Optimization of the Discrete Structure in a Pressure Sensor Based on a Multiple-Contact Mechanism to Improve Sensitivity and Nonlinearity

Pressure sensors based on discrete structure and multiple-contact mechanism (DSMM) have enabled high sensitivity and a wide range of nonlinear measurements in our previous work. In this work, we increased the density of the resistor array pixels and designed pixel patterns with varied separation distances to improve the sensing range and correct the sensing linearity, while maintaining the ultrahigh sensitivity of the DSMM pressure sensor. A refined calculation model was applied to simulate the multiple-contact mechanism and to optimize the sensing performance. The theoretical analysis and practical experiments agreed well. The ultrahigh sensitivity is 1.59/kPa for a small pressure range (