Footwear Sensor Array for Diabetic Foot Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices lack a suitable solution for monitoring critical parameters like skin temperature and pressure in diabetic feet, which are essential for effective management and prognosis of diabetic foot conditions such as Charcot arthropathy, leading to complications like ulcers and amputations.
Innovation Solution
An article of footwear equipped with a plurality of temperature sensors, including a reference sensor located remotely on the lower leg, pressure sensors, a pitch sensor, and an activity sensor, which transmit data to a microprocessor for collation and wireless communication to a remote monitoring station, enabling continuous and remote patient and physician monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are placed on the diabetic foot, then monitoring precision of skin temperature is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into multiple independent temperature sensors placed at different locations on the diabetic foot (plantar surface, dorsal surface, lateral aspects). Each sensor independently monitors temperature at its specific location, allowing precise detection of localized thermal changes that indicate early ulcer formation or infection, while the modular sensor design keeps individual sensor complexity low
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to temperature monitoring by distributing sensors across multiple surfaces and locations of the foot rather than using a single sensor. This multi-dimensional arrangement captures temperature gradients and localized hot spots that would be missed by a single-point measurement, significantly improving detection precision without requiring each sensor to be overly complex
2Measurement precision
If a reference sensor is placed on the lower leg, then temperature differential measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A reference temperature sensor is placed on the lower leg (distal to the ankle) to serve as a control or baseline measurement. This intermediary sensor provides a stable reference temperature that represents systemic conditions without being influenced by local foot pathology. The differential between foot temperature and reference temperature isolates localized thermal changes from systemic variations, improving measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The reference sensor is strategically positioned on the lower leg where tissue characteristics and blood flow patterns differ from the foot, creating a distinct measurement zone. This local differentiation allows the reference sensor to capture systemic temperature trends while the foot sensors capture localized pathology, and the comparison between these distinct zones improves diagnostic precision
3Loss of information
If pressure sensors and activity sensors are added to the footwear, then comprehensive foot monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The footwear incorporates multiple sensor types (temperature sensors, pressure sensors, activity sensors) that serve different monitoring functions but are integrated into a single unified system. Temperature sensors detect thermal changes indicating infection or inflammation, pressure sensors monitor weight distribution and ulcer risk areas, and activity sensors track patient compliance with offloading recommendations. This multi-functional approach comprehensively captures foot condition information without requiring separate monitoring devices
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensor types and monitoring functions are merged into a single integrated footwear system with centralized data processing and wireless communication. The temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and activity sensors all communicate with a common control unit that processes and transmits data to remote monitoring systems, reducing overall system complexity compared to using separate monitoring devices for each function
4Ease of operation
If wireless communication and remote monitoring capabilities are implemented, then patient engagement and treatment compliance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements two-way feedback: sensors continuously monitor foot temperature, pressure, and activity, then wirelessly transmit this data to remote monitoring systems and healthcare providers. Providers can remotely assess foot condition, detect early signs of complications, and provide timely interventions. This feedback loop engages patients in their own care by making monitoring data accessible and enabling proactive treatment, improving compliance without requiring complex patient-side operation
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
This solution provides improved monitoring of skin temperature and pressure, enhancing treatment compliance and management of diabetic foot conditions, reducing morbidity and the risk of amputations by enabling timely intervention and improving patient engagement in their care.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of temperature sensors each of which is operable to measure skin temperature adjacent the sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to an article of footwear such as, but not limited to, a surgical boot. The boot comprises a plurality of temperature sensors each of which is operable to measure skin temperature adjacent the sensor. The boot further comprises a pitch sensor, a pressure sensor and an activity sensor. The data from the sensors is sent to a microprocessor on the boot and from there to a smartphone and/or a remote PC. The data is displayed and analysed on the smartphone/PC. The boot with these sensors can detect with a high degree of accuracy the patient's condition and will help in the treatment and management of their condition. The information from the sensors can be displayed on a patient's smartphone, thereby engaging the patient in their own treatment. The article of footwear will ultimately improve health and decrease morbidity related to diabetes mellitus and Charcot's foot.