Multi-Axis Foot Acceleration Sensor for Gait Anomaly Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies inadequately address the detection of anomalies in gait patterns, such as stride time variability, stride length variability, and walking speed variability, which are indicators of increased fall risk, particularly among older adults, leading to injuries and substantial medical costs.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with sensors to measure foot acceleration in multiple directions, processing data to determine foot impacts, slips, and other events, enabling accurate analysis of gait characteristics and potential injury risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acceleration sensors are used to measure foot movement, then gait analysis precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring foot acceleration during normal gait, detecting falls, identifying gait anomalies, and monitoring stride characteristics. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by achieving high measurement precision across multiple gait parameters without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single sensor system serves multiple analytical purposes
2Measurement precision
If multiple acceleration thresholds and time parameters are implemented, then anomaly detection accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes multiple acceleration thresholds and time parameters before actual gait analysis occurs. These predetermined parameters are configured in advance based on normal gait patterns, allowing the processing system to efficiently compare measured acceleration data against established criteria without complex real-time calculations, thus improving anomaly detection accuracy while limiting processing complexity to predetermined comparison operations
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 solution provides precise detection of gait anomalies, enabling early identification of fall risks and potential injuries, thereby improving health monitoring and reducing medical costs associated with falls.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor to measure acceleration of a foot in at least two directions
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for determining various occurrences and anomalies within a step are provided. A device to determine characteristics of a step includes at least one sensor to measure acceleration of a foot in at least two directions, at least one processor to execute instructions stored in a memory and to determine accelerations in first and/or second directions meet criteria to determine a footstrike and a push off of a foot from a surface. Slipping of feet while walking and running, clipping of feet while walking and running, and tripping and falling while walking and running may be indicators of overall health and fitness, particularly in older individuals.