Capacitive Shoe Force Detection for Athletic Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot force detection systems are bulky, prone to sensor failure under high impact, require frequent battery recharging, provide only Z force information without angular data, and have low sampling rates, making them unsuitable for real-time athletic performance analysis.
Innovation Solution
A capacitor-based sensor array integrated into the sole of shoes, capable of detecting X, Y, and Z forces with high sampling rates, powered by ultra-low power consumption to extend battery life, and designed for durability to withstand elite athlete impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pressure sensors are used in foot force detection systems, then the system can detect foot forces, but the system becomes bulky and prone to sensor failure under high impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure sensors with capacitive sensors that detect force through capacitance changes. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical sensing components, reducing system bulk while improving reliability under high impact conditions. The capacitive sensors are integrated directly into the shoe insole, creating a flatter, more durable detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical pressure measurement to capacitance measurement. By monitoring changes in capacitance caused by foot pressure, the system achieves more reliable force detection without the bulkiness of traditional mechanical sensors. This parameter change enables the system to withstand high impact forces while maintaining a compact form factor.
2Productivity
If traditional battery-powered monitoring systems are used, then the system can monitor athletic activities, but the battery requires frequent recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of force data at optimized intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The system samples force data at specific moments during athletic activities, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective monitoring capability. This periodic action extends battery life between charges while preserving the ability to detect and analyze athletic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy consumption parameter by using ultra-low power capacitive sensors and periodic sampling. This parameter change in the monitoring approach allows the system to operate for extended periods without recharging, addressing the frequent battery replacement issue while maintaining full monitoring functionality for athletic analysis.
3Loss of information
If existing force detection systems are used, then the system can provide force information, but only Z force information is available without angular data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force detection into multiple independent capacitive sensor elements arranged in a grid pattern. Each sensor element can detect force in different directions, and by analyzing the differential capacitance changes across multiple segments, the system calculates both Z-force and angular information. This segmentation enables comprehensive force vector analysis without requiring complex mechanical sensor assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds angular measurement capability by analyzing capacitance changes in multiple dimensions. Instead of only measuring vertical Z-force, the system measures capacitance changes across multiple sensor elements to calculate angular orientation and complete force vectors. This dimensional expansion provides full 3D force information including angular data while maintaining a simple capacitive sensor architecture.
4Productivity
If traditional force detection systems are used, then the system can detect foot forces, but the sampling rate is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow-response mechanical pressure sensors with high-speed capacitive sensors that can rapidly detect force changes. This substitution enables the system to sample force data at much higher rates, capturing the rapid dynamics of athletic impacts. The capacitive sensors' fast response time ensures accurate detection of high-frequency force variations during sports activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sampling rate parameter through the use of ultra-fast capacitive sensing. By monitoring capacitance changes in real-time at high frequencies, the system achieves superior sampling rates that capture rapid athletic movements and impacts. This parameter change in the detection speed enables both high productivity data collection and reliable impact accuracy simultaneously.
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 system enables accurate, real-time analysis of ground reaction forces, improving athletic performance by providing detailed force data that can enhance power and consistency, while being durable and energy-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitor-based sensor array integrated into the sole of shoes, capable of detecting X, Y, and Z forces with high sampling rates
Data Source
AI summary
A foot force detection system includes first and second shoe force detection units. The first shoe force detection unit includes a first plurality of pressure sensors operably coupled to produce first force data, a first processing module operably coupled to produce a first digital representation of the first force data and a first communication unit operably coupled to the first processing module. The second shoe force detection unit includes a second plurality of pressure sensors operably coupled to produce second force data, a second processing module operably coupled to produce a second digital representation of the second force data, and a second communication unit operably coupled to the second processing module. The first and second shoe force detection units communicate with each other via the communication units.