High-Linearity, Response-Range Adjustable Force Sensors Based on a Yarn/Film/Spacer Triboelectric Device Design

In this study, a novel triboelectric device is developed that consists of a silicone-coated conductive yarn and a PET film as active substances, and an elastic spacer as a force controller. The silicone-coated yarn is prepared by applying a thermally curable silicone to conductive yarns using a simple but continuous method. The device made of 20 cm long yarn can generate peak voltage as high as 225 V and current outputs of 2.4 mu A. The elastic spacer functions to maintain the yarn and PET film in a separate state when no force is loaded and to adjust the response threshold and detection range by changing the spacer area. In comparison to the triboelectric force-sensors reported previously, this yarn/film device shows a much larger detection range (24-380 N) and higher flexibility in tuning the detection range. The output voltage-input force curves of the devices have an R-2 value above 0.91, indicating the good linearity between the input force and voltage output. Moreover, a theoretical model is developed to elucidate the influence of the spacer area on the detection range and sensitivity. Such a yarn/film/spacer sensor design may be useful for the development of low-cost force sensors for various applications.

Automated summary

A novel triboelectric device composed of a silicone-coated conductive yarn, PET film, and an elastic spacer has been developed. The device exhibits a large detection range and high flexibility, with good linearity between input force and voltage output.