Flexible angular sensor [and biomechanical application]

Abstract

A novel flexible sturdy angular sensor, based on a new simple principle, has been realized and successfully tested. This sensor yields the angular value between the extremities independently of the path of the flexible part. The sensitive element is mounted in a Wheatstone bridge, leading to a very simple output signal processing and good temperature independence. The first measurements demonstrate a precision of /spl plusmn/2/spl deg/ on a stroke of 100/spl deg/ and a resolution of less than .1/spl deg/. Biomechanical applications of this sensor have been demonstrated by measuring knee rotation during walking.