Capacitive sensor and detection device with capacitive sensors for the detection of an obstruction situation
AssigneeWilhelm Karmann GmbH
InventorPeter Gutendorf
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Abstract
A capacitive sensor, in particular for the detection of an obstruction of objects or body parts by motor driven devices, includes an arrangement of a multitude of electrodes on a support and means to measure a capacitance or a capacitance change. The sensor is of a flat and film-like embodiment with a support made out of a film material for the arrangement of the electrodes. Furthermore, a capacitive sensor system, for detection of an obstruction situation of objects or body parts with motor driven devices uses several sensors of the above design, is disclosed, whereby an obstruction situation is detected, if a selection of several sensors is responding.
Claims9
A detection system for detecting whether objects or body parts are obstructing a motor driven device, the system comprising:
- a plurality of sensors, each sensor including:
- a generally flat and film-like support;
- a multitude of electrodes arranged on one side of the support;
- and
- a means to measure a capacitance or a capacitance change;
- wherein ambient air represents the dielectric;
- a control in communication with the plurality of sensors, the control indicating a change in ambient conditions when all of the plurality of sensors measure a capacitance change and the control indicating an obstruction situation when less than all of the plurality of sensors measure a capacitance change;
- and
- wherein each of the plurality of sensors can be deformed in all directions for installation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.