Design and development of a force sensing skin adapted to a child surrogate to identify potential bruising locations

Bruising is an early sign of child abuse. Bruising locations on the body can be an effective delineator of abusive vs. accidental trauma. However, the ability to predict potential bruising locations associated with falsely reported events (e.g. bed falls, stair falls) in child abuse does not exist. In our study we adapted an existing pediatric anthropomorphic test device (ATD) with custom developed force sensors integrated into a conformable skin. The sensors were coupled to a data acquisition system through which recorded force data was displayed on a computerized body mapping image system. A simulated abdominal blow demonstrated the modified ATD's capability to predict potential bruising location and impact force.