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Evaluation of a sensor for low interface pressure applications.
M Ferguson-Pell1, S Hagisawa, D Bain
1Centre for Disability Research and Innovation, Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculo-Skeletal Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Brockley Hill, Stanmore, Middlesex HA7 4LP, UK. m.ferguson-pell@ucl.ac.uk
Medical Engineering & Physics
|March 22, 2001
Summary
The FlexiForce sensor shows acceptable performance for measuring low interface pressure. However, its accuracy is affected by curvature, limiting use to surfaces larger than 32 mm radius under static conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Low interface pressure measurement is crucial for applications involving skin, support surfaces, and pressure garments.
- The FlexiForce sensor is a novel ultra-thin, small device with potential for such measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of the FlexiForce sensor for measuring low interface pressure.
- To assess key performance characteristics including drift, repeatability, linearity, hysteresis, and curvature effects.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory testing of the FlexiForce sensor under controlled conditions.
- Evaluation of sensor performance across various forces (10-50 g) and radii of curvature.
Main Results:
- The sensor demonstrated acceptable drift (1.7-2.5%/logarithmic time), repeatability (2.3-6.6%), linearity (1.9-9.9%), and hysteresis (5.4% average).
- Significant curvature effects were observed, with increased output offset and decreased sensitivity for radii less than 32 mm.
Conclusions:
- The FlexiForce sensor is suitable for static low interface pressure measurements on surfaces with radii greater than 32 mm.
- The observed curvature effect necessitates careful consideration for applications involving curved surfaces.