Foot Sole Pressure Sensor Segmentation for Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foot sole pressure measurement devices face challenges in accurately measuring pressure distribution due to variations in foot size and bone structure, leading to errors in measurement, increased complexity, and high failure rates, making them unsuitable for widespread use in competition and daily life.
Innovation Solution
A foot sole pressure measurement instrument with a pressure-sensing unit installed on or near areas of high pressure concentration, such as the big toe ball, little toe ball, and heel bone, using strip-shaped sensors with different aspect ratios to minimize errors and improve sensitivity, and an information provision device that calculates and displays running stability indicators based on measured pressure fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If many pressure sensors are used to measure two-dimensional pressure distribution, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foot sole surface is divided into multiple measurement regions, with pressure sensors strategically positioned at key locations (heel, metatarsal heads, toe areas) rather than covering the entire surface. This segmentation approach captures essential pressure distribution information while minimizing the number of sensors required.
Solution Approach 2:
Different measurement regions are identified and prioritized based on their physiological significance. High-pressure areas such as the heel and metatarsal heads receive focused measurement attention, allowing accurate assessment of pressure distribution with fewer sensors placed at critical locations.
2Area of stationary object
If sensor area is enlarged to cover more foot surface, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement error increases due to bending and pulling stress
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large sensor, the measurement system employs multiple smaller sensors positioned at discrete locations. Each small sensor remains flat and stress-free, maintaining measurement accuracy while collectively covering the essential pressure distribution areas of the foot sole.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor configuration changes from a single large-area sensor to multiple small-area sensors. This parameter change maintains adequate measurement coverage while eliminating the bending and pulling stresses that occur with large sensors, thereby preserving measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If a single pressure sensor is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement accuracy decreases due to action point deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The foot sole pressure measurement is segmented into multiple discrete measurement points corresponding to anatomically significant areas. This segmentation enables accurate capture of pressure distribution patterns without requiring an overly complex sensor array, striking a balance between simplicity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-point sensor configuration serves multiple functions: it measures pressure at critical anatomical locations, detects pressure distribution patterns, and provides comprehensive gait analysis data. This universal approach achieves high measurement accuracy while maintaining reasonable device simplicity through strategic sensor placement.
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 non-invasive measurement of exercise intensity during walking or running without burdening the subject or measurer, providing accurate load information and improving running efficiency by adjusting gradient and speed settings according to individual ability.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure-sensing unit configured to sense a pressure contact
Data Source
AI summary
A foot sole pressure measurement instrument includes a measurement unit which is installed on a foot sole part of a subject and measures a pressure applied to the foot sole part of the subject, and an output unit configured to output data of the measured pressure.