Undergraduate Research

Comparison of two pressure sensors used for evaluating performance of compression apparel

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Abstract

Conversations between the authors of this study and a major athletic apparel manufacturer in the United States highlighted the need for a wearable pressure sensing system that could help compression apparel designers visualize and evaluate the interface pressure for garments, such as compression arm sleeves. Several required sensor metrics have been already established by previous research. Such sensors should be thin (< 2 mm) and flexible and have a direct connection to a graphic interface. They should sense pressure applied in the range of 0- 40 mmHg, and the sensing elements should be able to be located along prominent muscle groups (triceps, biceps, etc.). Performance benchmarking metrics for repeatability of sensor pressure measurements set the error of accuracy at ±2.5% within tested range. The purpose of this research was to investigate which commercial piezoresistive pressure sensor could be used by compression apparel designers into a customizable wearable solution to visualize and assess the performance of their designs, aiming to improve existing products by minimizing compression loss over time.

Keywords: pressure sensor, compression apparel, design

How to Cite:

Ugra, H., Monteverdi, C., Polino, R., Bishop, J., Buckley, J. & Gorea, A., (2024) “Comparison of two pressure sensors used for evaluating performance of compression apparel”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17405