Dynamic Insole Fitting Apparatus with Strain Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insole fitting technologies fail to accurately simulate real-life foot strain conditions, as they typically involve placing the foot on a flat surface, which provides partial information and does not account for dynamic weight distribution, leading to incomplete and ineffective insole customization.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a first fitting panel featuring strain sensors and elevating units that adjust to match a virtual model of desired foot strains, allowing for dynamic fitting by measuring and adjusting the strain distribution on the foot to correspond to a healthy model, while also accommodating different foot lengths and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the foot is placed on a flat surface for insole fitting, then the fitting process is simple and quick, but the strain distribution information is incomplete and does not reflect real-life conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting panel is transformed from a static flat surface to a dynamic system with multiple elevating units that can independently adjust the height of different regions. This allows the panel to simulate the dynamic strain distribution of the foot under load, converting a static measurement into a dynamic one that reflects real-life walking conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual or static mechanical fitting process is replaced with an automated mechanical system comprising strain sensors and elevating units. The strain sensors detect actual strain distribution, and the elevating units mechanically adjust the panel surface to match desired strain patterns, substituting subjective technician judgment with objective mechanical measurement and adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If strain sensors and elevating units are added to the fitting panel, then dynamic strain measurement and adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting panel is divided into multiple independent fitting units, each equipped with its own strain sensor and elevating unit. This segmentation allows each unit to be controlled independently based on local strain requirements, enabling precise localized adjustment while keeping each individual unit relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting panel serves multiple functions: it acts as both the measurement surface and the adjustment mechanism. The same panel structure that supports the foot also contains the strain sensors and elevating units, eliminating the need for separate measurement and adjustment devices and reducing overall system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the fitting panel adjusts to match desired strain distribution, then insole customization accuracy is improved, but the fitting process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The strain sensors provide real-time feedback on the actual strain distribution under the foot. This feedback is compared with the desired strain distribution, and the elevating units automatically adjust the panel surface to minimize the difference between actual and desired strains, creating a closed-loop control system that simplifies operation while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting system performs self-adjustment through the automated interaction between strain sensors and elevating units. Once the desired strain distribution pattern is programmed, the system autonomously adjusts itself without requiring manual intervention from technicians, making the complex process transparent and easy to operate.
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
This solution enables precise customization of insoles by dynamically adjusting the strain distribution on the foot to match a healthy model, providing a more accurate and effective fit that addresses various foot conditions, such as flat feet and heel pain, by simulating real-life weight distribution.
Implementation Method 1
each fitting unit comprising: (a) a strain sensor, for measuring the strain of the foot on the fitting unit
Implementation Method 2
an elevating unit, for elevating the top point of the fitting unit to a desired point
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for dynamically fitting an insole to a patient, the apparatus comprising: a first fitting panel, comprising: a virtual model of desired strains on the plantar surface of a foot; a plurality of fitting units deployed on the first panel, each fitting unit comprising: (a) a strain sensor, for measuring the strain of the foot on the fitting unit; and (b) an elevating unit, for elevating the top point of the fitting unit to a desired point; a processing unit, for instructing the elevating unit to adjust the elevation of the top point of the fitting unit towards a position wherein the strain of the foot, as measured by the strain sensor, corresponds to the strain of the virtual model.