Advanced Adhesive Patch Crafted from Conductor Threads: Identifying Stress Zones for Amputee Comfort and Support
Title: Revolutionizing Prosthetics: Comfortable, Flexible Sensors for Enhanced Amputee Comfort
According to a pioneering study published in the IEEE Sensors Journal, scientists from North Carolina State University have developed a soft, flexible sensor system that can help map problematic pressure points in an amputee's prosthetic limb. This system boasts immense potential for increasing comfort and reliability for amputees.
In the study, the researchers designed a lightweight, soft textile-based sensor prototype patch—a lattice of conductive yarns connected to a tiny computer. The system was put to the test on a prosthetic limb and in walking experiments with two human volunteers, demonstrating its ability to track pressure changes in real-time.
"Rigid sensors used in traditional pressure measurement methods are a hindrance," said Jordan Tabor, the study's first author and a graduate student at the NC State Wilson College of Textiles. "They're hard, bulky, and heavy—things that amputees can't use on a daily basis due to negative effects on the fit of their prosthetics and discomfort they cause. Our sensors can be integrated into textiles without causing additional discomfort for the user and can be worn on a more regular basis."
The team tried a range of tests, including securing the patch on an artificial limb at various angles, testing pressure changes on an able-bodied person walking with a bent-knee adaptor, and while shifting weight between legs. They also tested the sensor on a volunteer with an amputated lower leg while shifting weight and walking on a treadmill. The results revealed that the system was durable and capable of reliably monitoring pressure changes in the socket.
"We wanted to create a technology that's easy to manufacture, safe, and completely comfortable for everyday use," explained Tushar Ghosh, the study's co-corresponding author and the William A. Klopman Distinguished Professor of Textile Engineering, Chemistry & Science in NC State's Wilson College of Textiles. "Our design involves common materials, like those used in household items, which are soft and flexible."
The researchers created the sensor patch by interconnecting yarns to generate an electromagnetic field. They connected the yarns to a small electronic device, insulated them, and laid them on a textile fabric, capturing data wirelessly via a small radio. Although they used a commercially available yarn for the study, the researchers are currently working on creating their own textile fiber to detect more than just pressure changes in the socket of an amputee's prosthetic limb.
The next stage revolves around integrating the sensors directly into prosthetic sockets or wearable items, as well as studying the sensor's potential clinical value on a larger scale. The broader vision is to design a sock-like sensor system that can dynamically monitor pressure distribution and other measurements when a person dons their prosthesis.
Join the revolution in prosthetic technology by harnessing the power of soft, flexible sensors. These innovative devices offer significant improvements in comfort, reliability, and overall user experience.
- The study, published in the IEEE Sensors Journal, demonstrates the potential of soft, flexible sensors in addressing problematic pressure points in amputee prosthetic limbs.
- The sensor system, developed by scientists from North Carolina State University, is designed as a lightweight, soft textile-based sensor prototype with a lattice of conductive yarns.
- The innovation has the ability to track pressure changes in real-time, offering immense possibilities for increasing comfort and reliability for amputees.
- Jordan Tabor, the study's first author and a graduate student at the NC State Wilson College of Textiles, emphasized the disadvantages of traditional rigid sensors and the comfort advantages of their new sensors.
- The team tested the system's durability and reliability in various scenarios, including securing the patch on an artificial limb, walking tests with human volunteers, and testing on a volunteer with an amputated lower leg.
- Tushar Ghosh, the study's co-corresponding author, highlighted the team's aim to create a technology that is easy to manufacture, safe, and comfortable for everyday use, using common, soft, and flexible materials.
- The research team is currently working on creating their own textile fiber to detect more than just pressure changes in the socket of an amputee's prosthetic limb.
- The next phase involves integrating the sensors directly into prosthetic sockets or wearable items, studying the sensor's potential clinical value on a larger scale, and designing a sock-like sensor system that dynamically monitors pressure distribution and other measurements when a person dons their prosthesis, contributing to the revolution in prosthetic technology and improving overall user experience.
