Heracleous, Constantinos;
(2023)
Development of tactile sensors and a sensory insole system for the detection of normal and shear forces.
Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).
Abstract
The PhD project's main aim lies in developing new technologies to improve the collection of outcome data for patients undergoing surgery. Extensive research in the aetiology of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) shows that patients are helped by devices able to detect small changes in the COP (centre of pressure) while walking. These changes arise from skeletal asymmetries of the shoulders, pelvis, which may induce gait imbalances. These imbalances are crucial to be monitored; therefore, adequate health care is provided promptly to avoid any adverse events to pre- or post-operation patients with spine deformities. For maximum effectiveness, such sensors must measure pressure in all three dimensions. Various sensing technologies have been proposed to measure loading on the plantar surface. However, few are designed with multiple measurement axes capable of monitoring pressure and shear stress. The work discussed in this thesis focused on designing and developing tri-axial piezoresistive force sensors integrated into a pressure-sensitive shoe insole system interpolating the data as a force vector. A set of piezoresistive sensors were fabricated using low-cost fabrication techniques. Several fabrication techniques and sensor designs are demonstrated, with the main contribution of developing flexible and printable sensors, enabling complex designs for multi-axis force sensing that are scalable upon the desired pressure range detection. In addition, a shoe insole integrated with three sensors was developed to measure COP within the feet area in three axes. The system was validated within a gold-standard method, the motor learning lab using force plates and reflective markers. The validation study suggested that the insole is more sensitive than the force plate in detecting shear forces. Thus, making it suitable as an alternative low-cost tool, for clinical trials with spine deformities patients and other balance conditions and in a home setting measuring activity in daily living.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Qualification: | Ph.D |
| Title: | Development of tactile sensors and a sensory insole system for the detection of normal and shear forces |
| Language: | English |
| UCL classification: | UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences > Div of Surgery and Interventional Sci UCL |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10174370 |
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