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A Comparison of Force Sensing for Applications in Prosthetic Haptic Feedback
Megan Wieser1, Jinglin Liu1, Priscilla Hernandez1
1School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.
Critical Reviews in Biomedical Engineering
|November 4, 2019
Summary
Researchers compared two load sensor designs for prosthetic haptic feedback. An electrochemical sensor showed promise for cost-effective, minimally invasive prosthetic technologies, though further development is needed for greater mechanical strength.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Developing advanced haptic feedback systems is crucial for improving the functionality of upper limb prosthetics.
- Current prosthetic sensor technologies often lack cost-effectiveness and minimally invasive characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare a lab-standard capacitive load cell sensor with a novel electrochemical sensor for prosthetic applications.
- To evaluate sensor characteristics for minimally invasive, cost-effective prosthetic sensor technologies.
- To address the need for sensors capable of detecting average grip forces (250-500 N).
Main Methods:
- Manufactured an inexpensive lab-standard load cell sensor using conductive foam.
- Developed an electrochemical sensor using CP-9000 thermoplastic elastomer for enhanced sensitivity.
- Conducted proof-of-principle experiments to evaluate sensor performance under sustained loads (0.49-2.45 N).
Main Results:
- The electrochemical sensor exhibited higher sensitivity with average maximum current readouts ranging from -5.95 μA to -7.85 μA, compared to -1.25 × 10-1 to -4.25 × 10-1 for the lab-standard sensor.
- The electrochemical sensor demonstrated reproducibility and the ability to discriminate between different loads.
- The target force requirements of 250-500 N were not met in this initial study.
Conclusions:
- The developed electrochemical sensor shows potential as a low-cost component for computer-based prosthetics.
- Future research will focus on enhancing the mechanical strength of the electrochemical sensor using advanced thermoplastic elastomer materials.
- Further investigation is needed to meet the required force specifications for prosthetic applications.
