Evaluating the Dynamic Performance of Interfacial Pressure Sensors at a Simulated Body-Device Interface

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Pressure sensing at the body-device interface is crucial for evaluating assistive device fit and function during activities like walking and running.
• The dynamic performance characteristics of different pressure sensor configurations remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of clinically relevant setup configurations on two common thin-film pressure sensors.
• To analyze the effects of loading areas, interfacing elements (pucks), and calibration methods on sensor performance.

Main Methods:

• A custom universal testing machine simulated dynamic, mobility-relevant loads at the body-device interface.
• Sensor performance was assessed by evaluating accuracy and hysteresis under various conditions.

Main Results:

• Sensor calibration significantly influences performance, though an elastomeric loading puck mitigates these differences.
• Both tested sensors demonstrated comparable dynamic performance, aligning with manufacturer specifications and prior static/quasi-static studies.
• Static and quasi-static testing methods appear sufficient for representing sensor performance under mobility-relevant conditions.

Conclusions:

• Static testing can effectively predict pressure sensor performance for assistive devices during dynamic activities, simplifying clinical verification.
• The use of a load puck is recommended for optimizing sensor performance during dynamic testing scenarios.
• These findings reduce the burden of dynamic performance verification for clinical applications of pressure sensors.