Sensor of Mechanical Quantity Based on the RF Principle

Abstract

This paper presents the design and analysis of a mechanical quantity sensor based on a radio-frequency principle, while addressing the high power consumption and circuit complexity of existing solutions. The proposed approach focuses on minimizing power consumption and reducing the number of required components, while enabling simple tunability by modifying a single parameter, namely the inductance. A compact compliant mechanical body serves as a capacitive element and exhibits a linear relationship between the applied force and plate displacement. Measurements confirm clear dependencies of capacitance and oscillator frequency on the acting force, supported by simulations and theoretical calculations. The optimized 3D-printed design ensures flexibility, repeatability, and controlled deformation. The resulting sensor enables tunability and wireless transmission of measured force (weight) data via radio frequency (RF)-based frequency changes, while also providing a suitable platform for the use of stiffer, more brittle materials, potentially leading to significant miniaturization of the sensor dimensions.