Actuator for force sensor and method of assembling a force-sensing system
An example actuator device for a force sensor is described herein. The device can include a device body, a force concentrator element, an overload protection element, one or more legs, and an attachment layer for attaching the device to a substrate. An example method for assembling a force sensing system is also described herein. Further, an example method for protecting a force sensor from excessive forces or displacement is described herein.
1. An actuator device for a force sensing system, comprising:
a force sensor;
a deformable surface configured to transmit forces to the force sensor;
a force concentrator element configured to concentrate forces on the force sensor;
a device body configured to support the deformable surface and the force concentrator element;
one or more legs extending between the device body and the deformable surface; and
an attachment layer for attaching the actuator device to a substrate.
2. The actuator device of claim 1 , wherein the device body is a frame configured to align the actuator device with the force sensor.
3. The actuator device of claim 2 , wherein the device body further comprises one or more elongate base elements.
4. The actuator device of claim 3 , wherein the attachment layer is arranged on at least one of the one or more elongate base elements.
5. The actuator device of claim 1 , wherein the device body comprises a polymer material.
6. The actuator device of claim 1 , wherein the device body comprises a metal material.
7. The actuator device of claim 1 , wherein the device body comprises an elastomeric material.
8. The actuator device of claim 1 , wherein the attachment layer comprises an adhesive material.
9. The actuator device of claim 1 , wherein the attachment layer comprises a solder material.
10. The actuator device of claim 1 , further comprising an overload protection element configured to limit displacement of the deformable surface.
11. The actuator device of claim 1 , further comprising one or more spring elements, wherein the one or more spring elements are integrated with the deformable surface.
12. A force-sensitive device, comprising:
a touch surface; and
an actuator device of claim 1 , wherein the actuator device further comprises an overload protection element configured to limit displacement of the deformable surface, wherein a gap is arranged between the touch surface and the actuator device, and wherein the gap is configured to close upon excessive displacement as a result of excessive external forces on the touch surface.
13. A method for assembling a force sensing system comprising:
attaching a force sensor to a substrate;
attaching an actuator device to the substrate, wherein the actuator device comprises a frame configured to align the actuator device with the force sensor;
attaching an elastic component to a touch surface; and
attaching the touch surface to a force-sensitive device body, wherein attaching the touch surface to the force-sensitive device body compresses the elastic component and applies a preload force to the actuator device, and wherein the actuator device applies a preload force to the force sensor.
14. A method for assembling a force sensing system comprising:
attaching a force sensor to a substrate;
attaching an actuator device to the substrate, wherein the actuator device comprises a frame configured to align the actuator device with the force sensor and one or more spring elements; and
attaching a touch surface to a force-sensitive device body, wherein attaching the touch surface to the force-sensitive device body compresses the one or more spring elements of the actuator device and applies a preload force to the actuator device, and wherein the actuator device applies a preload force to the force sensor.
15. The actuator device of claim 1 , wherein the force sensor is a microelectromechanical (MEMS) force sensor.