Brain Impact Sensor for Gait Vibration Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack an effective means to measure and mitigate the long-term effects of repetitive vibrations from gait on brain health, which can contribute to neurological issues and cognitive decline, and there is a need for a device that provides immediate feedback on gait balance and potential adjustments to prevent brain trauma.
Innovation Solution
A brain impact sensor apparatus comprising a sensor and processor attached to a hat or headband that records and analyzes vibrations caused by gait, transmitting data to a computing device for real-time feedback and potential diagnosis of neurological conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor apparatus is designed to measure low-level impacts from gait, then brain trauma measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor apparatus is divided into separate functional modules: vibration sensors (accelerometers) mounted on the shoe, signal processing units, and communication modules. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediate signal processing stages and communication interfaces as mediators between the vibration sensors and the analysis system. These intermediaries transform raw vibration data into meaningful impact metrics, simplifying the overall measurement system while maintaining precision.
2Ease of operation
If real-time feedback on gait impact is provided, then user ability to adjust walking style is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback system operates periodically rather than continuously, analyzing gait patterns at intervals and providing summary feedback. This periodic operation maintains user awareness and ability to adjust gait while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous real-time monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automated analysis and feedback without requiring active user engagement or manual operation. Once activated, the sensor apparatus autonomously monitors gait, processes data, and delivers feedback, minimizing the energy required for user interaction while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If cumulative impact data is tracked over time, then diagnosis capability is improved, but data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and stores only the most relevant impact parameters and diagnostic metrics from the raw vibration data, rather than storing all raw data. This selective extraction maintains diagnostic reliability by preserving critical information while significantly reducing storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms raw vibration data into derived parameters and metrics that capture cumulative impact effects. By storing these processed parameters rather than raw data, the system achieves reliable long-term diagnosis capability with reduced storage demands through dimensional reduction of the data.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus provides immediate and cumulative feedback on gait balance and impact, enabling users to adjust their walking style to minimize brain trauma, aiding in the diagnosis and prevention of neurological issues such as dementia and improving overall brain health.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor records vibrations caused by movement of the user. Specifically, as a user walks, runs, or otherwise carries on daily activities, the impacts of the user's gait is recorded in the sensor apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A brain impact sensor apparatus comprises a sensor attached to a processor/controller that is held close to the top of a user's head. The sensor records vibrations caused by movement of the user. Specifically, as a user walks, runs, or otherwise carries on daily activities, the impacts of the user's gait is recorded in the sensor apparatus held close to the top of the user's head. Thus, the sensor and processor/controller are configured to record repetitive vibrations caused by the user's gait. Analysis of the recorded vibrations may aid in diagnosing disease or may aid in recovery via physical therapy. Methods of using the same are further provided.