Liquid metal deformation sensor

Abstract

A flexible sensor invokes a fluid sensing medium in an encapsulation for detecting pressure based on movement of the fluid in the flexible encapsulation. The fluid sensing medium is a conductive liquid which exhibits a varied resistance to changes in a cross section resulting from deformation of the flexible encapsulation. A flexible substrate with a fused planar material adheres around the fluid sensing medium. The fluid sensing medium maty be deposited or placed by an extrusion or print nozzle, a screen or other selective application. A deposited bead or run of the fluid sensing medium has a viscosity for holding a shape until the flexible planar material is adhered. A narrow, elongated and patterned or curved run provides a length of encapsulated fluid which is responsive to deformation from pressure. Insertion of electrical leads at opposed ends of the run provides a measurable electrical resistance that varies with fluid movement.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.