Foot Mobility Assessment via Incremental Load Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack an effective way to determine the relative mobility of different regions of a foot, especially under varying load conditions, which is crucial for understanding foot support needs and preventing injuries related to foot instability and fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A method involving incremental weight loading and measurement of foot elevations using devices like optical scanners and gauge pins, with adjustments for leg length and foot orientation, to calculate mobility by comparing unloaded and loaded states, and displaying mobility data for user interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used, then the measurement process is simple, but the ability to determine relative mobility under varying load conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple functional components: a load application mechanism for applying controlled weights, an optical scanning system for capturing foot contour data, and a processing system for calculating mobility. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide comprehensive mobility assessment under varying loads.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical scanner serves as an intermediary between the physical foot and the measurement system, capturing geometric data without direct contact. This intermediary enables non-invasive measurement of foot contours under different loading conditions, providing the data needed to calculate relative mobility while simplifying the overall measurement process.
2Loss of information
If incremental weight loading is applied, then mobility data under various conditions is obtained, but the measurement process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process uses periodic incremental weight loading, where weights are applied in discrete steps (e.g., 0 lbs, 5 lbs, 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 20 lbs) rather than continuously. This periodic approach provides sufficient mobility data at key load points while significantly reducing the time required compared to continuous loading procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements at zero load to establish baseline foot contour data before applying incremental weights. This preliminary action provides reference information that simplifies subsequent mobility calculations and reduces the number of measurements needed under loaded conditions.
3Measurement precision
If reference plane adjustments are made for leg length and foot orientation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical scanning system automatically detects and compensates for leg length differences and foot orientation variations without requiring manual adjustment or complex setup procedures. The system self-calibrates by capturing the foot's position and orientation in the reference plane, eliminating the need for operator intervention while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a mobility of an object includes the steps of measuring at least a portion of a shape of an object under an initial increment of a weight load of a plurality of increments of a total weight load using a device and measuring at least a portion of the shape of the object under a next increment of a total weight load of a plurality of increments of a weight load using the device. Repeating the measurements until a total weight load is achieved and comparing the measurements from the device under the plurality of incremental weight loads, thereby determining a mobility of at least the portion of said object under the plurality of increments of weight loads. The method further includes adjusting the elevation and angular orientation of a support surface for the object to achieve further measurements and a device for obtaining such measurements. The method further includes comparing the mobility of a present object to a normal-object to determine a deviation. The normal-object is a statistical sample of a prior normal-object mobility.