Footwear Sensor System Universal Communication Port

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing footwear with sensor systems face limitations due to complex data access and compatibility issues with various operating systems, restricting the use of collected performance data.

Innovation Solution

A shoe with a force sensor system connected to a universal communication port that transmits data in a universally readable format, allowing for easy access and use across different platforms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensor systems are incorporated into footwear to collect performance data, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and data access difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance data collectionVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A communication port is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor system and external devices. This port provides a standardized interface that simplifies data access while maintaining the sophisticated sensor collection capabilities. The port acts as a mediator that translates complex sensor data into universally readable formats, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If sensor systems use proprietary data formats, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidplatform compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The communication port is designed with universal compatibility features, enabling it to interface with multiple different operating systems and devices simultaneously. This universal interface maintains data accuracy through standardized protocols while providing broad adaptability across different platforms, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

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

3Measurement precision

If complex sensor systems are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and data accessibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance data collectionVSAvoiddata access
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The communication port serves as an intermediary that simplifies data access from complex sensor systems. It provides a user-friendly interface that translates sophisticated sensor data into easily accessible formats, maintaining high measurement precision while significantly improving ease of operation and data accessibility for end users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20210289878A1Footwear Having Sensor System
Publication Date: 2021.09.23 NIKE INC
  • US20210289878A1 patent drawing
  • US20210289878A1 patent drawing
  • US20210289878A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. The sensor system also includes a port that is configured to receive a module to place the module in communication with the sensors. The port includes a housing with a chamber configured to receive the module and an interface engaged with the housing and having at least one electrical contact exposed to the chamber. Additional retaining structure and interface structure may be included.