material opposite said layer of sensing material.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A force sensing array includes multiple layers of material that are arranged to define an elastically stretchable sensing sheet. The sensing sheet may be placed underneath a patient to detect interface forces or pressures between the patient and the support structure that the patient is positioned on. The force sensing array includes a plurality of force sensors. The force sensors are defined where a row conductor and a column conductor approach each other on opposite sides of a force sensing material, such as a piezoresistive material. In order to reduce electrical cross talk between the plurality of sensors, a semiconductive material is included adjacent the force sensing material to create a PN junction with the force sensing material. This PN junction acts as a diode, limiting current flow to essentially one direction, which, in turn, reduces cross talk between the multiple sensors.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A flexible force sensing array comprising:
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an elastically stretchable sheet; a plurality of first conductive paths supported on said elastically stretchable sheet; a layer of sensing material positioned in contact with said first conductive paths, said layer of sensing material having an electrical characteristic that varies in response to physical forces exerted thereon; a layer of semiconductive material positioned in contact with said layer of sensing material on a side of said layer of sensing material opposite said plurality of first conductive paths; and a plurality of second conductive paths positioned in contact with said layer of semiconductive material on a side of said layer of semiconductive material opposite said layer of sensing material. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A flexible force sensing array comprising:
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a first elastically stretchable sheet; a plurality of first conductive paths supported on said first elastically stretchable sheet, said first conductive paths being parallel to each other; an intermediate elastically stretchable sheet positioned in contact with said first elastically stretchable sheet, said intermediate elastically stretchable sheet including sensing material thereon that has an electrical characteristic that varies in response to applied physical forces; a layer of semiconductive material positioned in contact with said intermediate elastically stretchable sheet to thereby form with said sensing material a PN junction; a second elastically stretchable sheet; and a plurality of second conductive paths supported on said second elastically stretchable sheet and in electrical contact with said semiconductive material, said second conductive paths being parallel to each other and transverse to said first conductive paths. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification