BACKGROUND
Pressure sensors are critical in various industries, including healthcare, automotive, robotics, and wearable devices. However, many conventional pressure-sensing systems are limited by high production costs, low sensitivity, and reliance on expensive manufacturing technologies. Existing sensor solutions often require numerous components or intricate assembly processes, increasing costs and complexity. Additionally, current 3D-printed pressure sensors frequently fail to deliver the high-resolution data required to accurately map pressure distribution—particularly in dynamic, multi-dimensional environments. This limitation makes them less suitable for real-world applications where fine pressure mapping is crucial.
To address these challenges, there is a growing need for a versatile, cost-effective, and high-performing pressure-sensing solution that can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of applications—from smart wearables to advanced automotive seats—without compromising precision or accuracy.
SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY
Researchers at Oklahoma State University have developed an innovative pressure sensor design that introduces a groundbreaking solution that combines auxetic structures and dual-material 3D printing technology to achieve superior sensitivity and manufacturing simplicity through cost-effectiveness enhancements.
These sensors are designed to use commonly available dual-material 3D printers to create a highly efficient, composite material-based structure. The sensor design incorporates a strain-gauge-like mechanism leveraging the piezoresistive effect, where applied force causes measurable changes in electrical resistance. The dual use of conductive and non-conductive materials enhances the gauge factor, while the auxetic structure aligns surface contact points for accurate force measurements. The design employs Kriging and SRGAN techniques to generate high-resolution pressure maps with fewer sensors, enhancing performance. By integrating advanced methodologies, OSU’s sensor design delivers precise, cost-effective, high-resolution pressure measurements ideal for applications like automotive seating, healthcare monitoring, and robotics.
POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION
- Smart Wearables: sports, fitness, health measuring/monitoring devices
- Healthcare: patient monitoring and bedsore prevention
- Automotive: pressure sensor systems for passenger/driver safety & health
- Industrial Automation & Robotics: force detection for manufacturing/assembly lines; enhanced tactile sensing for robotic grippers/interfaces
- Consumer Electronics: pressure-sensitive touch interfaces for consumer devices and appliances
MAIN ADVANTAGES
- High Sensitivity
- Scalable
- Adaptable Design with Easy Integration
- Cost-Effective
- Improved Accuracy
STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT