Footwear Sensor System for Proprioceptive Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with mobility issues, such as those with multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, face challenges with impaired proprioception leading to unstable walking and increased risk of falling, as well as athletes seeking to enhance their posture and gait performance, for which existing technologies lack effective visual and tactile feedback solutions.
Innovation Solution
A mobility aid system comprising sensors to detect foot position, a projector for visual cues, and a motor for vibrational feedback, controlled by a processor to provide real-time guidance and feedback, including line and dot projections for path indication and obstacle detection, and adjustable vibrational feedback to enhance proprioception and balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual and tactile feedback devices are added to provide proprioceptive support, then user stability and confidence in movement improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple feedback modalities (visual projection and tactile vibration) into a single integrated mobility aid device. The projector and vibration motor are merged into one unit that attaches to the user's footwear, providing both visual cues on the ground and tactile feedback simultaneously. This consolidation approach addresses the technical contradiction by delivering comprehensive stability support through multiple channels while containing device complexity within a single integrated attachment rather than separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobility aid device performs multiple functions: it projects visual guidance lines onto the ground, provides tactile vibration feedback, and attaches to various types of footwear. The processor coordinates both projection and vibration functions based on sensor input, making the device universal in its approach to addressing proprioceptive deficits. This multi-functionality improves reliability by providing redundant feedback channels while managing complexity through a single coordinated system.
2Reliability
If real-time sensor feedback and processing are implemented, then gait correction and balance improvement are enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic sampling of pressure sensor data rather than continuous monitoring, activating the projector and vibration motor only when gait deviations are detected. The processor evaluates sensor input at discrete intervals corresponding to the gait cycle, providing feedback at critical moments (heel strike, mid-stance, toe-off) rather than continuously. This periodic operation maintains balance correction effectiveness while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback where pressure sensors continuously monitor foot position, the processor analyzes this data in real-time, and the projector/vibration motor provide corrective feedback only when deviations from proper gait are detected. This event-driven feedback approach maintains high balance support reliability by responding to actual gait deviations while consuming energy only when correction is needed, rather than operating continuously.
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 increases user confidence and efficiency in movement, reduces the risk of falling, promotes independence, and provides customizable feedback for various needs, including sports performance enhancement and disease management, while being environmentally friendly by encouraging walking.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure exerted by the user's foot on a surface
Implementation Method 2
a projector operable to project a first visual cue... capable of projecting a spot in front of the person wearing the footwear to assist in gauging the height of an obstacle
Implementation Method 3
a motor operable to provide vibrational feedback in response to the sensor output
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
Figure 3~4(b)
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention provides a system 10,110 for aiding a user to move, comprising: a sensor 20,120 configured to detect a parameter indicating a position of the user's foot; a feedback device 30,130 operable to provide feedback to the user; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to control the feedback device 30,130 depending on the sensed parameter. The present invention is beneficial because it increases confidence and/or efficiency in movement, providing visual aids and/or tactile feedback to guide the user.