A Flexible Strain-Gauge Sensor for Flexible Input Devices

This study demonstrates a novel polymer-based flexible strain-gauge sensor for flexible input devices in flexible displays. Proposed novel strain-gauge sensor for user interfaces (UIs) in flexible display measures the deformation of an object by using its electrical resistance change. This strain-gauge sensor was fabricated by the double-sided fabrication method with polymer and metal, i.e., polyimide and Nickel-Chrome. Experimental results show that this sensor linearly detects the forces more than 500gf, i.e., 5N, with the force resolution of less than 10gf, i.e., 0.1N. Also it can linearly detect the bending radius from 5mm to 100mm. This flexible strain-gauge sensor array may be positioned on the bezel area of a flexible display device enabling various input methodology as well as UIs.