Bending Angle Sensor Based on Double-Layer Capacitance Suitable for Human Joint

Goal
: To develop bending angle sensors based on double-layer capacitance for monitoring joint angles during cycling exercises.
Methods
: We develop a bending angle sensor based on double-layer capacitive and conducted three stretching, bending, and cycling tests to evaluate its validity.
Results
: We demonstrate that the bending angle sensor based on double-layer capacitance minimizes the change in the capacitance difference in the stretching test. The hysteresis and root mean square error (RMSE) compared with the optical motion capture show hysteresis: 8.0% RMSE and 3.1° in the bending test. Moreover, a cycling experiment for human joint angle measurements confirm the changes in accuracy. The RMSEs ranged from 4.7° to 7.0°, even when a human wears leggings fixed with the developed bending-angle sensor in the cycling test.
Conclusion
: The developed bending angle sensor provides a practical application of the quantitative and observational evaluation tool for knee joint angles.