Wide range compressed sensing structure based on tension-compression conversion and variable stiffness slope structure

Pressure sensors still face the challenge of combining high sensitivity with a wide detection range. In this study, we designed a tension–compression conversion structure and combined it with a variable stiffness design strategy to fabricate pressure-sensing devices. The structure can convert the sensing properties of two-dimensional (2D) stretchable materials into the sensing properties of 3D compressible devices. The sensing and mechanical properties can be designed through simulations and theoretical calculations. The slope structure provides linear sensing within 24.3 N. The variable stiffness design strategy enables the sensor to sense a small load with high sensitivity (3.5 N⁻¹) with a wide pressure range (0.002–24.3 N, with an extended range of 82.6 N). In addition, the sensing structure can work stably in an underwater environment. This design strategy of using 2D stretchable strain sensors as the sensing unit to develop a compression sensor device will provide new ideas for future sensor design. (Figure presented.).