Microchannel pressure sensor for continuous and real-time wearable gait monitoring

Autor: Jung-Bin Ahn, Byungseok Yoo, Darryll J. Pines, Chia-Ying Kuo, Mingyi Wang, Naga Sai Gouthami Bejjanki, Soaram Kim
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Communications Materials, Vol 5, Iss 1, Pp 1-9 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2662-4443
DOI: 10.1038/s43246-024-00570-9
Popis: Abstract A highly sensitive and multi-functional pressure sensor capable of continuous pressure readings is greatly needed, particularly for precise gait pattern analysis. Here, we fabricate a sensitive and reliable pressure sensor by employing eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) liquid metal as the sensing material and EcoFlex 00-30 silicone as the substrate, via a low-cost process. The device architecture features a microchannel, creating two independent sensing devices, and the mechanical properties of the substrate and sensing material contribute to high stretchability and flexibility, resulting in a sensitivity of 66.07 MPa−1 and a low measurement resolution of 0.056 kPa. The sensor detects applied pressure accurately and can distinguish pressure distribution across a wide area. We demonstrate high efficiency for monitoring human walking gait at various speeds when a single sensor is attached to the foot, and can differentiate between walking postures. This device has strong potential for clinical and rehabilitation applications in gait analysis.
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