Abstract: A method includes coating at least one conductive element of an electronic device with an electrically non-conductive thixotropic liquid. An electronic device includes a first layer including an upper conductive element, a second layer including a lower conductive element, and a spacer positioned between the layers. The first layer, the second layer, and the spacer define a sensing chamber in which the upper and lower conductive elements move to vary the resistance of the electronic device. A non-conductive thixotropic liquid is present within the sensing chamber. Movement of the layers toward each other displaces the thixotropic liquid from an initial state coating at least one of the conductive elements to permit contact between the conductive elements, and movement of the first layer and the second layer away from each other returns the thixotropic liquid to the initial state.

Abstract: A sole (100) or inner sole for a shoe is provided. The sole (100) or inner sole comprises: a toe region (28) for supporting a user's toes; a forefoot region (26) for supporting a user's forefoot; a midfoot region (24) for supporting a user's arch; and a heel region (22) for supporting a user's heel. A longitudinal direction (X) extends from the heel region (22) towards the toe region (28). A lateral direction (Y) transverse to the longitudinal direction (X) extends from an inner side to an outer side of the sole (100) or inner sole. A plurality of force sensors (10) distributed throughout the sole (100) or inner sole.

Abstract: A method and system for calibrating a measurement from a shoe-based sensor device for measuring pressure at one or more parts of a shoe sole and providing at least one pressure sensor measurement signal indicating the measured pressure, the method being performed at a processor that receives the at least one pressure sensor measurement signal and including: determining a minimum value for the at least one pressure sensor measurement signal and storing the determined minimum value as a correction constant in a data memory associated with the processor; and correcting a value for the at least one pressure sensor measurement signal received subsequent to the step of storing, by the stored correction constant.

Abstract: A force sensitive resistor includes first and second electrical contacts, and a layer of deformable material impregnated with carbon nanotubes. The layer of deformable material is arranged between the first and second electrical contacts. A difference in the conductivity of the impregnated material caused by deformation of the material is detectable across the contacts. A method of manufacturing a force sensitive resistor includes the steps of providing first and second electrical contacts, and arranging a deformable material impregnated with carbon nanotubes between the first and second electrical contacts. Again, a difference in the conductivity of the impregnated material caused by deformation of the material is detectable across the contacts.

Abstract: A sealed force-sensitive resistor is provided. The sealed force-sensitive resistor includes: a bottom layer; a first conductive element attached to the bottom layer and a top layer. The top layer is sealed to the bottom layer in an airtight manner. The force-sensitive resistor further comprises a spacer ring surrounding the first conductive element and a flexible top sensor layer. The top sensor layer is attached across the spacer ring and comprises a second conductive element facing the first conductive element. The flexible top sensor layer is moveable in use in relation to the flexible bottom layer to vary the resistance of the force sensitive resistor. The force-sensitive resistor further comprises an air permeable spacer material between the top and bottom layer.

Abstract: A sensor pad is provided. The sensor pad comprises a first layer and a second layer of padding material, each having an inner face. The inner face of the first layer is provided with a first printed conductive ink track and the inner face of the second layer is provided with a second printed conductive ink track. At least one of the layers is provided on its inner face with a plurality of raised portions between adjacent runs of the printed track to provide a spacer layer across the sensor pad, which improves the ability of the sensor pad to return to a pre-impact configuration following an impact. The plurality of raised portions maintain the two printed tracks apart when the sensor is unstressed but allow localised contact between the first and second printed tracks when pressure is applied to the sensor pad.

Abstract: A force sensitive resistor is provided comprising: a flexible bottom layer of a first material, comprising a first conductive element attached to the bottom layer; a spacer ring attached to the bottom layer, the spacer ring surrounding the first conductive element and extending away from the bottom layer; and a flexible top sensor layer of a second material attached across the spacer ring comprising a second conductive element facing the first conductive element. The flexible top sensor layer is moveable relative to the flexible bottom layer to vary the resistance of the force sensitive resistor. The Young's Modulus of the first material is less than the Young's Modulus of the second material. The flexible bottom layer extends past the spacer ring. The foregoing arrangement locally limits the amount of flexion of the lower layer in the region surrounding the first conductive element, thereby ensuring accurate data can be obtained.

Abstract: Inner soles including a pressure sensor, transmitter, a global positioning tracking device, an accelerometer, a power source and control circuit are provided, as well as systems including the inner soles and methods of use.

Abstract: A structure to absorb, dissipate and measure a force includes a plurality of distinct layers. The layers include a first impact absorbing material having an outer face facing the direction of expected impact and an opposite inner face, an impact dissipating layer adjacent to the inner face of the first impact absorbing material and having a higher flexural rigidity than the first impact absorbing material, a second impact absorbing material having an outer face adjacent to the impact dissipating layer and an opposite inner face, and having a lower hardness than the impact dissipating layer, and a pressure sensor arranged across the inner face of the second impact absorbing material. An impact on the outer face is partially absorbed by that material, dissipated by the impact dissipating layer and further absorbed by the second impact absorbing material, with the remaining transmitted force being sensed by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A wearable garment includes at least one impact absorbing pad with an inner face facing the body of a wearer and an opposite outer face, and a pressure sensor on the side of the pad faced by the inner face of the pad positioned so as to measure the effect at the inner face of an impact on the outer face after a portion of the impact has been absorbed by the pad.