Electrochemical pressure transducer
Inventors
LaBelle, Jeffrey • Feldman, Austin • Siuba, Mary • Carlton, Ross • Andrade, Jeffrey
Assignees
Arizona State University ASU • Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix campus
Publication Number
US-10983017-B2
Publication Date
2021-04-20
Expiration Date
2033-09-25
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Abstract
An electrochemical sensor (100), comprising a substrate (105), two electrodes (130) and (140) screen printed onto said substrate, an elastomer (150) disposed over one of said plurality of screen printed electrodes, and one or more electroactive species disposed within said elastomer.
Core Innovation
The invention disclosed is an electrochemical sensor comprising a substrate, at least two electrodes screen printed onto the substrate, an elastomer disposed over one of the electrodes, and one or more electroactive species disposed within the elastomer. When a compressive force is applied, the concentration of the electroactive species in contact with the sensor's electrode increases, resulting in a measurable change in current or impedance.
The sensor may utilize materials such as hydrogels, polyurethane foam, or elastomeric polymers impregnated with ionic compounds or particles. The structure is specifically designed such that upon application of pressure, the electroactive species are physically displaced closer to an electrode, which proportionally increases the current flow measured between the electrodes. Calibration and measurement of pressure are enabled by relating the increase in current to the force applied.
The problem addressed by this invention is the need for reliably and reproducibly creating multiple pressure transducers for use in biomechanics, including applications related to human-machine interfaces, orthopedics, in-vitro experiments, and the design of orthotic-prosthetic devices. This electrochemical sensor advances the field by allowing interface pressure measurements with improved reliability and manufacturability.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims, each highlighting distinct inventive features pertaining to electrochemical pressure sensors and their integration into prosthetic devices.
Electrochemical sensor with pressure-induced current increase
An electrochemical sensor comprising: - A substrate with first, second, and third electrodes screen printed onto the surface, with the third electrode serving as a reference electrode. - An elastomer impregnated with a ferricyanide solution, disposed over only the first electrode. - A compressible polymeric material continuously disposed over and in contact with the elastomer and all three electrodes. - The sensor is configured such that concentration of ferricyanide in contact with the first electrode increases upon application of compressive force, resulting in proportional increase in current flow between the first and second electrodes.
Prosthetic device with plurality of electrochemical sensors on its surface
A prosthetic device comprising: - A plurality of the aforesaid electrochemical sensors disposed on a surface of the prosthetic device. - The sensors measure pressure/contact force and provide corresponding output.
Prosthetic device containing at least nine electrochemical sensors and a display device
A prosthetic device comprising: - At least nine electrochemical sensors, each having: - A flexible substrate; - First, second, and third electrodes (third being a reference electrode) screen printed onto the substrate; - An elastomer impregnated with ferricyanide solution disposed over only the first electrode; - A compressible polyurethane foam continuously disposed over the elastomer and the electrodes. - When compressive force is applied, concentration of ferricyanide in contact with the first electrode increases, causing a proportional current increase between the first and second electrodes. - Each sensor's current output is independently indicated on the display device.
The independent claims cover an electrochemical sensor responsive to mechanical pressure via a pressure-responsive electroactive configuration, and integration of such sensors into prosthetic devices with multi-sensor capability and individual signal indication.
Stated Advantages
Provides a reliable and reproducible method for creating multiple pressure transducers for use in biomechanics.
Enables measuring interface pressure and contact stress distributions between adjacent surfaces, supporting advanced applications in medical, engineering, and related fields.
Demonstrates linear and repeatable calibration between applied force and measured current, allowing quantitative pressure sensing.
Documented Applications
Measuring interface pressure in human-machine interfaces for ergonomics.
Studies of joint congruency in orthopedics.
Use in in-vitro cadaveric experimentation.
Integration into prosthetic and orthotic devices to enable biofeedback.
Use in a prosthetic device to measure pressure and provide output to a display device indicating pressure at different locations.
Technologies in medical, engineering, and other appliances requiring pressure measurement.
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