Force detecting mat with multiple sensor types
First Claim
1. A flexible force sensing mat comprising:
- a first sheet having a plurality of first conductive paths supported thereon;
a layer of sensing material positioned in contact with said first conductive paths, said layer of sensing material having first and second electrical characteristics that vary in response to physical forces exerted thereon;
a second sheet positioned in contact with said layer of sensing material on a side of said layer of sensing material opposite said first sheet, said second sheet having a plurality of second conductive paths supported thereon, said plurality of second conductive paths being transverse to said plurality of first conductive paths; and
a controller adapted to detect changes in both said first and second electrical characteristics when force is applied to said force sensing mat.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A flexible force or pressure sensing mat includes a first sheet of electrically conductive first paths, a second sheet of electrically conductive second paths, and a sensing layer positioned between the first and second sheets. The first and second conductive paths are oriented transversely to each other, and the locations of their intersections define individual sensing areas or sensors. The sensing layer is made from materials that have first and second electrical characteristics—such as capacitance and resistance—that vary in response to physical forces exerted thereon. A controller repetitively measures the multiple electrical characteristics of each sensor in order to produce a near real time pressure distribution map of the forces sensed by the mat. The mat can be used on a patient support surface—such as a bed, cot, stretcher, recliner, operating table, etc.—to monitor and help reduce the likelihood of a patient developing pressure ulcers.
243 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A flexible force sensing mat comprising:
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a first sheet having a plurality of first conductive paths supported thereon; a layer of sensing material positioned in contact with said first conductive paths, said layer of sensing material having first and second electrical characteristics that vary in response to physical forces exerted thereon; a second sheet positioned in contact with said layer of sensing material on a side of said layer of sensing material opposite said first sheet, said second sheet having a plurality of second conductive paths supported thereon, said plurality of second conductive paths being transverse to said plurality of first conductive paths; and a controller adapted to detect changes in both said first and second electrical characteristics when force is applied to said force sensing mat. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A flexible force sensing mat comprising:
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a first sheet having a plurality of first conductive paths supported thereon; a first layer of sensing material positioned in contact with said first conductive paths, said layer of sensing material having a first electrical characteristic that varies in response to physical forces exerted thereon; a second sheet having a plurality of second conductive paths supported thereon, said second sheet positioned in contact with said first layer of sensing material on a side of said layer of sensing material opposite said first sheet; a second layer of sensing material positioned in contact with said plurality of second conductive paths, said second layer of sensing material having a second electrical characteristic that varies in response to physical forces exerted thereon, said second electrical characteristic being different from said first electrical characteristic; and a third sheet having a plurality of third conductive paths supported thereon, said third sheet positioned in contact with said second layer of sensing material on a side of said second layer of sensing material opposite said second sheet. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification