Patent ID: 7698961

Claim:
Device for a measurement by contact and a local classification of mechanical and geometric properties of an object comprising at least two sensor elements, each of said sensor elements having a first conductive layer, a second resistive layer and a third conductive layer, wherein the first and the third conductive layer exhibit a higher electrical conductivity than the second resistive layer, wherein also in an unloaded state of the device, a direct electrically conductive mechanical connection exists between the first conductive layer and the second resistive layer as well as between the second resistive layer and the third conductive layer, wherein when an electric potential difference between the first conductive layer and the third conductive layer is applied, electric current is flowing from the first conductive layer through the second resistive layer to the third conductive layer, wherein when an external force acts onto the device, the size of the contact surface between the first conductive layer and the second resistive layer and/or between the second resistive layer and the third conductive layer is changed thereby changing the size of a pathway for electric current, and wherein the magnitude of the external force is determined according to the magnitude of electric current flowing through the second resistive layer characterized in that the first and the third conductive layers mechanically deform, in case a force acts vertical to the plane of the position of at least one of the layers.