Ultrathin Shear Force Sensor for Direction and Magnitude

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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.