Apparatus and method for monitoring contact pressure between body parts and contact surfaces
US5253656A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 1991 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/7695
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for monitoring pressure between the surface of a body part and a contact surface employ a plurality of pressure sensors disposed in a matrix array between the contact surface and the body part. The sensors produce analog force signals proportional to pressure, and a monitor receives the analog signals and produces output signals, preferably digital, having pressure data corresponding to the pressure at each sensor. A computer processor receives the output signals from the monitor to create a force profile for the sensor array. The sensors may be scanned as a read event in variety of manners, including periodic, continuous and triggered scanning. Where triggered scanning is desired, one or more switches act to initiate a read event. This monitoring apparatus and method is used, for example, to fit prosthetics, to monitor bed-ridden and wheelchair-bound patients, to reduce pain and sores caused by uneven distribution of pressure and to monitor pressure between a cast and a person. The sensors may be mounted on a single sheet or on strips for positioning along the body, and monitoring is accomplished by multiplexing and digitizing the analog force signals.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.