Available Technology
Tactile Sensor
Innovations and Advantages
Tactile sensors are used to measure force in a variety of applications, such as robotics, medical devices, sports equipment and gaming. Commercial adoption has been limited by their high cost and complex manufacturing process. This invention is a new approach to tactile array sensors, based on proven, low-cost MEMS barometric pressure sensor chips. A key innovation is a vacuum degassing step during the rubber casting process. This step removes air bubbles and draws the rubber into the MEMS sensor chamber. The result is an order of magnitude increase in sensitivity (0.01N,), compared to competing approaches, such as force-sensitive resistors and membrane buttons. It is also a highly scalable process, lending itself to low cost manufacturing.
Additional Information
Intellectual Property Status: Patent(s) pending
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Inventor(s):
Howe, Robert D.
Jentoft, Leif Patrick
Tenzer, Yaroslav
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For further information, please contact:
Sam Liss, Director of Business Development
(617) 495-4371
Reference Harvard Case #4784