Flexible Pressure Sensing Insole Using Segmented Conductive Fibers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pressure sensors integrated into shoe soles are inflexible, difficult to apply to curved shapes, and require additional space, leading to discomfort and inefficiency in sensing pressure and posture.

Innovation Solution

A pressure sensing insole design featuring conductive fibers, elastic intermediate layers, and insulating adhesive regions allows for precise pressure sensing and distribution analysis without the need for additional space, with high flexibility and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional pressure sensors are integrated into shoe soles, then pressure sensing capability is achieved, but the sensors are inflexible and difficult to apply to curved shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to curved shoe shapesVSAvoidflexibility and comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insole is divided into multiple independent sensing regions with conductive patterns, allowing each segment to conform to curved surfaces independently while maintaining overall flexibility and adaptability to shoe shapes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses flexible conductive patterns and thin film structures instead of rigid sensors, enabling the insole to bend and conform to curved shoe surfaces while maintaining sensing capability and user comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Measurement precision

If multiple pressure sensors are provided in the sole, then pressure sensing coverage is improved, but additional space is required and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure sensing coverage and distribution analysisVSAvoidnumber of sensors and additional space

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensing functions are merged into a single integrated insole structure with conductive patterns that provide both pressure sensing and structural support, eliminating the need for separate sensor components and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive patterns in the insole serve multiple functions simultaneously: pressure sensing, electrical connection, and structural integration, allowing comprehensive pressure coverage without requiring additional dedicated sensor components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If conventional pressure sensors are used, then pressure measurement is achieved, but users feel a sensation of foreign body and comfort is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure sensing accuracyVSAvoidforeign body sensation and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insole uses thin, flexible conductive patterns that conform to the foot's natural shape and movement, eliminating the rigid foreign body sensation while maintaining accurate pressure sensing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the sensing element from rigid to flexible, and from thick to thin, thereby reducing the foreign body sensation while preserving measurement accuracy through optimized conductive pattern design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables precise pressure sensing and distribution analysis while being comfortable to wear, without the sensation of a foreign body, and can be applied to various shoe types.

Implementation Method 1

The intermediate layer may include an elastic body and a conductive composite dispersed in the elastic body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

a first adhesive layer disposed on the first electrode layer and having an insulating region; an intermediate layer disposed on the first adhesive layer; a second adhesive layer disposed on the intermediate layer and having an insulating region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS11553753B2Pressure sensing insole

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

A pressure sensing insole according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first electrode layer including a first conductive region; a first adhesive layer disposed on the first electrode layer and including an insulating region; an intermediate layer disposed on the first adhesive layer; a second adhesive layer disposed on the intermediate layer and including an insulating region; and a second electrode layer disposed on the second adhesive layer and including a second conductive region.