Novel measurement setup for dielectric elastomer sensors enabling the detection of multiple load scenarios with integrated adjustment for scalable sensor sizes

Sina Martin; Maximilian Schieber; Sebastian Reitelshöfer; Duc Pham; Jörg Franke

doi:10.1117/12.2581715

22 March 2021 Novel measurement setup for dielectric elastomer sensors enabling the detection of multiple load scenarios with integrated adjustment for scalable sensor sizes

Sina Martin, Maximilian Schieber, Sebastian Reitelshöfer, Duc Pham, Jörg Franke

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 11587, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) XXIII; 1158717 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2581715
Event: SPIE Smart Structures + Nondestructive Evaluation, 2021, Online Only

Abstract

In healthcare products the proper fit of e.g. orthosis is crucial for its therapeutic success. To monitor movement and pressure, sensors with the ability to adapt their shape to the curvilinear form of the human body as well as a highly dynamic performance during motion are needed. Dielectric elastomer sensors (DES) present most of the required specifications and can be an excellent solution for body-near motion detection. For signal capturing either changes in resistance, capacitance or impedance can be measured. Therefore, different circuit configurations can be used that follow different methods e.g. frequency based or an impedance approach. In this paper, an impedance measurement bridge that enables the detection of stretch and pressure loads with a frequency of 200 Hz is modified. The novel architecture is conceptualized to work with a battery based energy supply and have small enough dimensions to function as a wearable with a wireless communication interface. Furthermore, our former presented additive manufacturing method for dielectric elastomers via aerosol jet printing allows an integrated tuning of the measurement bridge in the process. In addition, to the electrodes of the capacitor one electrode with a defined layer resistance is stacked on top of the DES. Hence, the additional electrode, which makes the architecture scalable for different sensor sizes and shapes, serves as an integrated adjustment of the measurement bridge. The data acquisition of multiple sensors is feasible by time division multiplexing, but is limited in its frequency due to the switching rate of the multiplexer.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Sina Martin, Maximilian Schieber, Sebastian Reitelshöfer, Duc Pham, and Jörg Franke "Novel measurement setup for dielectric elastomer sensors enabling the detection of multiple load scenarios with integrated adjustment for scalable sensor sizes", Proc. SPIE 11587, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) XXIII, 1158717 (22 March 2021); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2581715

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