Mechanical shape sensor and data recorder

Abstract

A mechanical shape sensor measures and provides a two-dimensional representation of the contour of a person's thighs and buttocks or the dorsal and lateral surfaces of a person's trunk for facilitating the fabrication of custom contoured seat cushions such as for use in a wheelchair. The mechanical shape sensor is integrated in a chair-like base capable of multiple adjustments to accommodate a range of dimensions and sizes of persons being measured. The mechanical shape sensor converts the three-dimensional contoured support surface of a person seated on an array of movable support elements into a two-dimensional format which is recorded on a data sheet in a form which is easily transmitted via telecommunications link to a central locatin for fabricating a custom contoured seat cushion. Each of the moveable support elements is coupled to a position marker in the data recorder. The position markers are disposed adjacent a pressure-sensitive data sheet inserted in the data recorder for engaging the data sheet and imprinting data points thereon when urged toward the data sheet by an impression-forming mechanism comprised of a pair of opposed rollers which are manually displaced in unison over the position markers. Each data point represents the depth of contour of the seat cushion at a given location with a person seated thereon. The data sheet is then removed from the data recorder for use in fabricating a custom contoured seat cushion.