Abstract

Foot force sensor for measuring compressive force exerted by a foot. The foot force sensor is in the form of an insole made of layers of relatively thin, planar, flexible, resilient, dielectric material. Electrical contact means having first and second poles and electrical leads extending therefrom is interposed between the layers of the insole. An electrically resistive material is also interposed between the layers of the insole but displaced from the electrical contact means. An electrically conductive interconnecting means is connected between the electrical contact means and the electrically resistive material. The electrically conductive interconnecting means has a plurality of electrically isolated conductive paths laterally displaced from one another and extending through it. The electrically conductive interconnecting means has an electrical resistance which decreases as a compressive force applied to it increases, whereby a closed electrical circuit with shear and hysteresis effects reduced by at least about 20% and with resistance varying with the amount of compressive force applied to the insole is established between the first pole and the second pole of the electrical contact means through the electrically conductive interconnecting means and the electrically resistive material.

Other References

• H. J. Chizeck, et al, A Foot Pressure Sensor for Use in Lower Extremity Neuroprosthetic Development, RESNA 8th Annual Conference, 1985
• Jacqueline J. Wertsch, et al, A Portable Insole Plantar Pressure Measurement System, Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, vol. 29, No. 1, 199