Available Technology
A "second skin" pressure sensor for large area, form-fitting, wearable applications [with video]
Technology:
Stretchable 2D pressure sensor with a grid of conductive liquid channels embedded in elastomer
Markets Addressed
Flexible form-fitting pressure sensors that register location and intensity of pressure applied can act as a “second-skin” creating a range of never-before-possible body monitoring applications. For applications related to human health, sensors can now be used to examine and improve motion for use in physical therapy and long term healing. Sensors can now be built into a new class of “smart” orthotic braces to give real-time feedback based on need. For athletes, motions can now be precisely monitored to improve skill, track performance or prevent possible long-term injury. When used as a peripheral input device, these sensors provide body movement data that can be translated into commands. This has applications both for videogame developers to be used as game controllers and computer animation professionals who monitor body movement for special effects purposes.
This technology is specifically relevant to
• Soft orthotics
• Wearable sensors
• Peripheral input devices
• Special effects hardware
• Battle field monitoring
Innovations and Advantages
Provided here is a technology for a highly stretchable, flexible and deformable sensor that registers the location and intensity of pressure applied over a broad area. The sensor has the ability to maintain functionality when stretched to several times its natural length. It is soft enough to prevent any significant interference with the mechanics of the object or person it is applied to and is elastic enough to be bent repeatedly without hysteresis or permanent deformation.
The technology is embodied by an elastomeric sheet that is embedded with a grid of conductive liquid channels (See figure above). These channels register the location and intensity of localized pressure by measuring the relative change in the electric resistance of all of the channels in the grid. Sensor sensitivity, bandwidth and resolution are controlled by the geometry and spacing of the conductive channels as well as the mechanical properties and thickness of the elastomeric matrix.
Above is a proof of concept demonstration of the technology. Here the sensor is used as a generic keypad.
Additional Information
Intellectual Property Status:
A U.S. utility patent application is pending.
See also:
* The Harvard Microrobotics Lab website.
* Harvard Case: #3567 on a related flexible technology.
* Publication: Soft Artificial Skin with Multi-Modal Sensing Capability Using Embedded Liquid Conductors
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Inventor(s):
Berard, Philippe
Kramer, Rebecca K.
Majidi, Carmel S.
Park, Yong Lae
Wood, Robert J.
Categories:
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Devices
- Sensors and Imaging Devices
For further information, please contact:
Sam Liss, Director of Business Development
(617) 495-4371
Reference Harvard Case #3788