Pressure ulcers, also known as pressure injuries or bedsores, are considered a major health concern – one of the most costly, preventable and physically debilitating conditions of the 21st century. Most vulnerable to this condition are individuals confined to wheelchairs and/or beds due to injury, illness or age. To reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers and to further enhance the overall understanding of this condition, we are developing a soft, flexible and stretchable pressure sensor array made out of low-cost materials that is scalable in size and resolution, robust, shape-conforming, and capable of measuring pressure for extended periods of time within the desired pressure range for pressure ulcers. This technology, which we also refer to as the Smart Sheet, allows us to monitor at-risk individuals’ pressure distribution on wheelchairs and beds throughout their day, and determine the high-risk pressure ulcer areas that form. Together with an incorporated alert system, users and healthcare professionals will be able to intervene in risky situations early to prevent these debilitating conditions from developing.
Pressure sensing sheet prototype and readout circuit board
Justin Wyss is a PhD Student in the Molecular Mechatronics Laboratory, who is leading this project. He has presented his Master’s research work at the 2021 UBC 3-Minute-Thesis competition, where he ranked in the Top 5 across all graduate students.
His presentation can be found here.