Enhancement of Non-Bonded Piezo Sensor Mechanism for Osteoporosis Detection

In spite of the unparalleled success of the electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) technique for most daily engineering-related structural health monitoring (SHM), a major limitation in the usage of PZT patch for bio-applications is the adhesive bond layer which acts as an irritant and hazard. It may also result in skin lacerations and abrasions. Previously, successful demonstration for the validity of bonded piezo patch for fracture detection and bone repair has already been achieved. Development of advanced experimental techniques for use of PZT patches without any bond shall definitely minimize this major limitation prohibiting the EMI technique for BSHM to a great extent. Of late researchers have successfully demonstrated the utility of non-bonded piezo sensor (NBPS) that can be employed as a replacement of the directly bonded piezo sensor (DBPS) for bone damage or osteoporotic detection. Also, efforts were made to employ the shape memory alloy wires to automate and improve the mechanical configuration of NBPS. This paper focusses on further enhancement of the NBPS configuration by employing the torque wrench method.