Portable pressure sensing apparatus for measuring dynamic gait analysis and method of manufacture
First Claim
1. A pressure sensing array for measuring forces applied thereto, comprising:
- a first plurality of electrodes attached to and supported by a thin, flexible backing sheet to provide a set of current driving electrodes, said first plurality of current driving electrodes at least partially covered by a pressure responsive resistive material;
a second plurality of electrodes disposed in an insulating arrangement positioned on said first plurality of electrodes to provide a set of current sensing electrodes; and
a third plurality of bridge contacts having opposite end portions, each of said bridge contacts disposed above a corresponding one of said current sensing and current driving electrodes wherein at least one end portion of said bridge contacts is positioned in a non-conductive arrangement relative to said current driving and current sensing electrodes, such that upon sensing a pressure on both said opposite end portions of one of said bridge contacts, an electrical conduction is provided between one of said current driving and current sensing electrodes corresponding to said bridge contact.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A pressure sensing array for measuring forces applied thereto and particularly for measuring the gait of a person. The pressure sensing array includes a first plurality of current driven electrodes attached to and supported by a thin, flexible backing sheet and a second plurality of current sensing electrodes disposed in an insulating arrangement positioned on the first plurality of current sensing electrodes. A third plurality of bridge electrodes are also provided so as to connect the current driven electrodes and the current sensing electrodes such that upon sensing a pressure on opposite ends of one of said bridge electrodes, an electrical conduction is provided between the current driven electrodes and the current sensing electrodes. A method of manufacturing the apparatus is also disclosed.
63 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A pressure sensing array for measuring forces applied thereto, comprising:
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a first plurality of electrodes attached to and supported by a thin, flexible backing sheet to provide a set of current driving electrodes, said first plurality of current driving electrodes at least partially covered by a pressure responsive resistive material; a second plurality of electrodes disposed in an insulating arrangement positioned on said first plurality of electrodes to provide a set of current sensing electrodes; and a third plurality of bridge contacts having opposite end portions, each of said bridge contacts disposed above a corresponding one of said current sensing and current driving electrodes wherein at least one end portion of said bridge contacts is positioned in a non-conductive arrangement relative to said current driving and current sensing electrodes, such that upon sensing a pressure on both said opposite end portions of one of said bridge contacts, an electrical conduction is provided between one of said current driving and current sensing electrodes corresponding to said bridge contact. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A pressure sensing array for measuring loads applied thereto, comprising:
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a first plurality of current driven electrodes attached to a flexible backing sheet said first plurality of electrodes at least partially covered by a pressure responsive resistive material; a second plurality of current sensing electrodes disposed at a specified angle over said first plurality of electrodes and said pressure responsive resistive material to form primary contact regions, said second plurality of electrodes attached to a second flexible backing sheet, such that a gap is formed between said first and second flexible backing sheets; and a rocker member disposed substantially adjacent to at least one of said primary contact regions, wherein said rocker member is made of a material that is more rigid than the pressure responsive resistive material. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of manufacturing a pressure sensing array for measuring forces applied thereto, which comprises the steps of:
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disposing a first plurality of electrodes upon a first thin, flexible backing sheet; disposing a second plurality of electrodes in an insulating arrangement positioned on said first plurality of electrodes; and disposing a third plurality of bridge contacts having opposite end portions, each of said bridge contacts disposed above a corresponding one of said current sensing and current driving electrodes wherein at least one end portion of said bridge contacts is positioned in a non-conductive arrangement relative to said current driving and current sensing electrodes, such that upon sensing a pressure on both said opposite end portions of one of said bridge contacts, an electrical conduction is provided between one of said current driving and current sensing electrodes corresponding to said bridge contact. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification