Portable Healthcare: Prosthetics & Bionics

 

Sensors are playing an increasingly important role in the development of prosthetics technology. They are used to measure a variety of parameters, such as pressure, temperature, and movement, which can be used to improve the performance and comfort of prosthetic limbs. For example, pressure sensors can be used to monitor the fit of a prosthetic socket, while temperature sensors can be used to detect skin irritation. Movement sensors can be used to control the movement of a prosthetic limb, or to provide feedback to the user or imagine the use of Smart Materials, such as artificial muscles and sensors, that are being incorporated into prosthetic limbs to make them more responsive and lifelike.

In addition to traditional sensors, new technologies such as advanced nueral interfaces, artificial intelligence and machine learning are being used to develop more advanced prosthetics could give amputees much more precise and natural control over their prosthetic limbs. These technologies can be used to analyze sensor data and make predictions about the user's needs. For example, AI could be used to predict how much force a user is applying to a prosthetic limb, or to detect when a user is about to lose their balance.

The use of sensors in prosthetics is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way prosthetic limbs are designed and used. By providing real-time feedback and control, sensors can help to improve the functionality, comfort, and safety of prosthetic limbs.

How sensors are being used in bionics & prosthetics:

  • Pressure sensors: Used to monitor the fit of a prosthetic socket. identify and adjust pressure based on texture, density and material.
  • Temperature sensors: For detecting hor or cold environments and objects.
  • Movement sensors: Tracking positions of the limbs for precise movement control.
  • EMG sensors: Used to detect and transmit electrical signals from muscles for better control of movement of a prosthetic limb, or to provide more precise feedback to the user.
  • EEG sensors: Used to detect and transmit electrical signals from the brain.

The use of sensors in prosthetics is a rapidly developing field. As new technologies emerge, we can expect to see even more innovative and sophisticated prosthetic devices being developed but how do these sensors communicate their data? The newest prosthetics and bionics need connectors that are both small, durable and robust to carry the vital information throughout the device. That's where Rosenberger comes in.

 

The Right Connector for New Bionics and Prosthetics Technologies

Due to ever higher signal frequencies and data rates as well as packing density and signal integrity requirements, the need for high-performance and high-quality connection solutions is growing. The use of connectors in bionic devices presents two challenges: the compensation of manufacturing and assembly tolerances, and movement from shocks, vibration, or temperature changes.

Rosenberger connections therefore offer designers a high degree of flexibility with regard to alignment tolerances, simplifying the entire production process. An additional key feature is the adapter (bullet). This maintains transmission integrity in the event of slight axial and radial misalignment.

Rosenberger WSMP® NexGen Connectors, bullets and cable assemblies are extremely compact and capable of handling frequencies up to 100 GHz. WSMP® connectors are about 45 % smaller than standard SMP connectors for allowing high packing density. Featuring a push-on coupling mechanism and enabling a minimum board-to-board distance of 3.05 mm, they are optimized for customer-specific footprints and layout recommendations.  They are certified according DIN EN 9100 for aerospace applications.

  •    PCB connectors (SMD smooth bore and full detent)
  •    Cable connectors
  •    Multiport Connectors
  •    Edge-Mount Connectors
  •    Hermetic Sealed Connectors
  •    Bullets in different lengths
  •    Adaptors
  •    Tools

Robust and Reliable

Connectors are essential components of prosthetics and bionics. They provide the link between the human body and the artificial limb, allowing for the transmission of power, data, and signals. There are many different types of connectors used in prosthetics and bionics, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Building for the Future

Researchers are constantly developing new and improved connectors for prosthetics and bionics. The goal is to create connectors that are more reliable, comfortable, and efficient, and that provide the user with the best possible control over their artificial limb. Rosenberger is helping to lead the way in connectivity.

 

Tiny and Powerful

Rosenberger WSMPCoaxial Miniature RF Connectors are a push-on interconnect system that presents superior flexibility. The WSMP series miniature connectors offer 50Ω impedance and a high-frequency performance up to 100GHz. These components feature center-to-center spacing of 2.15mm with a board-to-board height of 4.99mm.

  • DC to 100GHz frequency range
  • 50Ω impedance
  • Center-to-center spacing of 2.15mm (0.085")
  • Board-to-board height of 4.99mm (0.196") increase package density
  • 45% smaller than SMP
  • 35% smaller than mini SMP
  • Available in multiport versions
  • Bullets in different lengths accommodate axial and radial misalignments
  • Insertion and extraction tools facilitate assembly
 

Connectivity Solutions

 

Nick Parker

Rosenberger North America - Akron
309 Colonial Drive
Akron PA 17501
United States

Phone: +1 717 859-8900