US 11,852,547 B1
Surface force sensor that senses force applied to a surface from an object attached to the surface
Zachary A. Sechrist, Alexandria, VA (US); and Ronald J. Tonucci, Waldorf, MD (US)
Assigned to The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy, Washington, DC (US)
Filed by The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed on Feb. 7, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/106,586.
Application 18/106,586 is a division of application No. 16/828,076, filed on Mar. 24, 2020, granted, now 11,630,006.
Int. Cl. G01L 1/14 (2006.01); B60R 11/00 (2006.01)
CPC G01L 1/146 (2013.01) [B60R 11/00 (2013.01); G01L 1/148 (2013.01); B60R 2011/004 (2013.01); B60R 2011/0063 (2013.01)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A sensor configured to sense when a force is applied to a surface, comprising:
a capacitive structure defined by a three-layer stack having a first conductive layer, a dielectric layer, and a second conductive layer;
wherein said dielectric layer is overlain on said first conductive layer, wherein said second conductive layer is overlain on said dielectric layer;
a glass superstrate having a first side and a second side, said first side overlain on said second conductive layer;
the force applied to said second side of said glass superstrate, said force resulting from an object attached to said second side of said glass superstrate, said force causing capacitance changes between said first and second conductive layers;
wherein said capacitance changes are a function of said force applied, wherein said force applied is a compressive force;
wherein said compressive force is caused by said object being attached by magnet and held in place due to magnetic attraction between said magnet and said first conductive layer.