Footwear Sensor Insert With Modular Pressure Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoe sensor systems are often complex and limited in data accessibility, restricting their uses and applications.

Innovation Solution

A sensor system for footwear that includes a plurality of sensors configured to detect forces and pressure, connected to a port for communication with an electronic module, and featuring a circuit with resistors and a pathway for electrical communication between layers, allowing for efficient data collection and transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If sensor systems are incorporated into footwear to collect performance data, then data collection capability is improved, but device complexity increases and data accessibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is divided into modular components: multiple independent force sensors positioned at different locations on the insert member, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to collect comprehensive data while maintaining simplicity through standardized modular units that can be independently manufactured and replaced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the foot, houses the sensor array, contains the electronic module for data processing, and includes communication ports for data transfer. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple components into a single integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If sensor systems are incorporated into footwear to collect performance data, then data collection capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited data accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoiddata accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Communication ports are provided on the insert member that serve as intermediaries between the sensor system and external devices. These ports enable straightforward data transfer using standard communication protocols, allowing users to access collected data with common electronic devices without requiring specialized equipment or complex interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic module automatically processes and stores data from the sensors, and the system provides its own data output through the communication ports. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual data retrieval procedures, allowing users to easily access data through simple connection to external devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system enables comprehensive data collection on foot pressure and force, facilitating various applications and uses while providing a user-friendly interface for data access.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of force and/or pressure sensors on the insert member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce detection: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3549471B1Footwear having sensor system
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 NIKE INNOVATE CV
  • EP3549471B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3549471B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3549471B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or pressure sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.