Article
Evaluating and improving the performance of thin film force sensors within body and device interfaces
Medical Engineering and Physics
(2017)
Abstract
Thin film force sensors are commonly used within biomechanical systems, and at the interface of the human body and medical and non-medical devices. However, limited information is available about their performance in such applications. The aims of this study were to evaluate and determine ways to improve the performance of thin film (FlexiForce) sensors at the body/device interface. Using a custom apparatus designed to load the sensors under simulated body/device conditions, two aspects were explored relating to sensor calibration and application. The findings revealed accuracy errors of 23.3 ± 17.6% for force measurements at the body/device interface with conventional techniques of sensor calibration and application. Applying a thin rigid disc between the sensor and human body and calibrating the sensor using compliant surfaces was found to substantially reduce measurement errors to 2.9 ± 2.0%. The use of alternative calibration and application procedures is recommended to gain acceptable measurement performance from thin film force sensors in body/device applications.
Keywords
- Accuracy,
- Calibration,
- Force Sensors,
- Interface pressure,
- Pressure measurement
Disciplines
Publication Date
October, 2017
DOI
10.1016/j.medengphy.2017.06.017
Publisher Statement
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Citation Information
Jirapat Likitlersuang, Matthew Leineweber and Jan Andrysek. "Evaluating and improving the performance of thin film force sensors within body and device interfaces" Medical Engineering and Physics Vol. 48 (2017) p. 206 - 211 ISSN: 1350-4533 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/matthew-leineweber/1/