I. What Is CMCU-05B?
The CMCU-05B is a multi-channel thin-film pressure sensor detector equipped with a display screen, capable of connecting up to 9 thin-film pressure sensors. Once the sensors are attached to the target measurement sites and connected to the detector, pressure values can be directly acquired.
II. What Do You Need?
III. Where to Place the Sensors?
Important Note:
The sensor is a flexible, soft film that can be applied to various flexible-surface scenarios - attach it wherever you need to measure pressure.
Application scenario: Simultaneous measurement of pressure at multiple key plantar locations.
To analyze the forces exerted by the heel, forefoot, and toes during walking, multiple sensors can be arranged on the insole and connected to the CMCU-05B multi-channel thin-film pressure detector.
The following is a 5-point placement scheme compiled from publicly available research, provided for reference only. You may adjust flexibly according to your specific testing requirements.
Place 5 sensors at 5 key locations on the insole:
How to Attach:
• Use medical tape to adhere the 5 sensors to their corresponding positions on the insole.
• If the selected sensors lack adhesive backing, wrap medical tape around the edges of each sensor to prevent displacement during walking.
IV. How to Connect the Wiring?
Connect the two leads of each of the 5 sensors to the CH1 ~ CH5 terminals of the CMCU-05B (sensor polarity is not orientation-sensitive).
This thin-film pressure detector features a built-in 450 mAh battery, enabling standalone use. It also supports simultaneous data acquisition and storage when connected to a computer.
Long-press the power button to turn on the device. From the main menu, access either the numerical display interface or the curve graph interface for real-time pressure monitoring.
V. How to Read the Data?
Method 1: Directly on the CMCU-05B (9-Channel) Screen
From the main display menu, enter the data view to see real-time pressure values for all 9 channels. The unit can be switched among g, kg, and N.
Method 2: Computer Software
Open the acquisition software provided by the manufacturer on your computer.
Select the corresponding COM port and click "Connect."
The main interface displays pressure acquisition; the curve graph can be [i]opened from the upper-left corner.
The software includes a "Data Save" function, allowing you to store acquired data as spreadsheet files for subsequent analysis and processing.
The software also supports modifying configuration parameters, pressure thresholds, baud rate, sampling frequency, and enabling/disabling specific channels.
VI. Experimental Testing
Given the large number of sensors, extensive wiring, and dynamic activities involved in this plantar experiment - all requiring high flexibility - we paired the setup with an RS485 wireless transparent transmission board. This enables wireless data transmission to computers and other devices, eliminating restrictions on the subject's movement space due to cable length. This method supports both one-to-one and one-to-many wireless acquisition, making it highly practical for scenarios involving numerous measurement points or multiple test groups.
Experiment 1: Static Standing - Observing Pressure Distribution
Place the insole with 5 attached sensors into the shoe and wear it.
Stand upright and hold still for 5 seconds, with both feet bearing weight naturally.
Observe the 5-channel values on the screen:
The heel shows the highest value → the heel bears the greatest force (normal).
The forefoot and lateral heel show similar values.
Conclusion: The subject's standing posture primarily relies on the heel for body support.
Experiment 2: Gait Analysis - Dynamic Walking
Building on the static test, observe pressure changes during walking.
Place the insole with sensors into the shoe and wear it.
Power on the device and connect to the computer to begin recording.
Walk normally for several steps, acquiring values or opening the curve graph to capture pressure variations.
Analyze the subject's gait data:
The initial portion of the curve represents static standing: the heel (yellow line) shows the highest force. During walking initiation: the peak force shifts from the heel (yellow line) to the anterior forefoot (black line) and the base of the great toe (red line).
During continuous walking, regular waveforms are observed. The force application pattern remains consistent with each step, indicating valid data acquisition without sensor displacement. The subject's walking pattern tends to rely on the anterior forefoot for propulsion.
Experiment 3: Gait Analysis - Dynamic Jogging in Place
Building on the walking test, observe plantar pressure distribution changes during jogging.
Curve graph data analysis: - The initial portion shows the pre-start posture: one foot is relaxed in preparation, with relatively even pressure distribution across all plantar regions. - Entering jogging phase: one foot is relaxed (even values across all regions), then lifts off (all values drop to 0), followed by heel strike (yellow line), then forefoot engagement (red and black lines) for forward propulsion. The data shows that during continuous jogging, the subject barely uses the heel, instead frequently applying force through the forefoot. Only after jogging completion does the heel (yellow line) resume standing support. - Regular waveforms are observed throughout jogging, with consistent force patterns for each step, confirming valid data and no sensor displacement. The subject's jogging pattern tends toward forefoot-driven propulsion.
Experiment 4: Jumping Posture Analysis
Monitor which plantar regions participate in force application during jumping and the distribution of force magnitude.
Curve graph data analysis: - The initial portion shows the pre-jump standing posture: the heel (yellow line) supports the body. - During the knee-bend preparatory phase, the "loading" force on the plantar surface remains approximately equal to the subject's body weight. At take-off, the impact force on the base of the great toe (red line) and the anterior forefoot (black line) can reach 2 to 4 times the body weight. - Variations in take-off posture for each jump can be identified through pressure changes at specific sensing points, revealing the degree of force contribution from each region.
VII. Summary
By deploying thin-film pressure sensors at 5 key plantar locations and synchronously acquiring data via the CMCU-05B multi-channel detector, real-time plantar pressure distribution can be obtained for four conditions: standing, walking, jogging, and jumping. The results for this subject are as follows: during static standing, the heel bears the primary load; during walking, the center of pressure shifts anteriorly, with the forefoot and base of the great toe becoming the primary force application points during the push-off phase; during jogging, the heel is almost unloaded, with the gait transitioning to forefoot-driven propulsion; during jumping take-off, the peak pressure at the forefoot and base of the great toe can reach 2–4 times the static body weight.
Curious about your own plantar pressure distribution? Try this experiment yourself.
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