Foot Presence Sensing Using Velocity for Automated Lacing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized lacing systems for footwear face challenges such as high cost, complexity, assembly issues, lack of serviceability, and fragile mechanical mechanisms, which hinder mass production and daily use.
Innovation Solution
A modular footwear platform that accommodates both motorized and non-motorized lacing engines, featuring a mid-sole plate for interchangeable lacing engines, robust mechanical design, and capacitive foot presence sensors for proper foot alignment and lacing control, providing serviceable components, reliable operation, and streamlined assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If motorized lacing systems are implemented in footwear, then automated lacing function is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized lacing system is divided into separate functional modules: a motor unit housed in a motorized lacing unit, a separate lacing mechanism with tensioning members, and an independent sensor system. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly and manufacturing processes while maintaining automated functionality.
2Extent of automation
If motorized lacing systems are implemented in footwear, then automated lacing function is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized lacing unit is pre-assembled as a complete functional module before integration into the footwear. The motor unit, lacing mechanism, and associated components are configured and tested as a unit, which simplifies the final assembly process during footwear manufacturing and reduces assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor unit is housed within a motorized lacing unit housing that is integrated into the footwear structure. The lacing mechanism components are nested within the footwear upper, with tensioning members routed through guides and channels. This nesting approach consolidates multiple components into compact arrangements that simplify manufacturing.
3Measurement precision
If foot presence sensors are used for lacing control, then proper foot alignment detection is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric member is positioned between the capacitive sensor electrode and the foot to enhance the sensor output signal. This intermediary element amplifies the capacitive coupling effect when the foot is properly positioned, improving detection precision without requiring complex sensor electronics or signal processing circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor system utilizes changes in dielectric properties and capacitance values to detect foot presence and alignment. By monitoring parameter changes in the electrical field rather than using complex mechanical or optical sensors, the system achieves precise measurement with simpler and lower-cost components.
4Measurement precision
If capacitive sensors with dielectric members are used, then sensor output signal is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric member is integrated into existing footwear components such as the insole or upper material, serving both as a structural element of the footwear and as a signal-enhancing component for the capacitive sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate precision positioning features and reduces manufacturing precision requirements.
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 modular design enables cost-effective, reliable, and customizable automated lacing systems with improved serviceability and user feedback, ensuring proper foot alignment and lacing tension without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense changes in a capacitance signal in response to proximity of a body
Implementation Method 2
A dielectric member can be provided between the capacitive sensor and the body to enhance an output signal from the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor, and the sensor is configured to sense changes in a foot proximity to the sensor in footwear. Information about the sensed proximity can be used to determine a foot velocity characteristic, which in turn can be used to update an automated footwear function, such as an automatic lacing function, or can be used to determine a step count, foot strike force, a rate of travel, or other information about a foot, about an activity, or about the footwear.