Hybrid 3D printed three-axis force sensor aided by machine learning decoupling

Identification of magnitude and orientation for spatially applied loading is highly desired in the fields of not only the machinery components but also human-machine interaction.Despite the fact that the 3-axis force sensor with different structures has been proposed to measure the spatial force,there are still some common limitations including the multi-step manufacturing-assembly processes and complicated testing of decoupling calibration.Here,we propose a rapid fabrication strategy with low-cost to achieve high-precision 3-axis force sensors.The sensor is designed to compose of structural Maltese cross base and sensing units.It is directly fabricated within one step by a hybrid 3D printing technology combining deposition modeling(FDM)with direct-ink-writing(DIW).In particular,a machine learning(ML)model is used to convert the strain signal to the force components.Instead of a mount of calibration tests,this ML model is trained by sufficient simulation data based on programmed batch finite element modeling.This sensor is capable of continuously identifying a spatial force with varying magnitude and orientation,which successfully quantify the applied force of traditional Chinese medicine physiotherapy including Gua Sha and massage.This work provides insight for design and rapid fabrication of multi-axis force sensors,as well as potential applications.

Advancing pressure sensors performance through a flexible MXene embedded interlocking structure in a microlens array

Piezoresistive composite elastomers have shown great potentials for wearable and flexible electronic applications due to their high sensitivity,excellent frequency response,and easy signal detection.A composition membrane sensor with an interlocked structure has been developed and demonstrated outstanding pressure sensitivity,fast response time,and low temperature drift features.Compared with a flexible MXene-based flat sensor(Ti_(3)C_(2)),the interlocked sensor exhibits a significantly improved pressure sensitivity of two magnitudes higher(21.04 kPa^(-1)),a fast reaction speed of 31 ms,and an excellent cycle life of 5000 test runs.The viability of sensor in responding to various external stimuli with high deformation capacity has been confirmed by calculating the force distribution of a polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)film model with a microlens structure using the solid mechanics module in COMSOL.Unlike conventional process,we utilized three-dimensional(3D)laser-direct writing lithography equipment to directly transform high-precision 3D data into a micro-nano structure morphology through variable exposure doses,which reduces the hot melting step.Moreover,the flexible pressure device is capable of detecting and distinguishing signals ranging from finger movements to human pulses,even for speech recognition.This simple,convenient,and large-format lithographic method offers new opportunities for developing novel human-computer interaction devices.