A wide range composite foam sensor based on parallel structure: Design, analysis and verification

Abstract

Flexible sensors have vast potential applications in human interaction and medical detection. However, achieving sensors with excellent performance, such as sensitivity and sensing range, poses a current challenge due to the limitations imposed by sensing principles and material characteristics. This paper proposes a novel method involving a wide-range composite foam sensor comprising foam and structure elastomer. By manipulating the structural parameters of the elastomer, the mechanical properties and inductance characteristics of the composite foam sensor can be tailored. The experimental result indicates the composite foam can achieve a sensitivity of 0.175 kPa⁻¹ within 0–2.8 kPa range and 0.001 kPa⁻¹ within 49.8–164 kPa range. Moreover, the sensor exhibits fast response time of 33 ms and stable cyclic stability (99.62% during 400 cycles). The sensor exhibits outstanding versatility in detecting 9 different types of human movements, including both compression and rotation across various body parts, owing to its remarkable sensing range and sensitivity. This approach provides a fresh design perspective on high-range, composite foam-based flexible sensors.