Inertial Sensor Ground Reaction Force Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring ground reaction forces are limited to laboratory settings and fail to provide comprehensive measurements outside controlled environments, especially on various terrains and during dynamic activities like running or workplace tasks.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using inertial sensors to measure acceleration data, which is processed to estimate ground reaction forces through a logarithmic relationship function, allowing for accurate measurements in diverse environments without the need for force plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If force platforms are used to measure ground reaction forces, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to restriction to laboratory conditions only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical force platform system with an inertial sensor-based system. The inertial sensors measure acceleration, and through integration and calibration, derive ground reaction forces without requiring a physical force platform. This substitution enables measurements in field conditions while maintaining acceptable accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acceleration data as an intermediary between the physical collision and the force measurement. Instead of directly measuring force, the system measures acceleration and uses it as an intermediate parameter to calculate ground reaction forces through integration and calibration processes.
2Reliability
If force plates are used in laboratory settings, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to controlled environment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from the complex force platform infrastructure and places inertial sensors directly on the subject's body. This extraction eliminates the need for laboratory-mounted force plates and complex control systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement reliability through proper sensor placement and signal processing.
3Measurement precision
If traditional force plate methods are used, then measurement accuracy is improved for controlled conditions, but loss of information increases when applied to diverse terrains and activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system using inertial sensors that can function across multiple terrains and activity types. The system processes acceleration data to extract various biomechanical parameters including ground reaction forces, collision forces, and movement characteristics, making it applicable to running, walking, workplace tasks, and diverse surface conditions.
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
Enables accurate and comprehensive measurement of ground reaction forces in various settings, reducing errors to an average of 6.33% when compared to traditional force plate measurements, facilitating injury prevention and performance optimization.
Implementation Method 1
an acceleration sensor for measuring acceleration of said body or body part relative to an inertial frame of reference and for providing data indicative of said acceleration, wherein said acceleration sensor includes at least one inertial sensor
Implementation Method 2
The processor may be configured to process the data according to a relationship function such as a non-linear relationship function between the acceleration data and the reaction force. The relationship function may be substantially logarithmic and may include one or more calibration coefficients.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus is disclosed for monitoring, measuring and/or estimating a force applied to a body or body part of a vertebral mammal. The apparatus includes an acceleration sensor for measuring acceleration of the body or body part relative to an inertial frame of reference and for providing data indicative of the acceleration. The acceleration sensor includes at least one inertial sensor, a memory device adapted for storing the data, and a processor adapted for processing the data to evaluate a reaction force that correlates to the data. The processor may be configured to execute an algorithm for evaluating the reaction force, based on one or more correlation components such as mass, speed and/or velocity associated with the body or body part. A method of monitoring and/or estimating a force applied to a body or body part of a vertebral mammal is also disclosed.