Hybrid Sensor Insole for Accurate Foot Pressure Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-shoe pressure measurement systems are not cost-effective, lack accuracy, and require frequent recalibration due to their dependence on individual physiology, and often use rigid insoles that are not suitable for flexible applications, leading to inefficiencies in data processing and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A system with a combination of high-range and low-range force sensors arranged in zones, connected by a flexible electronic circuit, which includes both fast and slow response rate sensors, integrated with a powering and handling unit for wireless data transmission and processing, allowing for accurate and reliable pressure measurement without the need for recalibration and using flexible insoles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple individual force sensors are used to measure in-shoe pressure, then measurement coverage is improved, but system cost and data processing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The insole is divided into multiple zones (heel zone, midfoot zone, forefoot zone, toe zone) with force sensors strategically placed in each zone. This segmentation approach provides comprehensive pressure measurement coverage while reducing the total number of sensors needed compared to uniform distribution, thereby lowering system cost and processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple force sensors within each zone are electrically connected in parallel to a single output terminal. This merging of sensor signals at the zone level simplifies data processing by aggregating multiple sensor readings into unified zone force measurements, reducing the computational burden while maintaining comprehensive pressure distribution information.
2Reliability
If high accuracy force sensors are used throughout the insole, then measurement reliability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insole employs a hybrid sensor configuration where high-range force sensors (Type A) and low-range force sensors (Type B) are strategically distributed across different zones. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain high measurement reliability across all pressure ranges while optimizing cost by using appropriate sensor types in appropriate locations rather than uniformly deploying expensive high-precision sensors throughout.
3Measurement precision
If a rigid layer is used beneath sensors, then measurement accuracy is improved, but insole flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensors are directly mounted onto a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) which serves as the support structure, eliminating the need for a rigid layer beneath the sensors. The FPC maintains sufficient mechanical stability for accurate force measurement while preserving the insole's flexibility and conformability to the foot's natural shape, enabling comfortable wear during dynamic activities.
4Measurement precision
If sensors are organized in zones with multiple sensors per zone, then measurement coverage is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple force sensors within each zone are electrically connected in parallel to a single output terminal on the flexible printed circuit. This merging approach allows comprehensive pressure distribution measurement across all zones while reducing the number of independent signal channels and processing requirements, thereby controlling system cost despite using multiple sensors throughout the insole.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a system for measuring forces at different regions of the foot for the purpose of supporting medical treatment, improving sports performance and so on. It uses a plurality of force sensors arranged in zones wherein the plurality force sensors include sensors of different types. The system includes a transmitter that transmits data to a processing unit that receives and processes data to determine performance of an athlete or medical conditions in relation to locomotion.