WEARABLE INDUCTIVE-FORCE SENSOR

摘要

A wearable inductive-force sensor, which provides high-sensitivity dynamic measurements of both normal force and shear force, utilizes three spiral planar force sensing coils. These spiral planar coils allow the measurement of shear force in the x and y directions and the measurement of a normal force in the z direction. The force sensor is configured to be mounted in various locations, such as an insole of a shoe, so as to provide real-time force sensing of forces that are applied to a patient's feet as they move. In addition, force-measurement electronics used with the force sensor are configured to use resonance-frequency division signal multiplexing to monitor the response of the force sensing coils, which allows the sensor to have minimal complexity, while still being highly sensitive.

主权项

1. A force sensor comprising:
a substrate; a first, second and third coil disposed on said substrate, said coils electrically coupled in series; a capacitor coupled in parallel with each one of said plurality of coils; a flexible section disposed on said plurality of coils; and a rigid section disposed on said flexible section, said rigid section being formed of conductive material, such that said flexible section allows said rigid section to move relative to said coils; wherein said flexible section has at least two edges, such that one edge passes through the center of said first coil and another edge passes through the center of said second coil, and said third coil is disposed between said flexible section and said substrate, such that said coils detect a change in impedance based on the movement of said rigid section relative to said coils.