Flexible tactile sensor for measuring foot pressure distributions and

Abstract

A force and pressure sensor is provided having two sets of parallel electrodes which are positioned facing one another and arranged so that electrodes of one set cross the electrodes of the second set at an angle to create a plurality of electrode intersections. Pressure-sensitive resistive material lies between the electrodes at each intersection. An adhesive layer is applied to at least one of the electrode sets in areas between electrode intersections to secure the first and second electrode sets in facing relationship, the adhesive layer preferably being applied in a pattern which provides passages where the adhesive layer does not exist to allow air to escape from interior areas of the electrode set. The thickness of the adhesive layer may be adjusted to permit preloading or to provide a threshold level for the sensor. In order to permit electrodes of the electrode set to be trimmed around their periphery, electrical contact to each electrode of the electrode sets is made intermediate the ends of the electrodes. This is accomplished by providing an insulating layer over the rear of each electrode set having holes therein at the desired intersection points and having a plurality of connecting conductors on the back of the insulating sheet, one for each electrode, which make contact with the corresponding electrode through the hole in the insulating sheet.