A sensor unit includes at least three kinesthetic-sense sensors arranged along a plane, each including a first force-receiving part configured to receive an external force. The sensor unit includes a connecting member including a second force-receiving part configured to receive an external force, configured to transfer the external force received by the second force-receiving part to each first force-receiving part and connecting the first force-receiving parts with each other. The sensor unit includes an output unit configured to output signals corresponding to a pressing force in an orthogonal-axis direction orthogonal to the plane and pressing forces in two axial directions parallel to the plane, respectively, the pressing forces being components of divided forces of the external force received by the second force-receiving part, received by the respective first force-receiving parts through the connecting member.

A sensor includes a membrane electrode, a counter-electrode, and at least one spring. The sensor can include a structure; a membrane electrode, which is deformable as a consequence of pressure and which is in contact with the structure; a counter-electrode mechanically connected to the structure and separated from the membrane electrode by a gap; and at least one spring mechanically connected to the membrane electrode and the counter-electrode, so as to exert an elastic force between the membrane electrode and the counter-electrode.

Aspects of the subject technology relate to a sensor device including a first cavity and a second cavity separated from the first cavity by a diaphragm. A first plate of the first cavity forms a first electrode of a capacitance. The diaphragm forms a second plate of the first cavity, which is the second electrode of the capacitance. The diaphragm is flexible and can deflect in response to an applied pressure.

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.

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) capacitive strain gauge sensors are described. The strain gauge sensors include a lever configured to mechanically amplify a strain response. In some embodiments, an anchored beam is coupled to the effort arm of the lever and a movable sensing finger to the resistance arm. The effort arm may be shorter than the resistance arm, thus providing a mechanical amplification.

There is provided an electric toothbrush including a toothbrush head, a toothbrush handle and a force sensing array. The force sensing array is arranged on the toothbrush head and/or the toothbrush handle. When the force sensing array is arranged on the toothbrush head, it is able to detect the force uniformity of brush hairs. When the force sensing array is arranged on the toothbrush handle, it is able to control the vibration strength of the brush hairs and detect the pressing force of the brush hairs.

The present application provides a strain sensing film, a pressure sensor, and a hybrid strain sensing system. The strain sensing film includes a semiconductor thin-film, at least two resistors are disposed on the semiconductor thin-film, one resistor has a different response to a strain with respect to at least another resistor, thereby enhancing resistance to external environmental disturbances and improving the accuracy of pressure measurements.

A pressure sensor includes: a base substrate including an embossed pattern; a first conductive layer disposed on the base substrate; a pressure sensitive material layer disposed on the first conductive layer such that its electrical characteristic is varied corresponding to a strain applied thereto, the pressure sensitive material layer including a dielectric and nanoparticles dispersed in the dielectric; and a second conductive layer disposed on the pressure sensitive material layer, wherein the dielectric and the nanoparticle include materials having pyroelectricities of polarities opposite to each other.

Embodiments are directed to sensors that detect objects attached to a vehicle. The sensor includes a layered capacitive structure. The sensors utilize a deformable dielectric layer sandwiched between two conductive layers. The layered capacitive structure measures capacitance changes caused by an applied force to the uppermost layer of the capacitive structure.

A capacitive strain sensor configured to measure a strain includes a dielectric layer; a first electrode placed on a first face of the dielectric layer; and a second electrode placed on a second face, opposite to the first face, of the dielectric layer. The first electrode is formed of a single-walled carbon nanotube paper, and the single-walled carbon nanotube paper has plural pre-cracks made according to a pattern.