Compliant capacitive sensor using single-sided fringing field sensor
A customizable co-planar capacitive sensor designed for metal forming applications, offering high sensitivity over a wide pressure range (1 kPa to 250 kPa), and operability with high-force, high-temperature materials.
Overview
The compliant capacitive sensor utilizes a single-sided fringing field sensor design, specifically tailored for metal forming applications. This innovative sensor platform is characterized by its extremely low footprint and high degree of customization, allowing for capacitive transduction of force within confined geometries. The sensor's design enables high sensitivity across a wide pressure range, from 1 kPa to 250 kPa. Additionally, it supports operation with materials that can endure high forces and temperatures, making it ideal for demanding industrial environments.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Co-planar capacitive sensor: Offers a customizable design for specific force sensitivity and range requirements.
- Wide pressure range: Sensitivity from single kPas, with a range extending up to 250 kPa.
- Material compatibility: Operable with materials suitable for high-force and high-temperature applications.
- Customization: Sensor geometry and size can be tailored to meet specific application needs.
Development steps:
- Define system specifications including sensor geometry and operating environment.
- Conduct electrostatic simulations to understand the fringing field environment.
- Design and test an overlaid material for effective force transduction.
- Build and validate a prototype sensor in collaboration with industry partners.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 4, the sensor technology has been validated at the laboratory level. Future validation will involve collaboration with industry partners to refine specifications, conduct simulations, and build prototype sensors for real-world testing in metal forming environments.
About University of Wisconsin, Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is the state’s flagship public research university, a comprehensive institution with a large research enterprise and broad disciplinary breadth. Industry engages through shared instrumentation, pilot‑scale testbeds, and co-located core facilities that support prototyping and scale-up. An affiliated research and technology park hosts startups and corporate R&D, while integration with a major hospital system enables clinical translation; a statewide extension network connects campus advances to companies and communities across Wisconsin. Research is sustained by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, and DoD, alongside state and industry partnerships. Dedicated commercialization support—through an affiliated foundation and campus offices—provides IP management, licensing, startup mentoring, and flexible, industry-friendly agreements.
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