WO2015136486A1

WO2015136486A1 - Pressure detection sheet

Info

Publication number: WO2015136486A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/051822
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erez STEINER; Doron Teomim
Original assignee: Enhanced Surface Dynamics, Inc.
Priority date: 2014-03-13
Filing date: 2015-03-12
Publication date: 2015-09-17

Abstract

A pressure detection sheet configured to detect pressure applied thereto by a subject is provided. The pressure detection sheet comprises a sensor array configured to detect pressure, and a generally planarly extending housing. The sensor array comprises a plurality of sensors and connectors electrically 5 connecting them. The housing comprises a chamber defining a cavity containing the sensors there within in fluid communication with each other, and in fluid isolation from outside the chamber. The housing is designed to allow fluid flow transversely therethrough between the sensors.

Description

PRESSURE DETECTION SHEET

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to pressure detection sheets. More particularly, it relates to such sheets for use with medical aids for prevention of pressure wounds such as decubitus ulcers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pressure wounds such as decubitus ulcers, which are commonly known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, are lesions developed when a localized area of soft tissue is compressed between a bony prominence and an external surface for a prolonged period of time. Pressure ulcers may appear in various parts of the body, and their development is affected by a combination of factors such as unrelieved pressure, friction, shearing forces, humidity and temperature.

Existing solutions for prevention of pressure wounds are typically either passive (e.g., various types of cushioning) or active, including a range of dynamic mattresses that alternate the inflation/deflation of air cells. Both of these types of solutions aim to redistribute pressure a mattress exerts on a user lying or sitting thereupon.

In addition to redistributing pressure, mattresses designed to prevent pressure wounds should be breathable, i.e., they should be configured to allow airflow therethrough when a user is lying or sitting thereupon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed toward providing a pressure detection sheet configured to detect pressure applied thereto by a subject, comprising a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors configured to detect pressure. The sensor array is designed to allow fluid flow transversely between the sensors, wherein the sensor array is in fluid isolation from the transverse flow.

According to one aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a pressure detection sheet configured to detect pressure applied thereto by a subject, the pressure detection sheet comprising a sensor array configured to detect pressure, and a generally planarly extending housing, the sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors and connectors electrically connecting them, wherein the housing is designed to allow fluid flow (in particular air, moisture, humidity, etc.) transversely therethrough between the sensors.

The housing may comprise a chamber defining a cavity and containing the sensors therewithin in fluid communication with each other, and in fluid isolation from outside said chamber.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a pressure detection sheet configured to detect pressure applied thereto by a subject, the pressure detection sheet comprising a sensor array configured to detect pressure, and a generally planarly extending housing, the sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors and connectors electrically connecting them, wherein the housing comprises a chamber defining a cavity and containing the sensors therewithin in fluid communication with each other, and in fluid isolation from outside said chamber.

According to any of the above aspects, the housing may comprise through-going apertures to facilitate the transverse fluid flow.

The chamber may comprise compartments fluidly connected by channels, wherein the sensors are disposed within the compartments, and the connectors pass through the channels to connect the sensors.

The apertures may each comprise a perimeter defined by adjacent compartments and channels.

The compartments may define concavities in the perimeters. The housing may comprise a planar first layer bonded to a second layer comprising a bulge defining the chamber.

The first and second layers may be bonded together by one or more of welding, such as RF welding, bonding, and gluing.

The bulge may be formed by vacuum forming.

The housing may be made of a stretchable material.

The housing may be made of a material selected from the group including polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, silicones, and rubber, including synthetic rubbers such as butyl rubber and neoprene.

Each of the sensors may comprise a capacitive element having two terminals separated by a compressible dielectric material. It will be appreciated that herein the specification and claims, the term "capacitive element" is not limited to an individual element provided for use in an electronic circuit, but rather to any arrangement designed to store energy electrostatically by providing two conductive elements separated by a dielectric.

Each of the terminals may comprise an electrically conductive planar element.

One of the terminals may be electrically connected to one of the connectors, with the other of the terminals being connected to a different one of the connectors.

Each of the connectors may be connected to a plurality of serially aligned sensors.

The length of each connector between points of connection of the sensors and the connectors may exceed the distance therebetween.

The connectors may project from one or more edges of the housing.

The sensor array may comprise one or more data cables attached to the connectors, each of the data cables comprising a terminal configured for connection to an external system. According to a further aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a method for assembling a pressure detection sheet, the method comprising:

• providing two sheets and a sensor array comprising sensors connected by connectors;

• forming a chamber on a first of the sheets;

• arranging the sensor array within the chamber;

• attaching the second sheet to the first sheet, so as to form perimeters defining areas of the sheets between the sensors;

• punching out the areas, thereby forming apertures in the pressure

detection sheet between the sensors.

The forming may comprise one or more of vacuum forming and molding.

The arranging may comprise assembling the sensor array within the chamber.

The attaching may comprise one or more of welding, including RF welding, bonding, and gluing.

The forming of apertures may comprise punching out the areas of the sheets between the sensors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the embodiments and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.

With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of selected embodiments only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding; the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several selected embodiments may be put into practice. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a pressure detection sheet according to the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 2 is a closeup top view of a chamber of the pressure detection sheet illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a sensor array of the pressure detection sheet illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a sensor of the sensor array illustrated in

Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a closeup perspective view of the sensor array disposed within the chamber illustrated in Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 A is a schematic illustration of a data cable according to modifications of the sensor array illustrated in Fig. 2;

Fig. 6B is a front view of a terminal of the data cable illustrated in Fig.

6A;

Fig. 7 illustrates a method of assembling a pressure detection sheet; and Fig. 8 illustrates a casing layer for use in the method illustrated in Fig. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As illustrated in Fig. 1, there is provided a pressure detection sheet, which is generally indicated at 10. The pressure detection sheet is configured to detect pressure applied thereto by a subject, which may be, for example, a person lying or sitting thereupon. The pressure detection sheet 10 may be part of, or be designed to work with, a system for detecting and monitor such pressure.

The pressure detection sheet 10 comprises a flexible housing 12 having upper- and lower-facing surfaces 12a, 12b with a sensor array 14 disposed therewithin. The housing 12 is configured to permit transverse fluid flow, in particular air, moisture, humidity, etc., therethrough from one surface of the housing to the other (via apertures 28, as will be described below with reference to Fig. 2), thereby facilitating ventilation, while keeping the sensor array 14 in fluid isolation from the fluid flowing transversely therethrough, i.e., in fluid isolation from the outside of the housing. The sensor array 14 is configured to facilitate the detection.

The housing 12 may be made of any water impermeable and stretchable material, for example polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, silicones, or rubber (including synthetic rubbers such as butyl rubber and neoprene). It may comprise a planar base layer 16 bonded to a casing layer 18, for example by welding, bonding, gluing, etc., which is shaped to receive the sensor array 14 therewithin. For this purpose, the casing layer 18 is formed with a chamber 20. The shape of the casing layer 18 may be formed by vacuum forming. According to a modification, the base layer 16 and casing layer may each be formed with part of the chamber 20.

The bonding of the base layer 16 to the casing layer 18 creates a cavity within the chamber 20 wherein all regions of the cavity are in fluid communication with each other, and in fluid isolation from the outside of the housing 12. Thus, when a person, for example, exerts pressure on part of the chamber 20, the pressure is distributed to the rest of the chamber, thereby promoting the comfort provided by the housing 12 to a person, e.g., lying or sitting, thereon.

As illustrated in Fig. 2, the chamber 20 comprises a plurality of compartments 22, each connected to adjacent compartments by channels 24. Although the channels are illustrated as defining substantially straight paths between adjacent compartments 26, it will be appreciated that they may be formed having other shapes, including, but not limited to, V-shapes, zigzags, sin waves, etc., without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter mutatis mutandis. Adjacent compartments 22 and channels 24 define perimeters 26 of through-going apertures 28 disposed therebetween. The shapes of the apertures 28 may be concave. For example, edges of the compartments 22 defining the perimeter 26 may define concavities 30 in the perimeter projecting inwardly to the aperture. In particular, the concavities 30 may be provided in pairs disposed on opposite sides of the perimeter 26. The concave shape of the apertures 28 facilitates stretching the housing 12, in particular, in a case wherein the concavities 30 are provided in pairs disposed on opposite sides of the perimeter, in a direction substantially orthogonal to a line 32 connecting the opposing pair of concavities, as indicated by arrow 34. According to some examples, four concavities 30 are provided, facilitating stretching of the housing 12 in two orthogonal directions.

The combination of the water impermeableness of the material of the housing 12 together with the formation of the through-going apertures 28 therethrough gives rise to the pressure detection sheet 10 being "breathable" while still protecting the sensor array 14 from moisture.

As illustrated in Fig. 3, the sensor array 14 may comprise a plurality of sensors 36 electrically connected by an arrangement of connectors 38, which are connected to the sensors at point of connection 40. Each of the sensors 36 is designed to facilitate detecting and/or measuring the pressure applied thereto.

As best seen in Fig. 4, each of the sensors 36 may constitute a capacitive element comprising first and second terminals 42 disposed apart from each other, and separated by a dielectric 44. The terminals 42 may be substantially flat and/or planar elements, and be disposed approximately parallelly to one another. The size of the terminals 42 (in the dimensions orthogonal to the distance between them) is considerably larger than the distance between them, thereby increasing the capacitance of the sensor 36 and mitigating edge effects thereof.

According to some examples, the terminals 42 of the sensors 36 are made from an electrically conductive fabric, such as a metal fabric or other similar material, thereby contributing to the comfort of a user when lying/sitting on the pressure detection sheet 10, without risking damage to the sensors. According to modifications, one side of the fabric is coated with an adhesive, facilitating assembly of the sensors 36. According to these modifications, the terminals 42 are adhered to their respective dielectrics 44, with the connectors 38 optionally being disposed therebetween.

Each of the connectors 38 is electrically connected to one of the terminals 42 of each of a plurality of sensors 36, in series. In addition, each terminal 42 of each sensor 36 is connected to a different connector 38. For example, the sensors 36 may be arranged in rows and columns, forming a grid, in which case longitudinally disposed connectors 38 are each connected to one of the terminals 42 of all of the sensors 36 in a row of the grid, while laterally disposed connectors 38 are each connected to one of the terminals of all of the sensors in a column of the grid. (It will be appreciated that the terms "longitudinal" and "lateral" as used herein refer to two substantially orthogonal directions within the sensor array 14.

The dielectric 44 may be any suitable material which maintains a gap between the terminals 42. In addition, it is compressible, so that when a pressure is applied to the sensor 36 which tends to bias the terminals 42 toward one another, the dielectric compresses (i.e., its thickness is reduced), allowing the gap between the terminals to be reduced, thereby changing the capacitance of the sensor. In addition, the dielectric 44 is configured to return to its uncompressed thickness when the applied pressure is removed.

It will be appreciated that while the sensor array 14 is described above with reference to utilizing the capacitive properties of the sensors 36, it will be appreciated that any suitable type of pressure sensor may be used without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter, mutatis mutandis. For example, the sensors 36 may comprise force-sensing resistors, piezoelectric sensors, linear variable differential transformers, thermal sensors, optical sensors, etc. The connectors 38 are made of any suitable flexible electrically conductive material, such as a conductive thread. The may be uninsulated, in order to facilitate the connection thereto to the terminals 42 of the sensors 36.

As illustrated in Fig. 5, the sensor array 14 is disposed within the chamber 20 such that the each of the sensors 36 lies within one of the compartments 22 of the chamber 20, and the connectors 38 span between the sensors connected thereto via the channels 24. The length of the connectors 38 between points of connection 40 of adjacent sensors 36 exceeds the distance between the points of connection, giving rise to the connectors being slack between adjacent sensors. This slack contributes to the flexibility of the pressure detection sheet 10.

A securing element 46 may be provided within some or all of the channels 24, in order to maintain the connector 38 therewithin. The securing element 46 may have any suitable configuration for holding the connector 38 within the channel 24, for example having a slit (not illustrated) configured to hold the connector, etc. It may be made of any suitable material. For example, it may be electrically insulating. According to some example, it comprises a piece of foam material, which may be, for example, the same material which constitutes the dielectric 44.

Ends 48 of each of the connectors 38 project out of edges of the housing 12. According to some examples, the ends 48 of all connectors 38 which are disposed parallel to one another project from a single edge of the housing 12; thus, only two edges of the housing have ends of connectors projecting therefrom. The edges of the housing 12 through which the ends 48 project is sealed thereabout so as to maintain the interior of the chamber 20 from being in fluid isolation from the outside thereof.

The ends 48 are electrically connected to a pressure detection system which is configured to apply a voltage across the connectors, and measure the capacitance change of the sensors 36 as pressure is applied to them. Such a system is disclosed, for example, in WO 2010/119441 to Wellsense Technologies, the full contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

According to some modifications, as illustrated in Fig. 6A, the sensor array 14 further comprises a data cable 50 may be provided along each of two orthogonal edges of the housing 12. The data cable 50 comprises a plurality of wires 52, one each corresponding to the number of connectors 38 extending perpendicularly thereto, and a terminal 54 at one end thereof. Each of the wires 52 is electrically connected to one of the connectors 38, thereby facilitating connection of the sensor array 14 to a pressure detection system. The sensor array 14 may comprise one data cable 50 for each set of parallel connectors 38 (as illustrated in Fig. 6A). Alternatively, it may comprise a single data cable which extends around two sides of the housing 12 and connects to all of the connectors 38, several data cables, each connected to a portion of each set of parallel connectors, or any other suitable arrangement.

It will be appreciated that according to these modifications, the housing 12 is formed such that the data cable 50 is sealed therewithin, with the exception of an end thereof to which the terminal is connected, in order to facilitate its attachment to an external system. According to some modifications, as illustrated in Fig. 6B, the terminal 54 comprises a sheath 56 which is attached to and between the base layer 16 and casing layer 18, thereby sealing it within the housing 12.

It will be appreciated that although the housing disclosed above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises a chamber 20 having compartments 22 arranged substantially as rectangular grid (i.e., with adjacent compartments being arranged as rectangles), it will be appreciated that it may be formed having any suitable shape, mutatis mutandis. For example, they compartments may be arranged as triangles, hexagons, parallelepipeds, rhombuses, etc., without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter. It will be further appreciated that the pressure detection sheet 10 may be provided without the housing as described above, while still keeping the sensor array 14 in fluid isolation from the fluid flowing transversely therethrough, mutatis mutandis. For example, the sensors 36 may be provided within a sealed chamber, and connected to one another by insulated wires to form the sensor array.

It will be still further appreciated that a sheet may be provided similar to the pressure detection sheet 10 disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, comprising a sensor array configured to detect properties other than pressure, including, but not limited to, temperature, vital signs, etc., mutatis mutandis.

As illustrated in Fig. 7, there is provided a method, which is generally indicated at 100, for assembling a pressure detection sheet, for example as disclosed above with reference to Figs. 1 through 6B.

In step 110, the chamber 20 is formed in the casing layer 18. In this step, a sheet of material, suitable to be used for the housing 12 according to the subject matter as disclosed above, and in particular which is suitable to be attached to another layer, is provided. The material may be, e.g., polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, silicones, or rubber (including synthetic rubbers such as butyl rubber and neoprene. The sheet undergoes a suitable process, such as vacuum forming or molding, in order to impart a suitable shape thereto, including the chamber 20, to form to the casing layer 18, an example of which is illustrated in Fig. 8. The chamber 20 comprises a plurality of compartments 22 connected by channels 24, for example as disclosed above.

In step 112, the sensor array 14 is arranged within the chamber 20 formed in step 110, such that the sensors 36 thereof are disposed within the compartments 22, and portions of the connectors 38 spanning therebetween are disposed within the channels 24. According to some modifications, the sensor array 14 is assembled before being arranged within the chamber 20. According to other modifications, the sensor array 14 is assembled within the chamber. For example, one of the terminals 42 of each of the sensors 36 are disposed within each of the compartments 22, and connectors 38 which lie parallel to each other in one direction are disposed within the channels 24 and passing through the compartments. It will be appreciated that according to examples wherein the connectors 38 are disposed between the terminals 32 and their respective dielectrics 44, the terminals are placed first; according to examples wherein the connectors are attached to an outer face of the terminals (i.e., the face thereof opposite the inner face thereof which faces the dielectric), the connectors are placed first. Subsequently, the dielectrics 42 are inserted and attached to the terminals 42, and the other terminal of each of the sensors 36, and connectors 38 which lie parallel to each other in the other direction are disposed within the chamber 20.

In step 114, the base layer 16 is provided and attached to the casing layer 18. The base layer may be made of any material suitable to be used for the housing 12 according to the subject matter as disclosed above, and in particular which is suitable for attaching to the casing layer 18, in accordance with the method of attachment. The attachment may be performed by any suitable method. According to some examples, it is attached by welding, such as RF welding. According to other example, it is attached by gluing. The glue (or any other suitable adhesive) may be applied to the proper locations by a nozzle, or to a large area by a screen. According to still other examples, it is attached by bonding. In particular, the areas which will constitute perimeters 26, i.e., the edges of the compartments 22 and channels 24, are attached together.

In step 116, the though-going apertures 28 of the housing 12 are formed. As mentioned above, the base layer 16 and casing layer 18 of the housing 12 are welded together at perimeter 26. The portion of material of the base and casing layers 16, 18 within the perimeter 26 are punched out, thereby forming the apertures 28. This may be performed immediately following the welding of step 114, when the material of the base and casing layers 16, 18 along perimeter 26 is still soft.

Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention mutatis mutandis.

Technical and scientific terms used herein should have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains. Nevertheless, it is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant systems and methods will be developed. Accordingly, the scope of the terms such as computing unit, network, display, memory, server and the like are intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term "about" refers to at least ± 10 %.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to" and indicate that the components listed are included, but not generally to the exclusion of other components. Such terms encompass the terms "consisting of and "consisting essentially of.

The phrase "consisting essentially of means that the composition or method may include additional ingredients and/or steps, but only if the additional ingredients and/or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the composition or method.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" may include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments". Any particular embodiment of the disclosure may include a plurality of "optional" features unless such features conflict.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases "ranging/ranges between" a first indicate number and a second indicate number and "ranging/ranges from" a first indicate number "to" a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween. It should be understood, therefore, that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 as well as non-integral intermediate values. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the disclosure.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present disclosure. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A pressure detection sheet configured to detect pressure applied thereto by a subject, said pressure detection sheet comprising a sensor array configured to detect pressure, and a generally planarly extending housing, said sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors and connectors electrically connecting them, wherein said housing is designed to allow fluid flow transversely therethrough between said sensors.

2. A pressure detection sheet according to claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a chamber defining a cavity and containing said sensors therewithin in fluid communication with each other, and in fluid isolation from outside said chamber.

3. The pressure detection sheet according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein said housing comprises through-going apertures to facilitate said fluid flow.

4. The pressure detection sheet according to any one of claim 3, said chamber comprising compartments fluidly connected by channels, wherein said sensors are disposed within said compartments, and said connectors pass through said channels to connect said sensors.

5. The pressure detection sheet according to claim 4, wherein said apertures comprise a perimeter defined by adjacent compartments and channels.

6. The pressure detection sheet according to claim 5, wherein said compartments define concavities in said perimeters.

7. The pressure detection sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said housing comprises a planar first layer bonded to a second layer comprising a bulge defining said chamber.

8. The pressure detection sheet according to claim 7, wherein said first and second layers are bonded together by welding.

9. The pressure detection sheet according to any one of claim 7 and 8, wherein said bulge is formed by vacuum forming.

10. The pressure detection sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said housing is made of a stretchable material.

11. The pressure detection sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said housing is made from a material selected from the group including polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, silicones, and rubber.

12. The pressure detection sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said sensors comprises a capacitive element having two terminals separated by a compressible dielectric material.

13. The pressure detection sheet according to claim 12, wherein each of said terminals comprises an electrically conductive planar element.

14. The pressure detection sheet according to any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein one of said terminals is electrically connected to one of said connectors, and the other of said terminals is connected to a different one of said connectors.

15. The pressure detection system according to claim 14, wherein each of said connectors is connected to a plurality of serially aligned sensors.

16. The pressure detection system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of each connector between points of connection of said sensors and said connectors exceeds the distance therebetween.

17. The pressure detection sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said connectors project from one or more edges of said housing.

18. The pressure detection sheet according to any one of claims 1 through 17, wherein said sensor array comprises one or more data cables attached to said connectors, each of said data cables comprising a terminal configured for connection to an external system.

19. A method for assembling a pressure detection sheet, the method comprising:

• forming a chamber on a first of said sheets;

• arranging the sensor array within said chamber;

• attaching said second sheet to said first sheet, so as to form perimeters defining areas of the sheets between said sensors;

• forming apertures in said pressure detection sheet between said sensors.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein said forming comprises vacuum forming.

21. The method according to claims 19 and 20, wherein said forming comprises molding.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19 through 21, wherein the arranging comprises assembling said sensor array within the chamber.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 through 22, wherein said attaching comprises welding.

24. The method according to any one of claims 19 through 23, wherein said attaching comprises bonding.

25. The method according to any one of claims 19 through 24, wherein said attaching comprises gluing.

26. The method according to any one of claims 19 through 25, wherein the forming apertures comprises punching said areas.