The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 02, 2018
Filed:
Mar. 09, 2016
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA (US);
Cagdas D. Onal, Allston, MA (US);
Selim Ozel, Worcester, MA (US);
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA (US);
Abstract
A robotic sensing and touch apparatus detects gradual deformations in a resilient surface, in contrast to conventional rigid member displacement. Hall effect sensors coupled to rare-earth magnets in a deformable base allow sensing of surface curvature and compression against grasped objects. The deformable base, such as a silicone mold or other resilient encapsulation, fixes a magnetic source and an opposed Hall effect sensor. Calibration of a received magnetic field is defined by a sensor element voltage in an 'at rest' (undeformed) state, and at successive degrees of deformation resulting from compression of the deformable base that draws the magnet in different orientations relative to the Hall effect sensor. An array of magnet and sensor element pairs allows relative sensing over an area for detecting curvature of a translated or articulated member, or engagement with a curved surface.