An insole for monitoring arch development with an embedded flexible pressure sensor array
By introducing a local suspension anti-wrinkle component and an elastic reset component into the monitoring insole, the problem of compression wrinkles caused by the overall fixation of the sensing film is solved, enabling accurate signal output and extended service life of the sensor under dynamic conditions.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HAND IN HAND (FUJIAN) TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-06-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
In existing monitoring insoles, the flexible sensing film is bonded and fixed as a whole, which causes compression wrinkles during dynamic wear, outputting incorrect pressure signals and shortening its service life.
By employing a localized suspended anti-wrinkle component and an elastic reset component, and through a sunken avoidance shallow groove and a wavy elastic transition zone, the flexible circuit film achieves micro-motion release of shear stress and automatic rebound, thus preventing wrinkle formation.
This ensures that the sensor outputs accurate pressure signals during dynamic wear, extends its service life, and enables long-term, accurate monitoring of children's arch development.
Smart Images
Figure CN224440535U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pressure sensing wearable device technology, and in particular to an insole for monitoring arch development of the foot with an embedded flexible pressure sensing array. Background Technology
[0002] With the development of flexible electronics technology, smart insoles with pressure monitoring functions are gradually being applied to the assessment and recording of children's arch development.
[0003] Existing monitoring insoles typically consist of a breathable surface layer, a foamed insole substrate, and a flexible pressure-sensing membrane placed between the two. In conventional manufacturing and packaging processes, to prevent relative displacement of the internal electronic thin-film components when worn under stress, technicians generally use adhesive or thermoforming bonding methods to firmly bond the entire surface of the flexible pressure-sensing membrane to the bottom insole substrate over a large area, forming a monolithic structure where the layers cannot move relative to each other.
[0004] In existing technologies, when the human body walks, runs, or jumps, the arch area causes the insole to repeatedly bend. The flexible sensing film and the foamed substrate have significantly different elastic deformation rates, resulting in substantial mutual compression and shear forces when they bend synchronously. Because the sensing film is rigidly fixed, these deformation stresses cannot be physically released, leading to localized compression wrinkles in the corresponding arch area. These physical wrinkles trigger internal mechanical stress at pressure nodes, causing the data acquisition module at the rear of the insole to receive and output false pressure peak signals, severely interfering with the accuracy of arch monitoring data. Furthermore, long-term localized stress concentration can easily cause fatigue fracture of the conductive circuitry inside the film, significantly shortening the insole's lifespan. Therefore, this paper proposes an insole for monitoring arch development using an embedded flexible pressure sensor array to address these problems. Utility Model Content
[0005] To overcome the above shortcomings, this invention provides an insole for monitoring arch development with an embedded flexible pressure sensor array. It aims to solve the problem in the prior art where the sensing film is easily squeezed and wrinkled during dynamic wear due to overall bonding and fixation, which leads to the output of incorrect pressure signals and a significant reduction in service life.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An insole for monitoring arch development with an embedded flexible pressure sensor array, comprising an insole base layer, a flexible circuit film attached to the top of the insole base layer, a skin-friendly and breathable surface layer attached to the top of the flexible circuit film, local suspension anti-wrinkle components provided on both the insole base layer and the flexible circuit film, a data acquisition component provided on one side of the insole base layer, and an elastic reset component provided on the flexible circuit film;
[0007] The localized suspended anti-wrinkle component includes a sunken avoidance groove, which is located in the middle of the top of the insole base. The bottom of the front end and the bottom of the rear end of the flexible circuit film are fixedly connected to the top surface of the insole base. The top surface of the flexible circuit film is provided with a forefoot pressure sensing node, an arch pressure sensing node, and a heel pressure sensing node in sequence from front to back. The inner bottom wall of the sunken avoidance groove is slidably connected to the bottom of the arch pressure sensing node in the middle of the flexible circuit film.
[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution: the elastic reset component includes two wavy elastic transition bands. The front end of the first wavy elastic transition band is fixedly connected to the edge of the flexible circuit film where the pressure sensing node in the forefoot area is located. The rear end of the first wavy elastic transition band is fixedly connected to the front edge of the flexible circuit film where the pressure sensing node in the arch area is located. The front end of the second wavy elastic transition band is fixedly connected to the rear edge of the flexible circuit film where the pressure sensing node in the arch area is located. The rear end of the second wavy elastic transition band is fixedly connected to the edge of the flexible circuit film where the pressure sensing node in the heel area is located.
[0009] As a further description of the above technical solution: the data acquisition component includes a main control board, and an FPC flexible cable is electrically connected to the side of the main control board. The end of the FPC flexible cable is fixedly connected to the outer edge of the flexible circuit film.
[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution: the inner wall of the sunken avoidance groove is connected to the top surface of the insole base layer by a smooth curved surface transition.
[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution: a displacement gap is formed between the outer wall of the flexible circuit film where the foot arch pressure sensing node is located and the inner wall of the sunken avoidance groove.
[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution: the left and right edges of the wave-shaped elastic transition zone are both in the form of a continuous S-shaped reciprocating bending structure, and the bottom of the wave-shaped elastic transition zone is suspended above the slope of the inner wall of the sunken avoidance shallow trench.
[0013] As a further description of the above technical solution: the opening depth of the sunken avoidance groove is equal to the thickness of the flexible circuit film, and the top surface of the flexible circuit film is at the same level as the top surface of the ungrooved area of the insole base.
[0014] As a further description of the above technical solution: the overall appearance of the main control board is a flat cube structure.
[0015] As a further description of the above technical solution: the overall appearance of the forefoot pressure sensing node, the arch pressure sensing node and the heel pressure sensing node is a flat disc-shaped structure.
[0016] As a further description of the above technical solution: the middle section of the insole base layer and the middle section of the skin-friendly and breathable surface layer both have an arc-shaped convex structure that conforms to the shape of the foot arch and rises upward.
[0017] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0018] 1. In this utility model, by setting a local suspended anti-wrinkle component and a sunken avoidance shallow groove, the flexible circuit film arch section can achieve the effect of lateral micro-movement in the groove to release shear stress when it is bent under force. This solves the problem in the prior art that the sensing film is easily squeezed and wrinkled during dynamic wear due to overall bonding and fixation, which leads to the output of incorrect pressure signals and a significant reduction in service life.
[0019] 2. In this utility model, by setting an elastic reset component and a wave-shaped elastic transition band, the flexible circuit film can stretch and store energy when subjected to slight force and automatically rebound and center itself by its own mechanical force at the moment of leaving the ground. This solves the problem that sensors with partially unfixed structures in the prior art are prone to overall irreversible deviation after long-term high-frequency use, which leads to inaccurate acquisition of foot arch acupoint pressure data. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a front view of the foot arch development monitoring insole with an embedded flexible pressure sensor array proposed in this utility model.
[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembly structure of the insole for monitoring arch development with an embedded flexible pressure sensor array proposed in this utility model.
[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the components of the insole base layer of the embedded flexible pressure sensing array proposed in this utility model.
[0023] Legend:
[0024] 1. Insole base layer; 2. Flexible circuit film; 3. Skin-friendly and breathable surface layer; 4. Main control board; 5. Heel pressure sensing node; 6. Arch pressure sensing node; 7. Forefoot pressure sensing node; 8. FPC flexible cabling; 9. Wavy elastic transition strip; 10. Recessed shallow groove for avoidance. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0026] Reference Figures 1-3 This utility model provides an embodiment of an insole for monitoring arch development with an embedded flexible pressure sensor array. It includes an insole base layer 1, a flexible circuit film 2 attached to the top of the base layer 1, and a skin-friendly breathable surface layer 3 attached to the top of the flexible circuit film 2. Both the middle sections of the base layer 1 and the skin-friendly breathable surface layer 3 have an arc-shaped protrusion structure that conforms to the shape of the arch and bulges upwards to improve overall wearing comfort. Locally suspended anti-wrinkle components are provided on both the base layer 1 and the flexible circuit film 2. A data acquisition component is provided on one side of the base layer 1, and an elastic reset component is provided on the flexible circuit film 2. The data acquisition component includes a main control board 4, which has a flat cubic structure. An FPC flexible cable 8 is electrically connected to the side of the main control board 4, and the end of the FPC flexible cable 8 is fixedly connected to the outer edge of the flexible circuit film 2, thereby realizing the external transmission of pressure monitoring data.
[0027] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 The localized suspended anti-wrinkle component includes a sunken avoidance groove 10, which is located in the middle of the top of the insole base layer 1. The bottom of the front end and the bottom of the rear end of the flexible circuit film 2 are fixedly connected to the top surface of the insole base layer 1, serving as an anchor for the bottom foundation. The top surface of the flexible circuit film 2 is provided with a forefoot pressure sensing node 7, an arch pressure sensing node 6, and a heel pressure sensing node 5 arranged sequentially from front to back. The overall appearance of the forefoot pressure sensing node 7, the arch pressure sensing node 6, and the heel pressure sensing node 5 is a flat disc-shaped structure. The inner bottom wall of the sunken avoidance groove 10 is connected to the arch pressure sensing node in the middle of the flexible circuit film 2. The bottom of node 6 is slidably connected, which allows the deformation and compressive stress to be released when the arch of the foot is bent. The inner wall of the sunken avoidance groove 10 and the top surface of the insole base 1 are connected by a smooth curved surface to prevent edge tearing during relative sliding. The outer wall of the flexible circuit film 2 where the pressure sensing node 6 in the arch area is located and the inner wall of the sunken avoidance groove 10 form a displacement gap, which reserves space for lateral micro-movement of the structure. The opening depth of the sunken avoidance groove 10 is equal to the thickness of the flexible circuit film 2. The top surface of the flexible circuit film 2 and the top surface of the ungrooved area of the insole base 1 are at the same level, thus ensuring a smooth and seamless transition of the overall insole surface.
[0028] Reference Figure 2 The elastic reset component includes two wavy elastic transition bands 9. The front end of the first wavy elastic transition band 9 is fixedly connected to the edge of the flexible circuit film 2 where the pressure sensing node 7 in the forefoot area is located, and the rear end of the first wavy elastic transition band 9 is fixedly connected to the front edge of the flexible circuit film 2 where the pressure sensing node 6 in the arch area is located. The front end of the second wavy elastic transition band 9 is fixedly connected to the rear edge of the flexible circuit film 2 where the pressure sensing node 6 in the arch area is located, and the rear end of the second wavy elastic transition band 9 is fixedly connected to the edge of the flexible circuit film 2 where the pressure sensing node 5 in the heel area is located, thereby physically connecting the various separate sensing areas. The left and right edges of the wavy elastic transition band 9 are both in a continuous S-shaped reciprocating bending structure, giving the film itself a mechanical rebound stretch allowance. The bottom of the wavy elastic transition band 9 is suspended above the slope of the inner wall of the sunken avoidance shallow groove 10 to avoid being blocked by friction at the bottom during the stretching and reset process.
[0029] Working principle: During daily wear and use, the user's feet directly contact the skin-friendly and breathable surface layer 3. When the user is in a static stress state such as standing, the pressure sensing nodes 7 in the forefoot area, 6 in the arch area, and 5 in the heel area flatly support the sole of the foot, accurately collecting the initial pressure data of each area, and transmitting it in real time to the main control board 4 for recording and analysis via the FPC flexible cable 8. When the user performs dynamic activities such as walking, running, and jumping, the foot causes the insole to undergo violent and repeated bending. Since the front and rear ends of the flexible circuit film 2 are firmly anchored to the insole base layer 1, the material shear and compressive stress generated by the bending action will be quickly transmitted to the midfoot arch area.
[0030] At this time, the sunken avoidance groove 10 located in the middle section of the insole base layer 1 plays a micro-displacement compensation role. Since the bottom of the flexible circuit film 2 in the middle section where the pressure sensing node 6 in the arch area is located is not fixed, this part of the film will slide slightly laterally on the inner bottom wall of the sunken avoidance groove 10 under the push of the compressive stress. The destructive compressive stress is released instantly by using the displacement gap, ensuring that the flexible circuit film 2 always remains flat in this process. This eliminates the risk of false pressure peaks and circuit breakage caused by the sensor due to wrinkles and compression from the physical source.
[0031] When the arch pressure sensing node 6 slides, it simultaneously pulls the wave-shaped elastic transition band 9 connected to its front and rear ends, forcing the wave-shaped elastic transition band 9 to deform and stretch in a continuous S-shaped reciprocating bending structure, and accumulating mechanical elastic potential energy in the process. When the user's foot is lifted off the ground and the bending force of the insole disappears, the elastic potential energy stored in the wave-shaped elastic transition band 9 is released instantly. Using the mechanical rebound force of the flexible film substrate itself, the arch pressure sensing node 6, which has slipped and deviated, is precisely pulled back to the initial center position in the sunken avoidance groove 10, thus completely completing a dynamic fine adjustment and automatic correction cycle.
[0032] Throughout the entire dynamic cyclic wearing process, the local suspension anti-wrinkle component and the elastic reset component work together to enable the main control board 4 to continuously and stably receive high-fidelity data without deformation noise interference, ultimately achieving long-term accurate monitoring of the dynamic arch development status of children.
[0033] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An insole for monitoring arch development with an embedded flexible pressure sensor array, comprising an insole base layer (1), characterized in that: The top of the insole base layer (1) is attached to a flexible circuit film (2), and the top of the flexible circuit film (2) is attached to a skin-friendly and breathable surface layer (3). Both the insole base layer (1) and the flexible circuit film (2) are provided with local suspension anti-wrinkle components. A data acquisition component is provided on one side of the insole base layer (1), and an elastic reset component is provided on the flexible circuit film (2). The local suspension anti-wrinkle component includes a sunken avoidance groove (10), which is located in the middle of the top of the insole base layer (1). The bottom of the front end and the bottom of the rear end of the flexible circuit film (2) are fixedly connected to the top surface of the insole base layer (1). The top surface of the flexible circuit film (2) is provided with a forefoot pressure sensing node (7), an arch pressure sensing node (6) and a heel pressure sensing node (5) in sequence from front to back. The inner bottom wall of the sunken avoidance groove (10) is slidably connected to the bottom of the arch pressure sensing node (6) in the middle of the flexible circuit film (2).
2. The insole for monitoring arch development with an embedded flexible pressure sensor array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic reset component includes two wavy elastic transition bands (9). The front end of the first wavy elastic transition band (9) is fixedly connected to the edge of the flexible circuit film (2) where the forefoot pressure sensing node (7) is located. The rear end of the first wavy elastic transition band (9) is fixedly connected to the front edge of the flexible circuit film (2) where the arch pressure sensing node (6) is located. The front end of the second wavy elastic transition band (9) is fixedly connected to the rear edge of the flexible circuit film (2) where the arch pressure sensing node (6) is located. The rear end of the second wavy elastic transition band (9) is fixedly connected to the edge of the flexible circuit film (2) where the heel pressure sensing node (5) is located.
3. The insole for monitoring arch development with an embedded flexible pressure sensor array according to claim 2, characterized in that: The data acquisition component includes a main control board (4), and an FPC flexible cable (8) is electrically connected to the side of the main control board (4). The end of the FPC flexible cable (8) is fixedly connected to the outer edge of the flexible circuit film (2).
4. The insole for monitoring arch development with an embedded flexible pressure sensor array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the sunken clearance groove (10) is connected to the top surface of the insole base layer (1) by a smooth curved surface transition.
5. The insole for monitoring arch development with an embedded flexible pressure sensor array according to claim 4, characterized in that: A displacement gap is formed between the outer wall of the flexible circuit film (2) where the foot arch pressure sensing node (6) is located and the inner wall of the sunken avoidance groove (10).
6. The insole for monitoring arch development with an embedded flexible pressure sensor array according to claim 2, characterized in that: The left and right edges of the wave-shaped elastic transition zone (9) are both in a continuous S-shaped reciprocating bending structure, and the bottom of the wave-shaped elastic transition zone (9) is suspended above the slope of the inner wall of the sunken avoidance shallow trench (10).
7. The insole for monitoring arch development with an embedded flexible pressure sensor array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening depth of the sunken clearance groove (10) is equal to the thickness of the flexible circuit film (2), and the top surface of the flexible circuit film (2) is at the same level as the top surface of the ungrooved area of the insole base layer (1).
8. The insole for monitoring arch development with an embedded flexible pressure sensor array according to claim 3, characterized in that: The main control board (4) has a flat cube structure.
9. The insole for monitoring arch development with an embedded flexible pressure sensor array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The overall appearance of the forefoot pressure sensing node (7), the arch pressure sensing node (6), and the heel pressure sensing node (5) is a flat disc-shaped structure.
10. The insole for monitoring arch development with an embedded flexible pressure sensor array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The middle section of the insole base layer (1) and the middle section of the skin-friendly and breathable surface layer (3) both have an arc-shaped protrusion structure that conforms to the shape of the foot arch and rises upward.