Need help designing pressure/load sensor

[f15smtd]

I want to design a foot pressure monitor. The goal is to design a surface where if you place your foot and apply a certain load, the device(s) will be able to monitor the amount of load being applied from different parts of the foot. I have tried looking into strain gauges and load cells (particularly those in the Wii Fit Balance Board) however I need some help being pointed into the right direction on what components to use for designing and pulling data. What would be the cheapest way to accomplish this?

 

[IRstuff]

Buy one. They are commercially available:

http://www.tekscan.com/

http://www.contemplas.com/motion_analysis_pressure.aspx

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[f15smtd]

I've looked into commercial/industrial products, but they are too expensive. I am looking to have this done with a $100-200 budget. I was thinking perhaps several load/strain circuits would work.

 

[IRstuff]

Is this for school?

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[BobM3]

I've played with these:

http://www.parallax.com/Store/Senso...efault.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName

They might work for you. They're sensitive to how the load is applied across the sensing element.

 

[BobM3]

...the Flexiforce sensor that is.