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Design and Evaluation of Magnetic Hall Effect Tactile Sensors for Use in Sensorized Splints
Dominic Jones1, Lefan Wang1, Ali Ghanbari1
1School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 26, 2020
Summary
This study optimized Hall effect tactile sensors for hand splinting. The new sensors offer multi-axis sensing capabilities to potentially improve clinical splinting practices.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Rehabilitation Technology
Background:
- Splinting is crucial for managing arthritic joint movement and pain, though clinical outcomes vary little between types.
- Integrating tactile sensing into splints can provide valuable data on applied forces.
- Hall effect sensors are promising for splinting due to their cost-effectiveness, small size, and robustness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Hall effect-based tactile sensor design parameters for hand splinting applications.
- To optimize sensor geometry for enhanced sensitivity and measurement range.
- To develop an instrumented splint with multi-axis sensing capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized finite element simulations to identify high-sensitivity areas and optimize sensor deflection.
- Investigated the mechanical response and force ranges of elastomer layers under load.
- Validated simulation results with experimental data and produced a prototype sensor.
Main Results:
- Identified a 4 mm radius, 3 mm-thick sensor design meeting sensing requirements for range and sensitivity.
- Developed a prototype sensor with a pressure range of 45 kPa (normal) and 6 kPa (shear).
- Demonstrated a proof-of-principle for an instrumented splint with multi-axis sensing.
Conclusions:
- Optimized Hall effect tactile sensors are suitable for integration into hand splints.
- The developed instrumented splint offers multi-axis sensing capabilities.
- This technology has the potential to enhance clinical practice and improve splinting effectiveness.
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