OBJECT DEFORMATION DETECTION USING CAPACITIVE SENSING
A deformable sensor may detect changes in capacitance due to relative motion of electrodes in the deformable sensor, or due to a proximate object. In some cases, a controller circuit may communicate with a motion interface system to alter motion of system components when a deformation or proximate object is sensed.
1 . An apparatus, comprising:
a deformation sensor;
the deformation sensor being made of a deformable material;
an electrode incorporated into the deformation sensor;
an electrically conductive member being spaced apart from the first electrode at a distance and being incorporated into the deformation sensor; and
a controller programmed to determine when the distance between the electrode and the electrically conductive member changes by measuring changes in capacitance between the electrode and the electrically conductive member.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the deformation sensor includes a hollow interior and the electrode and the electrically conductive member are positioned within the hollow interior.
3 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein at least one of the electrode and the electrically conductive member includes an electrically insulating coating.
4 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the electrode is electrically insulated from the electrically conductive member.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the electrically conductive member is a second electrode.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further including a floating coupler incorporated into the deformation sensor.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a closure assembly, the closure assembly including:
a first member having a first surface;
a second member having a second surface;
wherein the second member is movable to bring the first surface and the second surface into close proximity to each other; and
wherein the deformation sensor is disposed adjacent to at least one of the first surface and the second surface.
8 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the first member is a window frame and the second member is a window.
9 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the first member is a door frame and the second member is a door.
10 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the first member is a door frame and the second member is a sliding door.
11 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the second member is a sliding door.
12 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the second member is a revolving door.
13 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the second member is movable with a power assembly.
14 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the controller is programmed to move the second member away from the first member when a measured capacitance increases.
15 . An apparatus, comprising:
a first member of a closure assembly;
a second member of the closure assembly movable with respect to the first member where movement of the second member is powered with a power assembly;
a deformation sensor incorporating an electrode;
a controller programmed to:
measure a change in capacitance with the electrode when the deformation sensor is pinched; and
send a command to the power assembly when the deformation sensor is pinched.
16 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the command is to move the second member away from the first member.
17 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the command is to stop movement of the second member.
18 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the second member is sliding member.
19 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the second member is rotary member.
20 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the second member is a hinged member.