A scoliosis monitoring method based on a sponge piezoresistive sensor

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of based on sponge piezoresistive sensor scoliosis monitoring method, it includes: preparation several sponge piezoresistive sensors, and array arrangement on a piece of sponge, form a piezoresistive sensor array;Piezoresistive sensor array is used as inner lining material and is fixed to the inner side of orthopedic brace, and make piezoresistive sensor array and the main scoliosis point of human body torso contact;After patient wears orthopedic brace with piezoresistive sensor array, piezoresistive sensor array gathers the stress data generated by human body due to scoliosis;Stress data is transmitted to terminal for analysis by wireless, and orthopedic brace is adjusted according to analysis result, and the position of patient scoliosis is orthopedically targeted;The monitoring method of the scheme can realize the evaluation of the correction condition of scoliosis patient, can carry out orthopedic brace timely adjustment or replacement, so that orthopedic brace can exert appropriate stress on the part to be orthopedically, to improve the orthopedic effect of orthopedic brace to patient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sensor technology, and specifically to a method for monitoring scoliosis based on a sponge piezoresistive sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Scoliosis, commonly known as scoliosis, is a pathological condition in which one or more segments of the spine deviate from the midline of the body in the coronal plane and bend laterally. It is especially common in adolescents. If left untreated, scoliosis can worsen, leading to pulmonary dysfunction, back pain, and even death. Diagnosis and treatment decisions for scoliosis are usually made based on the Cobb angle (the lateral deflection angle of the spine). When the Cobb angle is between 20° and 45°, patients usually use corrective braces to stabilize the spine and correct its posture. Scoliosis braces correct scoliosis by applying corrective pressure to three main support points: the apex of the thoracic or thoracolumbar curve, and the contralateral axillary and pelvic support points. While the use of corrective braces has, to some extent, prevented the worsening of scoliosis and improved patients' quality of life, the main mechanisms of action of the braces and the human trunk remain unclear. During treatment, patients need regular X-ray examinations, and clinicians manually measure the state of scoliosis and spinal stenosis based on the X-ray films to determine the next treatment plan. This process is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and inefficient. Furthermore, it is heavily influenced by the doctor's experience and subjective factors, leading to significant errors in diagnosis among different doctors for the same patient. For confirmed cases, the inability to promptly determine the spinal recovery status and assess the treatment effect of the brace, coupled with the need for irregular X-ray examinations, results in higher medical costs and radiation exposure, further limiting the treatment efficiency of corrective braces.

[0003] In recent years, flexible electronics technology has developed rapidly and has been widely used in wearable devices, human-computer interaction, augmented reality devices, and electronic skin, making a particularly important contribution to the development of health monitoring. Compared with traditional medicine, which can only provide short-term information on the body's physiological condition, the health monitoring provided by flexible electronics technology has obvious advantages. Wearable sensors can monitor abnormal changes in physical or chemical components in real time, report abnormal bodily states in a timely manner, and facilitate early detection and long-term continuous observation of diseases. Under this emerging health monitoring model, individuals can receive real-time feedback on their physiological state. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a method for monitoring scoliosis based on a sponge piezoresistive sensor, which solves the problem of difficulty in real-time and reliable monitoring of scoliosis in existing technologies.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A method for monitoring scoliosis based on a sponge piezoresistive sensor is provided, which includes the following steps:

[0007] S1: Prepare several sponge piezoresistive sensors and arrange them in an array on a sponge to form a piezoresistive sensor array;

[0008] S2: Fix the piezoresistive sensor array as the inner lining material to the inside of the orthopedic brace, and make the piezoresistive sensor array contact the main lateral bending points of the human torso.

[0009] S3: After the patient wears an orthopedic brace with a piezoresistive sensor array, the piezoresistive sensor array collects stress data generated in the human body due to scoliosis.

[0010] S4: The stress data is wirelessly transmitted to the terminal for analysis, and the orthotic brace is adjusted according to the analysis results to provide targeted correction for the patient's scoliosis.

[0011] The beneficial effects of adopting the above technical solution are as follows: The monitoring method of this solution can realize the assessment of the correction status of scoliosis patients, reduce the number of tests and costs of traditional detection methods, as well as the potential harm to the human body; at the same time, the piezoresistive sensor array is encapsulated inside the orthotic brace, which is convenient for patients to wear daily and has the function of real-time monitoring of stress changes in the area to be corrected. When an abnormal state occurs, the orthotic brace can be adjusted or replaced in a timely manner, so that the orthotic brace can apply appropriate stress to the area to be corrected, thereby improving the orthotic brace's corrective effect on the patient.

[0012] Furthermore, the stress data in step S3 includes the pressure data measured by the sponge piezoresistive sensor and the position data of the sponge piezoresistive sensor on the sponge.

[0013] Furthermore, the stress data analysis method in step S4 includes:

[0014] A1: If the pressure data on the piezoresistive sensor array is uniform and there are no prominent pressure points, proceed to step A2; if the pressure data on the piezoresistive sensor array is not uniform, but all pressure data are within the set pressure range, proceed to step A2; if the pressure data on the piezoresistive sensor array is not uniform and some pressure data exceed the set pressure range, proceed to step A3.

[0015] A2: No adjustment of the orthotic brace is required;

[0016] A3: Determine the location of the patient's scoliosis based on the position of the three-dimensional sponge piezoresistive sensor corresponding to the pressure data that exceeds the set pressure range, and make targeted adjustments or replacements to the orthotic brace according to the location of the patient's scoliosis until the pressure data on the piezoresistive sensor array is uniform and there are no protruding pressure points.

[0017] Furthermore, the method for fabricating several sponge piezoresistive sensors in step S1 includes:

[0018] B1: Prepare several PU / MXene / PDMS composite sponges;

[0019] B2: Cut several polyimide films to correspond to the dimensions of the two sides of the composite sponge, and deposit metal on the polyimide films by magnetron sputtering to obtain electrodes. Attach the electrodes to the two sides of the PU / MXene / PDMS composite sponge, and connect the electrodes on both sides to the pins of the control circuit board. Encapsulate with polyurethane tape to obtain the sponge piezoresistive sensor.

[0020] The beneficial effects of adopting the above technical solution are as follows: when the electrodes on both sides of the sponge piezoresistive sensor are squeezed, the flexible sponge will deform, which will change the connection state between the MXene inside, change the number of conductive paths, and change its resistance, thereby converting the pressure signal into an electrical signal.

[0021] Furthermore, the preparation method of the PU / MXene / PDMS composite sponge in step B1 includes:

[0022] C1: Cut polyurethane foam into several cube-shaped pieces of the required size;

[0023] C2: Soak the sponge in alcohol for a preset time, then clean the sponge.

[0024] C3: Soak the sponge in chitosan solution for a preset time, then dry the sponge;

[0025] C4: The sponge is placed in the MXene solution and repeatedly squeezed and soaked to obtain a PU / MXene composite sponge with a porous foam structure, and then vacuum dried.

[0026] C5: The PU / MXene composite sponge is placed in a mixed solution of PDMS and n-hexane and repeatedly squeezed and soaked to obtain the PU / MXene / PDMS composite sponge, which is then vacuum dried.

[0027] The beneficial effects of adopting the above technical solution are as follows: the PU / MXene / PDMS composite sponge prepared by the impregnation and drying method is suitable for mass production and easy to industrialize; at the same time, it can be used as a stress-sensitive layer between two electrodes, and through the strengthening effect of PDMS on the PU / MXene composite sponge, the PU / MXene / PDMS composite sponge has higher mechanical strength and electrical stability, which meets the needs of long-term stress monitoring in orthopedic braces for scoliosis.

[0028] Furthermore, in step C4, the solute in the MXene solution is one of Ti2C, Ti3C2, Mo2C, Mo2TiC2, or Mo2Ti2C3, and its concentration is 0.5 mg / mL to 5 mg / mL. MXene is a new type of two-dimensional layered structure material that is lightweight, thin, strong, flexible, and not easily damaged.

[0029] Furthermore, in step C5, the mixing ratio of the PDMS and n-hexane solution is one of 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, or 1:32. PDMS, or polydimethylsiloxane, ranges in appearance from a colorless, transparent volatile liquid to a highly viscous liquid or silica gel. It is odorless, highly transparent, and possesses heat resistance, cold resistance, low viscosity variation with temperature, water resistance, and low surface tension. It can be used to enhance the mechanical properties of composite sponges, giving them higher compressive and tensile strength. Different mixing ratios will also affect its mechanical properties; therefore, the appropriate mixing ratio can be selected according to the required pressure monitoring range.

[0030] Furthermore, step B2 also includes: engraving several cylindrical microstructures on the surface of the polyimide film, and during the pasting process, contacting the microstructures with the sides of the PU / MXene / PDMS composite sponge.

[0031] The beneficial effects of adopting the above technical solution are as follows: the microstructure on the electrode surface can reduce the contact area and thus increase the resistance when the sensor is under low pressure. As the pressure increases, the contact area between the electrode and the sensor also increases, thereby improving the sensor's sensitivity to pressure. This makes the sponge piezoresistive sensor have excellent electromechanical response and meet the stress monitoring needs of scoliosis patients under different activity states.

[0032] Furthermore, the method for fabricating the piezoresistive sensor array in step S1 includes:

[0033] D1: Cut polyurethane foam into plates to serve as a base, and open several through slots on the base, with the through slots arranged in an array.

[0034] D2: Place several sponge piezoresistive sensors in the through slot, and position the two electrodes of the sponge piezoresistive sensors at the two ends of the through slot respectively.

[0035] The beneficial effects of adopting the above technical solution are as follows: by preparing a piezoresistive sensor array, the stress detection area at the patient's scoliosis can be expanded, which is beneficial for analyzing and finding the specific location of the patient's scoliosis.

[0036] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0037] The detection method in this program can record the stress data changes within the orthotic brace from early screening to daily wear and follow-up visits during rehabilitation. Combined with multidimensional data such as X-rays, a large database of scoliosis orthopedic cases can be established, ultimately achieving standardized and regulated screening for scoliosis and reducing subjectivity and blind spots. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the fabrication method of a sponge piezoresistive sensor.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a graph showing the changes in sensor pressure and current.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of several sponge piezoresistive sensors in conjunction with a base.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a pressure mapping diagram of the piezoresistive sensor array under different states.

[0043] Among them, 1. base, 2. through groove, 3. sponge piezoresistive sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The specific embodiments of the present invention are described below to enable those skilled in the art to understand the present invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the scope of the specific embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various changes are obvious as long as they are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined and determined by the appended claims. All inventions utilizing the concept of the present invention are protected.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] The scoliosis monitoring method based on sponge piezoresistive sensor 3 in this scheme includes the following steps:

[0047] S1: Prepare several sponge piezoresistive sensors 3 and arrange them in an array on a sponge to form a piezoresistive sensor array;

[0048] S2: Fix the piezoresistive sensor array as the inner lining material to the inside of the orthopedic brace, and make the piezoresistive sensor array contact the main lateral bending points of the human torso.

[0049] S3: After the patient wears the orthopedic brace with the piezoresistive sensor array, the piezoresistive sensor array collects stress data generated by the human body due to scoliosis. The stress data includes the pressure data measured by the sponge piezoresistive sensor 3 and the position data of the sponge piezoresistive sensor 3 on the sponge.

[0050] S4: Stress data is wirelessly transmitted to a terminal for analysis, and the orthotic brace is adjusted based on the analysis results to provide targeted correction of the patient's scoliosis. Specific methods for stress data analysis include:

[0051] A1: If the pressure data on the piezoresistive sensor array is uniform and there are no prominent pressure points, proceed to step A2; if the pressure data on the piezoresistive sensor array is not uniform, but all pressure data are within the set pressure range, proceed to step A2; if the pressure data on the piezoresistive sensor array is not uniform and some pressure data exceed the set pressure range, proceed to step A3.

[0052] A2: No adjustment of the orthotic brace is required;

[0053] A3: Determine the location of the patient's scoliosis based on the position of the three-dimensional sponge piezoresistive sensor 3 corresponding to the pressure data that exceeds the set pressure range, and make targeted adjustments or replacements to the orthotic brace according to the location of the patient's scoliosis until the pressure data on the piezoresistive sensor array is uniform and there are no protruding pressure points.

[0054] This monitoring method enables the assessment of scoliosis correction in patients, reducing the frequency and cost of traditional testing methods and minimizing potential harm to the body. Simultaneously, the piezoresistive sensor array is encapsulated within the orthotic brace, facilitating daily wear by the patient and enabling real-time monitoring of stress changes in the area to be corrected. In case of abnormalities, the orthotic brace can be adjusted or replaced promptly, ensuring it applies appropriate stress to the corrected area and thus improving the orthotic effect on the patient.

[0055] The analytical method in this scheme can determine whether a patient is showing a tendency towards scoliosis. When the pressure data on the piezoresistive sensor array is uniform and there are no prominent pressure points, it indicates that the patient is not showing a tendency towards scoliosis, and the orthotic brace provides uniform and stable support, so no adjustment is needed. When the pressure data on the piezoresistive sensor array is uneven, but the pressure data are all within the set pressure range, it indicates that the patient is showing a tendency towards scoliosis, but the orthotic brace still provides good support for the scoliosis area, so no adjustment is needed. However, when the pressure data on the piezoresistive sensor array is uneven and some pressure data exceeds the set pressure range, it indicates that the patient is showing a severe tendency towards scoliosis, and the orthotic brace is failing to support the scoliosis area. Therefore, targeted adjustments or replacements of the orthotic brace are needed to ensure that it can specifically support and correct the scoliosis area to achieve a good corrective effect.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment further defines the process based on Embodiment 1. The method for preparing several sponge piezoresistive sensors 3 in step S1 includes:

[0058] B1: Preparation of several PU / MXene / PDMS composite sponges; specifically including:

[0059] C1: Cut polyurethane foam into several cube-shaped pieces of the required size;

[0060] C2: Soak the sponge in alcohol for 5-10 minutes, then rinse the sponge.

[0061] C3: Soak the sponge in chitosan solution for 8 hours, then dry the sponge;

[0062] C4: The sponge is placed in the MXene solution and repeatedly squeezed and soaked to obtain a PU / MXene composite sponge with a porous foam structure, and then vacuum dried.

[0063] C5: The PU / MXene composite sponge is placed in a mixed solution of PDMS and n-hexane and repeatedly squeezed and soaked to obtain the PU / MXene / PDMS composite sponge, which is then vacuum dried.

[0064] B2: Cut several polyimide films to correspond to the dimensions of the two sides of the composite sponge, and deposit metal on the polyimide films by magnetron sputtering to obtain electrodes. Attach the electrodes to the two sides of the PU / MXene / PDMS composite sponge, and connect the electrodes on both sides to the pins of the control circuit board. Encapsulate with polyurethane tape to obtain the sponge piezoresistive sensor 3.

[0065] When the electrodes on both sides of the sponge piezoresistive sensor 3 are squeezed, the flexible sponge deforms, causing changes in the connection state between the MXenes inside, altering the number of conductive pathways, and changing its resistance, thereby converting the pressure signal into an electrical signal. The PU / MXene / PDMS composite sponge prepared by the impregnation and drying method is suitable for mass production and easy to industrialize. It can also serve as a stress-sensitive layer between the two electrodes, and the reinforcement effect of PDMS on the PU / MXene composite sponge gives it higher mechanical strength and electrical stability, meeting the needs for long-term stress monitoring in orthopedic braces for scoliosis.

[0066] Example 3

[0067] This embodiment is a further limitation based on Embodiment 2, wherein the solute of the MXene solution in step C4 is one of Ti2C, Ti3C2, Mo2C, Mo2TiC2, and Mo2Ti2C3, and its concentration is 0.5mg / mL-5mg / mL; the preferred solute in this embodiment is Ti3C2, with a concentration of 1mg / mL. MXene material is a new two-dimensional layered structure material with the characteristics of being lightweight, thin, strong, and flexible, and not easily damaged.

[0068] Example 4

[0069] This embodiment further defines the process based on Embodiment 2, wherein the mixing ratio of the PDMS and n-hexane mixture in step C5 is one of 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, or 1:32, with a preferred mixing ratio of 1:4. PDMS, or polydimethylsiloxane, ranges in appearance from a colorless, transparent volatile liquid to a highly viscous liquid or silica gel. It is odorless, highly transparent, and possesses heat resistance, cold resistance, low viscosity variation with temperature, water resistance, and low surface tension. It can be used to enhance the mechanical properties of composite sponges, giving them higher compressive and tensile strength. Different mixing ratios will also affect its mechanical properties; therefore, the appropriate mixing ratio can be selected according to the required pressure monitoring range.

[0070] Example 5

[0071] This embodiment is a further limitation based on embodiment 2, wherein step B2 further includes: engraving several cylindrical microstructures on the surface of the polyimide film, and during the pasting process, contacting the microstructures with the side of the PU / MXene / PDMS composite sponge.

[0072] The microstructure on the electrode surface can reduce the contact area and thus increase the resistance when the sensor is under low pressure. As the pressure increases, the contact area between the electrode and the sensor also increases, thereby improving the sensor's sensitivity to pressure. This gives the sponge piezoresistive sensor 3 excellent electromechanical response, meeting the stress monitoring needs of scoliosis patients under different activity states.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the ordinate ΔI / I o Indicating the change in current relative to the initial current (without applied pressure), the sponge piezoresistive sensor 3 has a measurement range of up to 80 kPa and a sensitivity as high as 444.3 kPa. -1 This indicates that the sponge piezoresistive sensor 3 has both high sensitivity and a large measurement range.

[0074] Example 6

[0075] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment is a further limitation based on Embodiment 2, wherein the method for fabricating the piezoresistive sensor array in step S1 includes:

[0076] D1: Cut polyurethane foam into a plate shape to serve as base 1, and open several through slots 2 on base 1, with the several through slots 2 arranged in an array.

[0077] D2: Place several sponge piezoresistive sensors 3 in the through groove 2, and position the two electrodes of the sponge piezoresistive sensors 3 at the two ends of the through groove 2 respectively.

[0078] By fabricating a piezoresistive sensor array, the stress detection area at the patient's scoliosis can be expanded, which is beneficial for analyzing and locating the specific points of the patient's scoliosis.

[0079] Combining embodiments 1-6 above, a piezoresistive sensor array is attached to the left side of the inside of the orthotic brace to detect leftward deviation of the patient's spine. The entire sensor array is connected to an Arduino MEGA2560 development board. Data is read through an analog port, saved via serial port interaction with Python, and plotted in real time using matplotlib. Figure 5 As shown, the orthotic brace exerts greater pressure on the left side of the body, which is consistent with the corrective effect of the orthotic brace. Furthermore, the stress varies greatly depending on the posture. For scoliosis patients, the support force of the orthotic brace will change after the correction reaches a certain stage, which will reflect the treatment effect of the orthotic brace in a certain way, thereby achieving the purpose of monitoring scoliosis.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring scoliosis based on a sponge piezoresistive sensor, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Prepare several sponge piezoresistive sensors and arrange them in an array on a sponge to form a piezoresistive sensor array; The fabrication methods of sponge piezoresistive sensors include: B1: Preparation of several PU / MXene / PDMS composite sponges, the preparation methods include: C1: Cut polyurethane foam into several cube-shaped pieces of the required size; C2: Soak the sponge in alcohol for a preset time, then clean the sponge. C3: Soak the sponge in chitosan solution for a preset time, then dry the sponge; C4: The sponge is placed in the MXene solution and repeatedly squeezed and soaked to obtain a PU / MXene composite sponge with a porous foam structure, and then vacuum dried. C5: The PU / MXene composite sponge was placed in a mixed solution of PDMS and n-hexane and repeatedly squeezed and soaked to obtain the PU / MXene / PDMS composite sponge, which was then vacuum dried. B2: Cut several polyimide films to correspond to the dimensions of the two sides of the composite sponge, and deposit metal on the polyimide films by magnetron sputtering to obtain electrodes. Attach the electrodes to the two sides of the PU / MXene / PDMS composite sponge, and connect the electrodes on both sides to the pins of the control circuit board. Encapsulate with polyurethane tape to obtain the sponge piezoresistive sensor. S2: Fix the piezoresistive sensor array as the inner lining material to the inside of the orthopedic brace, and make the piezoresistive sensor array contact the main lateral bending points of the human torso. S3: After the patient wears an orthopedic brace with a piezoresistive sensor array, the piezoresistive sensor array collects stress data generated in the human body due to scoliosis. S4: Transmit stress data wirelessly to the terminal for analysis.

2. The method for monitoring scoliosis based on a sponge piezoresistive sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stress data in step S3 includes the pressure data measured by the sponge piezoresistive sensor and the position data of the sponge piezoresistive sensor on the sponge.

3. The method for monitoring scoliosis based on a sponge piezoresistive sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step C4, the solute in the MXene solution is one of Ti2C, Ti3C2, Mo2C, Mo2TiC2, or Mo2Ti2C3, and its concentration is 0.5 mg / mL to 5 mg / mL.

4. The method for monitoring scoliosis based on a sponge piezoresistive sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step C5, the mixing ratio of the PDMS and n-hexane solution is one of 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, or 1:

32.

5. The method for monitoring scoliosis based on a sponge piezoresistive sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step B2 further includes: carving several cylindrical microstructures on the surface of the polyimide film, and during the bonding process, contacting the microstructures with the sides of the PU / MXene / PDMS composite sponge.

6. The method for monitoring scoliosis based on a sponge piezoresistive sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fabrication method of the piezoresistive sensor array in step S1 includes: D1: Cut polyurethane foam into plates to serve as a base, and open several through slots on the base, with the through slots arranged in an array. D2: Place several sponge piezoresistive sensors in the through slot, and position the two electrodes of the sponge piezoresistive sensors at the two ends of the through slot respectively.

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