Abstract:
A device includes a flexible polymer membrane with compliant electrodes attached thereto. The membrane is suspended in a frame. A handle, which is displaceable in respect to the frame, is connected to the membrane. A displacement of the handle causes the electrodes on the membrane to be deformed, thereby changing their area and resistance. The change of area or resistance is measured by a capacitive or resistive sensing circuit and is used to measure the deformation and therefore the displacement of the handle.