Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include systems and methods for additively manufacturing (e.g., by “printing” or the like) a bend sensor as a 2D structure that can then be configured into a 3D or stacked structure. Further disclosed embodiments include bend sensors with foldable sensing regions configurable into a 3D or stacked structure. A differential strain in a sensing region is linearly proportional to the displacement as measured from the endpoints of the sensing region. The differential strain is measurable as a differential change in the capacitance of the sensing regions.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include systems and methods for additively manufacturing (e.g., by “printing” or the like) a bend sensor as a 2D structure that can then be configured into a 3D or stacked structure. Further disclosed embodiments include bend sensors with foldable sensing regions configurable into a 3D or stacked structure. A differential strain in a sensing region is linearly proportional to the displacement as measured from the endpoints of the sensing region. The differential strain is measurable as a differential change in the capacitance of the sensing regions.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a multi-mode sensor including an elastomeric strand having a first multi-mode sensing region configured to sense at least two different physical parameters, and a second multi-mode sensing region, space apart from the first multi-mode sensing region, and configured to sense at least two different physical parameters. In some disclosed embodiments the first multi-mode sensing region is configured to measure the physical parameters of angular displacement and strain.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a multi-mode sensor including an elastomeric strand having a first multi-mode sensing region configured to sense at least two different physical parameters, and a second multi-mode sensing region, space apart from the first multi-mode sensing region, and configured to sense at least two different physical parameters. In some disclosed embodiments the first multi-mode sensing region is configured to measure the physical parameters of angular displacement and strain.

Abstract: In an example, a vehicle tire includes a tread portion, a sidewall portion, and a sensor module for estimating one or more parameters of the tire. The sensor module includes a detector patch that includes one or more capacitors, each of which has an electrostatic capacity that is variable due to at least deformation of each capacitor. The sensor module also includes an electronics unit connected to each capacitor and configured to control the sensor module. The detector patch is adhered to an inside of at least one of the tread portion or the sidewall portion. At least one of the capacitors is located on the inside of the at least one of the tread portion or the sidewall portion. The electronics unit is configured to estimate at least one of the parameters based on the electrostatic capacity of each capacitor.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include systems and methods for additively manufacturing (e.g., by “printing” or the like) a bend sensor as a 2D structure that can then be configured into a 3D or stacked structure. Further disclosed embodiments include bend sensors with foldable sensing regions configurable into a 3D or stacked structure. A differential strain in a sensing region is linearly proportional to the displacement as measured from the endpoints of the sensing region. The differential strain is measurable as a differential change in the capacitance of the sensing regions.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include compliant sensors having a signal electrode layer of an elastomeric material with conducting material confined to at least one sensor region, at least one trace connected to the at least one sensor, and a perimeter electrode region. The compliant sensors also include a dielectric layer including an elastomeric material having a first side in contact with the signal electrode layer and configured to allow electrical contact to the perimeter electrode region and a top electrode layer including an elastomeric material with conducting material integrated within and in contact with a second side of the dielectric layer and in electrical contact with the perimeter electrode region. In some embodiments, the top electrode layer includes a portion of electrically conducting material configured in a hatched pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a glove for a human hand, and a sensing network coupled to the glove. The sensing network includes a strand of compliant material with a center axis and a multi-region angular displacement sensor connected to the strand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor includes a first angular displacement unit in a first sense region of the stand. The first angular displacement unit is used to determine a first angular displacement in response to deformation of the first angular displacement unit by a first joint of the human hand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor also includes a second angular displacement unit disposed in a second sense region of the strand. The second angular displacement unit is used to determine a second angular displacement in response to deformation of the second angular displacement unit by a second joint of the human hand.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a multi-mode sensor including an elastomeric strand having a first multi-mode sensing region configured to sense at least two different physical parameters, and a second multi-mode sensing region, space apart from the first multi-mode sensing region, and configured to sense at least two different physical parameters. In some disclosed embodiments the first multi-mode sensing region is configured to measure the physical parameters of angular displacement and strain.

Abstract: Disclosed is a first force sensing region of footwear. The first force sensing region includes a first force sensor unit. The first force sensor unit includes a first compliant capacitor disposed with respect to a first plane. The first force sensor unit also includes a strain transformation structure disposed with respect to the first plane. The strain transformation structure includes a first transformation element coupled to an outer surface of the first electrode of the first compliant capacitor and a second transformation element coupled to an outer surface of the second electrode of the first compliant capacitor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a strand of compliant material with a center axis. The apparatus further includes a multi-region angular displacement sensor connected to the strand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor includes a first angular displacement unit in a first sense region of the stand. The first angular displacement unit is used to determine a first angular displacement in response to deformation of the first angular displacement unit. The multi-region angular displacement sensor also includes a second angular displacement unit disposed in a second sense region of the strand. The second angular displacement unit is used to determine a second angular displacement in response to deformation of the second angular displacement unit. The multi-region angular displacement sensor also includes a reinforcement structure that restricts movement of the first and second angular displacement unit with respect to the center axis.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a glove for a human hand, and a sensing network coupled to the glove. The sensing network includes a strand of compliant material with a center axis and a multi-region angular displacement sensor connected to the strand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor includes a first angular displacement unit in a first sense region of the stand. The first angular displacement unit is used to determine a first angular displacement in response to deformation of the first angular displacement unit by a first joint of the human hand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor also includes a second angular displacement unit disposed in a second sense region of the strand. The second angular displacement unit is used to determine a second angular displacement in response to deformation of the second angular displacement unit by a second joint of the human hand.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a glove for a human hand, and a sensing network coupled to the glove. The sensing network includes a strand of compliant material with a center axis and a multi-region angular displacement sensor connected to the strand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor includes a first angular displacement unit in a first sense region of the stand. The first angular displacement unit is used to determine a first angular displacement in response to deformation of the first angular displacement unit by a first joint of the human hand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor also includes a second angular displacement unit disposed in a second sense region of the strand. The second angular displacement unit is used to determine a second angular displacement in response to deformation of the second angular displacement unit by a second joint of the human hand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a first force sensing region of footwear. The first force sensing region includes a first force sensor unit. The first force sensor unit includes a first compliant capacitor disposed with respect to a first plane. The first force sensor unit also includes a strain transformation structure disposed with respect to the first plane. The strain transformation structure includes a first transformation element coupled to an outer surface of the first electrode of the first compliant capacitor and a second transformation element coupled to an outer surface of the second electrode of the first compliant capacitor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a glove for a human hand, and a sensing network coupled to the glove. The sensing network includes a strand of compliant material with a center axis and a multi-region angular displacement sensor connected to the strand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor includes a first angular displacement unit in a first sense region of the stand. The first angular displacement unit is used to determine a first angular displacement in response to deformation of the first angular displacement unit by a first joint of the human hand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor also includes a second angular displacement unit disposed in a second sense region of the strand. The second angular displacement unit is used to determine a second angular displacement in response to deformation of the second angular displacement unit by a second joint of the human hand.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a strand of compliant material with a center axis. The apparatus further includes a multi-region angular displacement sensor connected to the strand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor includes a first angular displacement unit in a first sense region of the stand. The first angular displacement unit is used to determine a first angular displacement in response to deformation of the first angular displacement unit. The multi-region angular displacement sensor also includes a second angular displacement unit disposed in a second sense region of the strand. The second angular displacement unit is used to determine a second angular displacement in response to deformation of the second angular displacement unit.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a strand of compliant material with a center axis. The apparatus further includes a multi-region angular displacement sensor connected to the strand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor includes a first angular displacement unit in a first sense region of the stand. The first angular displacement unit is used to determine a first angular displacement in response to deformation of the first angular displacement unit. The multi-region angular displacement sensor also includes a second angular displacement unit disposed in a second sense region of the strand. The second angular displacement unit is used to determine a second angular displacement in response to deformation of the second angular displacement unit.