Pressurescans

Pressurescans refers to techniques that measure and visualize spatial distributions of pressure across a surface or within a contact region. The term is used across disciplines and may be written as pressure scans or pressure-scanning. In practice, pressurescans rely on arrays of pressure sensors, transducers, or imaging methods to capture pressure values at many points simultaneously and produce a pressure map, heat map, or contour plot.

Common technologies include piezoresistive and capacitive sensor mats, pressure-sensitive films, and optical or electronic pressure sensors embedded in flexible foils. Data acquisition systems collect sensor outputs, which are converted into quantitative values (units of force per area, such as kPa or psi) and then visualized.

Applications span engineering, biomechanics, sports science, automotive and aerospace design, and medicine. In engineering, pressurescans are used to evaluate load distribution in joints, seals, gaskets, tires, and components during testing. In biomechanics and sports science, they assess foot-ground interaction, gait, orthotics, and prosthetic interfaces. In medicine, pressure mapping can aid in evaluating device-tissue interfaces, seating pressure for wheelchair users to prevent ulcers, and occlusal or airway devices in dentistry or anesthesiology.

Interpreting pressurescans requires attention to sensor calibration, spatial resolution, sampling rate, and dynamic range. Limitations include sensor drift, hysteresis, temperature sensitivity, and the challenge of translating two-dimensional pressure data into clinically or practically meaningful conclusions.

Related terms include pressure mapping, pressure distribution analysis, and tactile sensing. Pressurescans provide a practical, noninvasive way to quantify contact pressures and identify hotspots, contact areas, or regions of abnormal load.