ULTRATHIN SHEAR FORCE SENSOR FOR DIRECTION AND MAGNITUDE

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This project will develop and test a thin,
compliant sensor that can detect and measure the direction and magnitude of
applied shear forces. The ability to measure shear forces is needed in many
applications including prevention of pressure sores, neural prosthesis feedback
and in prosthetic limbs. For pressure sore prevention, these sensors can be
used in fitting prosthetic, orthotic (e.g. leg braces) and mobility assist
devices (e.g. wheelchair seats). This sensor can also be incorporated into
wheelchair seating, prostheses, braces and shoes, as part of a system to
prevent pressure sores. For neural prosthesis applications, these sensors can
be used for foot-floor contact information in lower extremity prostheses and
for finger and hand feedback in upper extremity prostheses. Clinical deployment
requires sensors that are reliable, long-lived, easily mounted and cosmetically
unobtrusive. The Phase I proposal is designed to develop and characterize
sensors for the measurement of the shear components of contact forces.
Feasibility data will be collected from experiments involving both computer
models and measurements from a prototype of the proposed sensor. During a Phase
II we will refine and test this sensor in wheelchair seating, above the knee
and below the knee prosthesis fitting, and foot-floor contact force
measurements.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
The primary targets for this device include measuring and monitoring the level of shear forces present on individuals in wheelchairs, hospital beds, using prosthetic limbs, or wearing shoe insoles for both prevention of skin break-down and for improved device fittings. Another market includes using the sensor in a feedback system for replacing sensory loss, as in a neural prothesis. Many other research applications that measure forces on a body or part of a body could also benefit from this sensor.