Prosthetic sensing systems and methods

A sensing system for use with a prosthetic limb, comprising:

• a support member configured for attachment to a prosthetic limb having a longitudinal axis;
• a plurality of sensor arrays disposed on the support member, each array including a plurality of strain gauge sensors, each sensor outputting an electrical signal responsive to loading imposed on the support member through the prosthetic limb;
• the plurality of sensor arrays including at least one array having a sensor aligned with the axis of the support member;
• electronic circuitry in communication with the gauges, the electronic circuitry being operative to receive the electrical signals from the strain gauges and provide a signal useful in the form, fit or function of the prosthetic limb;
• a pair of inclinometers, one disposed on either side of an articulating joint;
• and
• wherein the electronic circuitry is operative to receive signals from the inclinometers and output data approximating a goniometer.

A sensing system for use with a prosthetic limb, comprising:

• a support member configured for attachment to a prosthetic limb having a longitudinal axis;
• a plurality of sensor arrays disposed on the support member, each array including a plurality of strain gauge sensors, each sensor outputting an electrical signal responsive to loading imposed on the support member through the prosthetic limb;
• the plurality of sensor arrays including at least one array having a sensor aligned with the axis of the support member;
• electronic circuitry in communication with the gauges, the electronic circuitry being operative to receive the electrical signals from the strain gauges and provide a signal useful in the form, fit or function of the prosthetic limb;
• a data collection module for receiving the signal from the electronic circuitry;
• an unaffected limb electronics package (ULEP) including an inclinometer and accelerometer;
• and
• wherein the module for collecting data is further operative to receive data from the inclinometer and accelerometer of the ULEP to analyze the gait of a user.

A sensing system for use with a prosthetic limb, comprising:

• a support member configured for attachment to a prosthetic limb having a longitudinal axis;
• a plurality of sensor arrays disposed on the support member, each array including a plurality of strain gauge sensors, each sensor outputting an electrical signal responsive to loading imposed on the support member through the prosthetic limb;
• the plurality of sensor arrays including at least one array having a sensor aligned with the axis of the support member;
• electronic circuitry in communication with the gauges, the electronic circuitry being operative to receive the electrical signals from the strain gauges and provide a signal useful in the form, fit or function of the prosthetic limb;
• wherein the electronic circuitry is powered by a generator associated with said prosthetic limb;
• and
• the generator is a piezoelectric generator or a moving magnet generator.

A sensing system for use with a prosthetic limb, comprising:

• a support member configured for attachment to a prosthetic limb having a longitudinal axis;
• a plurality of sensor arrays disposed on the support member, each array including a plurality of strain gauge sensors, each sensor outputting an electrical signal responsive to loading imposed on the support member through the prosthetic limb;
• the plurality of sensor arrays including at least one array having a sensor aligned with the axis of the support member;
• electronic circuitry in communication with the gauges, the electronic circuitry being operative to receive the electrical signals from the strain gauges and provide a signal useful in the form, fit or function of the prosthetic limb;
• and
• further including a motion detector operative to activate the electronic circuitry when motion is detected.