Footprint Generator with Force Measuring Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing footprints at crime scenes lack the ability to apply consistent force, which is crucial for identifying matching shoe prints and controlling variables in experiments, thereby limiting the reliability of footprint analysis.

Innovation Solution

A footprint generator with a base plate, shoe mounting member, driving unit, force measuring unit, input unit, control unit, and display unit, allowing for the application of various forces and angles to generate consistent footprints on a target surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual force application is used in footprint generation, then the device complexity is low, but the force consistency and measurement precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical force application with an automated driving unit that applies constant force through mechanical substitution. This allows precise force control and measurement while eliminating human variability in force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a force measuring unit as an intermediary between the driving unit and the shoe mounting member. This intermediary component enables accurate measurement of the applied force, providing feedback for consistent footprint generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If constant force is applied through automated means, then the reliability of footprint analysis is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of footprint analysisVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the force measuring unit continuously monitors the applied force and provides information to the control unit. This feedback loop ensures constant force application, improving the reliability of footprint analysis by maintaining consistent experimental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by maintaining constant force through automated control rather than manual application. The driving unit adjusts its operation based on force measurement feedback, ensuring parameter consistency across multiple footprint generations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple force levels are applied manually, then the adaptability for different analysis scenarios is improved, but the measurement precision and force consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability for different force levelsVSAvoidforce consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the force application dynamic and adjustable through the driving unit, which can operate at different force levels based on user input. The force measuring unit ensures that each selected force level is applied consistently, combining adaptability with precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal device that can handle multiple force levels and experimental scenarios through the integrated driving unit and force measuring unit. This multi-functional system maintains measurement precision across all operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the generation of footprints with precise control over force and angle, enhancing the reliability of footprint analysis and aiding in criminal case solving by providing consistent and comparable evidence.

Implementation Method 1

a force measuring unit configured to measure an impact force when the shoe mounting member descends and contacts the shoe with the target surface to generate a footprint on the target surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS11771345B2Footprint generator capable of applying constant force and footprint generation method using the same

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 REPUBLIC OF KOREA (NTL FORENSIC SERVICE DIRECTOR MINIST OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION & SECURITY)

AI summary

A footprint generator capable of applying a constant force includes: a base plate in which a target surface may be on an upper surface of the base plate; a shoe mounting member that is apart from the upper surface of the base plate and capable of mounting a shoe; a driving unit that is apart from the upper surface of the base plate and capable of moving the shoe mounting member up and down; and a force measuring unit configured to measure an impact force when the shoe mounting member descends and contacts the shoe with the target surface to generate a footprint on the target surface.