Converting Static to Dynamic: Biomimetic Ultra-Sensitive Wide-Range Flexible Pressure Sensor Inspired by the Contact-Regulation Process of Scorpion Pectines

Abstract

Flexible pressure sensors play an irreplaceable role in emerging fields. However, achieving high sensitivity across a wide range on flexible pressure sensors has been proven challenging due to the limited deformation space and rapid hardening of microstructures, confining their operation to laboratory settings. Coincidentally, facing the similar dilemma, scorpions depend on comb-like pectines sensitively perceiving various pressure signals from the surroundings. Here, we have discovered that this excellent mechanosensory function is originated from the synergy of the dynamic regulation process of multiscale architecture and viscoelastic material of pectines. Inspired by this distinct strategy rather than traditional design focusing on static factors, we propose a pectines-inspired flexible pressure sensor simultaneously achieving ultrahigh sensitivity and broad detection range. The dynamic process of the pectines is introduced into sensor design in static form via the protrusion-curved surface sensing unit arrays with gradient heights, effectively averting the rapid stiffening of microstructures. Therefore, this sensor exhibits high sensitivity (8.24 kPa−1) over a broad detection range (98 Pa~700 kPa), demonstrating the sensor's potential in human signals detection, robotic arm operation monitoring, and high-resolution pressure measurement. This work provides a static and dynamic switching concept for unlocking promising new capabilities in application platforms of flexible pressure sensors.

Keywords: flexible pressure sensors, scorpion pectines, dynamic-regulation process, broad pressure range, ultrahigh sensitivity