Today’s Patent – In-Situ Testing Equipment for Plantar Soft Tissue Mechanics

The said invention (US12268515B1) was invented by Ran Huang Longyan, Wu Jun Zhu Li sheng, Tang Xinyi, Ning Xin Ma and patented by USPTO on July 13^th, 2024. Currently, it stands assigned to the Fudan University.

This invention discloses a multi-dimensional, broad-spectrum clinical in-situ testing device for evaluating the mechanical properties of plantar soft tissue. The device includes a testing table with a designated foot area and three stress-strain testing units vertical, shear, and torque each equipped with a detection head. These heads are arranged at equal angular intervals on a circular path and can apply targeted stresses to the tissue to measure corresponding responses. A lifting mechanism enables vertical positioning of all testing units, allowing precise alignment and measurement.

Each unit includes its own motion conversion system, sensor set, and probe to apply and measure forces specific to its function. The vertical unit applies tension/compression using a rotary-to-linear mechanism; the shear unit uses horizontal motion for lateral stress; and the torque unit converts rotary motion into torsional strain. All units integrate displacement, force, and angular sensors to capture detailed mechanical profiles of plantar tissues, while the overall system sits on a damped base for stability during testing.