Insole Foot Sensor with Wireless Charging and Plantar Pressure Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable sensors for plantar pressure measurement are limited by their non-wearable and non-integral design, leading to wear and tear issues and inability to provide long-term data analysis, and they primarily focus on simple calculations like step count and stride frequency, lacking advanced data utilization.
Innovation Solution
A foot sensor and analysis device with a pressure sensing layer and sensing module embedded inside the insole, featuring wireless charging, flexible capacitive or resistive sensors, and an infrared sensing layer, integrated with an accelerometer for comprehensive data collection and analysis, enabling the correlation of pressure data with movement parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed in contact with the sole of the foot for plantar pressure measurement, then plantar pressure data can be obtained, but the sensors are easy to wear and tear due to frequent contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure sensing function with the insole structure by embedding sensors between the insole and the foot, integrating the sensing system into the footwear rather than using separate contact sensors. This combination protects sensors from direct wear while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing system is nested within the insole structure, with pressure sensors positioned between the insole layer and the foot. This nested configuration allows the insole to serve as a protective housing for the sensors while enabling continuous contactless pressure measurement.
2Measurement precision
If clinical pressure test plates and test benches are used for plantar pressure measurement, then accurate pressure distribution data can be obtained, but they have space limitations and are not wearable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure measurement system into multiple independent pressure-sensitive elements arranged in an array within the insole. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the pressure distribution measurement capability of large test plates while reducing overall size to enable wearability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from stationary, space-consuming test bench measurements to a wearable insole-based system that operates in a different spatial dimension - embedded within the footwear structure. This dimensional change enables portability and continuous outdoor measurement while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wearable sensors are designed for simple calculations like step count and stride frequency, then the device can be made lightweight and portable, but advanced data analysis capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the wearable insole system to perform multiple functions simultaneously - basic step counting, detailed pressure distribution measurement, gait analysis, and fall detection. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain portability while providing advanced data analysis capabilities across various application domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary between the sensor array and external processing systems. This mediator enables the wearable device to maintain simplicity and portability while transferring rich pressure data to external devices for advanced analysis, effectively distributing computational complexity.
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 solution provides a durable, wearable platform for advanced data analysis of plantar pressure distribution, facilitating long-term use and enabling detailed insights into gait patterns and blood circulation, enhancing clinical, sports, and biomechanical applications by integrating data transmission and processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
sensing module includes an inductance coil to perform wireless charging to the battery
Implementation Method 2
the pressure sensing layer comprises a plurality of resistive pressure sensors
Implementation Method 3
the pressure sensing layer includes a plurality of capacitive sensors with different density distribution
Implementation Method 4
an infrared sensing layer disposed inside said insole and electrically connected to said sensing module to transmit electronic signals detected by said infrared sensing layer
Data Source
AI summary
A foot sensor and analysis device, which includes a pressure sensing layer arranged inside the insole and a sensing module installed inside the insole. The sensing module is electrically coupled with the pressure sensing layer for receiving and processing detected electronic signals, where sensing module includes an inductance coil to perform wireless charging to the battery. The pressure sensing layer and the sensing module are integrally formed inside the insole.