Apparatus and method for sensing surface flexure
OwnerPaul L. Ericsoninventor
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Abstract
Apparatus for sensing the flexure of a surface includes an array of bistable dome shaped switches within the surface which change their state or position depending on the direction and degree of local flexure of the surface. A flexible sheet parallel to the surface carries wiring for detecting the state of the bistable switches and carrying this information to a computer. A second parallel sheet may be used to detect the second position of the bistable switches for extra accuracy. The bistable switches may be linked, meaning the perimeters of the bistable switches overlap, or unlinked. The two stable positions may include two oppositely protruding positions, or one protruding position and one flat position.
Claims17
Apparatus for sensing the surface flexure of a flexible sheet of material having a surface, said apparatus comprising:
- a switch array having a plurality of bistable dome shaped switches distributed across said material surface, each of said switches assuming one of two stable switch positions depending on the direction and degree of local surface flexure of the material;
- position sensing means for sensing said switch position of said plurality of bistable dome shaped switches.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.