Method and apparatus for evaluating a support surface

Details Method and apparatus for evaluating a support surface Method and apparatus for evaluating a support surface

1996-11-20

1999-10-26

Williams, Hezron

Measuring and testing

Orthopedic pressure distribution

A47C 3112

Patent

active

059707895

ABSTRACT:
An apparatus and method for evaluating pressure interface performance of a support surface for supporting a body are provided. The method includes the step of providing an array of pressure sensors covering substantially the entire support surface. The pressure sensors each provide an output signal indicating interface pressure with the body at one of a plurality of separate pressure nodes on the support surface. The method also includes the steps of engaging the support surface with the body, and calculating a pressure index using interface pressure output signals from the array of pressure sensors at all active pressure nodes to generate a single numeric value indicating pressure interface performance of the entire support surface.

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