IP Library Granted Patent US 12,656,193
Granted Patent B2
US 12,656,193 · App. 18/112,179 · Granted Jun 16, 2026

Force sensor and method for manufacturing force sensor

Inventors: Yoshikane Tanaami (Nagoya, JP); Miyuki Hayashi (Nagoya, JP); Yoshiaki Kanamori (Sendai, JP); Taiyu Okatani (Sendai, JP)
Assignees: SINTOKOGIO, LTD.; TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
G01L1/146G01L5/165
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,656,193
App. No.
18/112,179
Granted
Jun 16, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

Provided is a force sensor including: a first substrate that is made of a material that transmits electromagnetic waves and includes a metal array arranged in a periodic pattern on its surface; a second substrate that is disposed to face the first substrate with a gap therebetween and includes a metal layer that reflects the electromagnetic waves transmitted through the first substrate on its surface; a connecting member configured to connect the first substrate to the second substrate and define an internal space that houses the metal array and the metal layer; and an inert substance that fills the internal space.

Claims (17)

1 . A force sensor comprising:

a first substrate that is made of a material that transmits electromagnetic waves and includes a metal array arranged in a periodic pattern on a surface of the first substrate;

a second substrate that is disposed to face the first substrate with a gap therebetween and includes a metal layer that reflects the electromagnetic waves transmitted through the first substrate on a surface of the second substrate;

a connecting member configured to connect the first substrate to the second substrate and define an internal space that houses the metal array and the metal layer;

an inert substance filling the internal space; and

a sealing member,

wherein the force sensor is configured such that a posture of the first substrate relative to the second substrate is changed in accordance with a load from an outside, and

wherein the connecting member includes an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside, and the sealing member seals the opening.

2 . The force sensor according to claim 1 further comprising a spacer member that is disposed in the internal space and regulates a height of the internal space.

3 . The force sensor according to claim 2 , wherein the inert substance is an inert gas or silicone oil.

4 . The force sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the inert substance is an inert gas or silicone oil.

5 . A method for manufacturing a force sensor comprising:

preparing a first substrate that is made of a material that transmits electromagnetic waves and includes a metal array arranged in a periodic pattern on a surface of the first substrate, a second substrate that is disposed to face the first substrate with a gap therebetween and includes a metal layer that reflects the electromagnetic waves transmitted through the first substrate on a surface of the second substrate, and a connecting member configured to connect the first substrate to the second substrate, define an internal space that houses the metal array, and include an opening that communicates the internal space with an outside;

decompressing the internal space from the opening;

filling the decompressed internal space with an inert substance through the opening; and

sealing the opening with a sealing member,

wherein the force sensor is configured such that a posture of the first substrate relative to the second substrate is changed in accordance with a load from the outside.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 21, 2023
From: TANAAMI, YOSHIKANE; HAYASHI, MIYUKI; KANAMORI, YOSHIAKI; OKATANI, TAIYU
To: SINTOKOGIO, LTD.; TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
Reel/Frame 062755/0501 →
Priority Claims (1)
JP 2022-027048 · Feb 24, 2022 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20230266182A1 · Aug 24, 2023
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