A sensor apparatus includes a sensor device (2), for attaching to an outer surface of a compression garment (1), and a controller. The sensor device (2) comprises a first mounting point (70), attached to a first point on the garment (1), and a second mounting point (45), attached to a second point on the garment (1). The sensor device (2) senses displacement between the first (70) and second mounting points (45). The controller processes information representative of the sensed displacement to estimate a pressure exerted by the compression garment (1) on a wearer of the garment (1).

A force sensor includes a strain body including a base portion, a displacement portion configured to make a displacement relative to the base portion under external force, and an elastic connection portion configured to elastically connect the base portion and the displacement portion, a board including a detection unit configured to detect the displacement of the displacement portion relative to the base portion in a first direction, and an interposed member interposed between the strain body and the board, the interposed member including an extending portion extending in a second direction intersecting a surface of the board and the first direction.

An apparatus includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode having first and second opposing surfaces. The first opposing surface is adjacent the first electrode and separated from the first electrode by a first distance, and the second opposing surface is adjacent the second electrode and separated from the second electrode by a second distance. The third electrode is configured to move relative to the first and second electrodes. A capacitance sensing circuit is coupled to the first and second electrodes. The capacitive sensing circuit is configured to determine a capacitance using the first and second electrodes.

A force input/haptic output interface for an electronic device can include a force input sensor and a haptic actuator. In one example, the force input sensor and the haptic actuator are accommodated on a frame positioned below an input surface. In many examples, the frame includes relieved portions that redirect and/or concentrate compression or tension in the haptic actuator into the frame.

Provided is an application method of a Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) inertial sensor and an electronic device. An application method of an accelerometer includes: based on an influence of a strain, generated under the action of an external force, of the accelerometer on a detection signal of the accelerometer, adopting the detection signal to reflect the external force. An application method of a gyroscope includes: based on an influence of a strain, generated under the action of an external force, of the gyroscope on a detection signal of the gyroscope, adopting the detection signal to reflect the external force. Further provided is an electronic device adopting the foregoing methods.

The invention provides a three-dimensional force flexible tactile sensor and a fabrication method and a decoupling method thereof. The three-dimensional force flexible tactile sensor includes a first flexible layer, a porous elastic layer and a second flexible layer which are arranged in sequence. The first flexible layer is provided with a plurality of first electrodes. The second flexible layer is provided with a second electrode. The first electrodes and the second electrode are both clung to the porous elastic layer. The sensor not only can detect normal mechanical load, but also can measure the force tangent to the surface of the sensor, thereby realizing the detection of the three-dimensional force.

A capacitive gap force sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, a first layer of dielectric material positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a second layer of conductive material positioned between the first layer and the second electrode. The first layer has a first compression resistance less than a second compression resistance of the second layer. An effective capacitive sensing gap is defined between the first electrode and the second layer. The first layer is configured to compress or deform and alter the effective capacitive sensing gap when a force is received at the first electrode or the second electrode.

This invention describes a novel, superior pressure sensor, pressure sensing device, or pressure sensing system. This can act as a pressure sensor, device, or system for a fingertip-like tactile sensor or skin, comprising hydrophilic monomer(s), cross-linked with appropriate cross-linking agent(s), with appropriate solvent(s) or diluent(s), electrolyte(s), electrodes, and coating(s). This sensor is extremely sensitive, yet is also robust and has a wide pressure range. The sensor can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes as desired. The sensor can be used for a wide range of applications, from robotic grippers and prosthetic fingers and hands to health and medical monitoring and sports equipment, and other pressure sensing applications.

A dispensing system (2) and method for dispensing unit dosage forms (38) from a blister pack (30) is disclosed. The system (2) comprises a housing (4) for receiving a blister pack (30), the blister pack (30) having a plurality of cavities (32) with at least one unit dosage form (38) sealed in each of the cavities (32), the housing (4) comprising at least one housing aperture. The system (2) also comprises a sensing layer comprising a plurality of apertures, each sensing layer aperture configured to substantially align with a corresponding one or more of the plurality of cavities (32) of the blister pack (30) when a blister pack (30) is received in the housing (4) and at least one sensing region. The system (2) further comprises an electronics unit and a power source for providing voltage to the sensing layer. In use, the unit dosage forms (38) are dispensed from the blister pack (30) through the sensing layer apertures and through the at least one housing aperture, for example by application of pressure (P) upon each cavity (32), and the sensing layer senses each unit dosage form (38) being dispensed from the blister pack (30).

The present disclosure relates to an occupancy sensing mat for a vehicle seat comprising a flexible support and an occupancy detection sensor carried by the flexible support, the occupancy detection sensor being a capacitive transducer with coplanar interdigitated electrodes comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode each comprising a rod and fingers integral with the rod.