Measurement of pressure distribution on a membrane of a pump for biomedical applications through capacitive film sensors

• Published in: Measurement : journal of the International Measurement Confederation Vol. 55; pp. 110 - 116
• Main Authors: Garinei, A., Marsili, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2014
• Subjects: Capacitive sensors; Contact pressure; Pump for biomedical applications; Pump for biomedical applications; Contact pressure
• ISSN: 0263-2241; 1873-412X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.measurement.2014.04.040

•Pressure distribution on the membrane of a pump for biomedical applications is analyzed.•A system based on capacitive sensor matrix is used to measure pressure distribution.•The proposed technique permits to measure both static and dynamic pressure.•The calibration procedure permits the installation of the sensor on curved surfaces of any shape.•Loads acting on the most critical components of the pump are evaluated. The analysis of loads applied on pumps used for biomedical applications is very important for their design, to obtain high reliability and duration of their components. In this work, a capacitive sensor matrix is proposed for the measurement of the time history of pressure distribution on the membrane of a pump for biomedical applications. Capacitive sensor matrix are usually employed for quasi-static analysis, thus specific calibration methods are proposed for the metrological characterization of the measurement system. Pressure measurements are then performed to provide information about the loads acting on the most critical components of the pump.