Foam Sensor Layout for Sensitive Footwear Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors for measuring motion-related forces or strains are limited in their ability to efficiently integrate into products and provide detailed data analysis, particularly in applications like footwear, due to manufacturing challenges and sensitivity limitations.
Innovation Solution
Development of piezoelectric and triboelectric foam-based sensors that incorporate a porous polymer matrix with dispersed piezoelectric particles, allowing for enhanced force detection and data transmission through integrated electrodes and wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If piezoelectric particles are dispersed in a porous polymer matrix to create foam sensors, then sensitivity and data accuracy for motion analysis are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to the need to control particle distribution and foam structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite foam material by dispersing piezoelectric particles within a porous polymer matrix. This composite structure combines the mechanical properties of the foam with the piezoelectric properties of the particles, enabling force detection while maintaining the flexibility and integrability of foam materials. The composite approach resolves the contradiction by achieving high sensitivity through material composition rather than complex device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a non-uniform distribution of piezoelectric particles within the foam matrix, with varying particle concentrations in different regions. This local quality variation optimizes sensitivity in specific areas where force application is most likely to occur, while reducing manufacturing complexity by avoiding the need for uniform high-concentration particle distribution throughout the entire foam structure.
2Measurement precision
If piezoelectric particles are dispersed in a porous polymer matrix to create foam sensors, then sensitivity and data accuracy for motion analysis are improved, but ease of manufacture decreases due to challenges in integrating sensors into products
Solution Approach 1:
The foam sensor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables force detection, and can be integrated into various products including footwear. The piezoelectric foam material itself acts as both the sensing element and the structural component, eliminating the need for separate sensor modules and simplifying integration into end products while maintaining high data accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the piezoelectric effect to convert mechanical force directly into electrical signals, changing the physical parameter from mechanical stress to electrical voltage. This parameter transformation enables accurate motion detection while simplifying integration, as the foam sensor can be directly connected to wireless communication modules without requiring complex signal conditioning circuits.
3Power
If piezoelectric particles are used with filler weight as a majority of combined weight, then signal generation capabilities are enhanced, but weight of the sensor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous foam structure that provides a lightweight framework with high surface area and volume. By dispersing piezoelectric particles within this porous matrix rather than using solid blocks, the sensor achieves enhanced signal generation capabilities through increased particle-matrix interaction while maintaining low overall weight. The porosity reduces material density without compromising the piezoelectric response.
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 sensors provide improved sensitivity and data accuracy for motion analysis, enabling applications such as footstep detection and health monitoring with reduced manufacturing costs and enhanced signal generation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric foam sensor including a piezoelectric foam between a plurality of electrodes
Implementation Method 2
piezoelectric foam-based sensors configured for motion related measurements of forces or strains
Data Source
AI summary
A footwear component is disclosed. In various embodiments, the footwear component includes a foam substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface extending in a lateral direction; and a sensing circuit between the upper surface and the lower surface, the sensing circuit including a piezoelectric foam sensor including a piezoelectric foam between a plurality of electrodes, a printed circuit board having a processor electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes by one or more electrical leads, and an antenna electrically connected to the printed circuit board, the antenna being spaced apart from the printed circuit board and the plurality of electrodes in the lateral direction.