Heated Insole Antenna Placement for Wireless Signal Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heated insoles for footwear face challenges in temperature adjustment due to signal grounding effects from the earth and user's foot, leading to inefficient wireless control and potential increased risk of cold-related injuries.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a radio frequency communication system with an improved antenna placement near the outer margin of the insole and timed transmissions coinciding with foot lift-off, allowing for more effective signal reception and reducing signal loss, along with a microprocessor-controlled heating system to maintain desired temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the antenna is placed parallel to the ground surface in the insole, then the insole maintains a flat structure suitable for footwear, but signal reception is inhibited due to grounding effects from the earth and user's foot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the antenna from a two-dimensional planar configuration to a three-dimensional vertical configuration by positioning it on the bottom surface of the insole perpendicular to the ground. This dimensional change allows the antenna to extend into the space between the earth and the user's foot, avoiding the grounding effects that block signals in the planar configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces foam material as an intermediary between the antenna and both the earth and the user's foot. This foam layer acts as a physical mediator that electrically isolates the antenna from the grounding effects of the earth and foot, allowing signal transmission while maintaining the flat insole structure.
2Ease of operation
If temperature adjustment requires removing the boot to access the insole, then the insole can be adjusted, but the foot is exposed to cold conditions increasing injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical adjustment system (physical buttons or switches requiring direct access to the insole) with a wireless remote control system using radio frequency communication. This allows temperature adjustment without mechanical interaction, eliminating the need to remove the boot and exposing the foot to cold conditions.
3Speed
If wireless control signals are transmitted continuously, then temperature control responsiveness is improved, but transmission reliability decreases due to signal blocking by the ground and foot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of control signals at intervals rather than continuous transmission. This periodic approach, combined with the vertical antenna orientation and foam isolation, ensures that signals are transmitted during windows when the foot may be slightly lifted or positioned favorably, improving overall transmission reliability while maintaining acceptable responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
By orienting the antenna vertically perpendicular to the ground, the patent creates a three-dimensional transmission path that bypasses the grounding effects blocking horizontal signal propagation. This dimensional change in signal transmission allows more reliable wireless communication despite the foot and ground being present in the horizontal plane.
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
Enhances the reliability of wireless temperature control for heated insoles by improving signal reception and maintaining consistent heat settings, reducing the risk of cold-related injuries and enhancing user comfort in cold conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency communication system with an improved antenna placement near the outer margin of the insole and timed transmissions
Implementation Method 2
microprocessor-controlled heating system to maintain desired temperatures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A remote control wireless heated insole system in which address data identifying specific insoles to be heated is provided. Once the heating process is initiated, periodic repeated control signals are generated to cause heating of the insoles.