Microchip Technology Incorporated
CAPACITIVE FLEX SENSORS

Abstract:

A capacitive flex sensor comprises a first capacitor plate disposed on a first surface of a flexible insulated substrate and a second capacitor plate is provided on a second surface of the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate is adapted to be a compressible and stretchable dielectric between the first and second capacitor plates. A plurality of these capacitive flex sensors are positioned on the flexible substrate, e.g., a glove, that may be adapted to conform to a body part having flexure points. A preferred body part is a hand/fingers and the capacitive flex sensors may be located proximate to movable joints of the hand/fingers. Movement (flexing) of a joint may cause the physical structure of the capacitive flex sensor to be depressed or deformed. This causes the dielectric thickness and/or plate area to change, thus changing the capacitance value of the flex sensor located proximate to the joint being flexed.