Abstract
This paper describes an investigation of fundamental characterization of a contact stimulus by diapers. Contact stimulus is a kind of mechanical stimulus like contact force or friction. A sensor for measuring the contact stimulus is fabricated. The polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film, which is a kind of piezoelectric material, and a strain gauge are used as the sensor parts. In order to investigate relationship between the contact stimulus and the sensor outputs, a machine which can give rise to the contact stimulus between the sensor and diapers by rotating the sensor is developed. By using this machine, friction between the sensor and a diaper is measured. A parameter calculated from the PVDF film outputs is proposed for evaluating friction. It was confirmed that there is a possibility to evaluate friction of diaper aginst the sensor by the proposed parameter.
