Insole Sensor System for Foot Pressure Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of systems that effectively track and report pressure data from a user's feet during various activities, preventing users from adjusting their activities to mitigate foot pressure and discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A sole sensor system with sensors integrated into insoles that wirelessly transmit data to a user computing device and server, processing pressure points and providing actionable feedback for activity adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors are integrated into insoles to track pressure data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure data trackingVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the pressure measurement function into discrete sensor elements distributed across the insole surface. Each sensor independently measures pressure at its location, and the computing device aggregates these individual measurements to create a comprehensive pressure map of the foot, resolving the contradiction by breaking down the complex measurement task into simpler, manageable sensor units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The computing device serves as an intermediary between the simple pressure-sensing elements in the insole and the user. It receives raw pressure data from multiple sensors, processes this information to identify pressure points and patterns, and presents actionable insights to the user, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If real-time pressure monitoring is implemented, then information availability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure data availabilityVSAvoidsensor system power

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic pressure monitoring rather than continuous monitoring. Sensors take measurements at regular intervals during user activity, which provides sufficient information about pressure patterns and hot spots while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous real-time monitoring. This periodic sampling approach maintains information availability while managing power usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used to map pressure distribution, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure distribution mappingVSAvoidinsole production

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses universal, off-the-shelf pressure sensor components that can be integrated into various insole designs and footwear types. By employing standardized sensor elements rather than custom-designed components, the system achieves accurate pressure distribution mapping while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular assembly and compatibility with existing manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230290258A1Sole sensor system

Publication Date: 2023.09.14 ISGAR CHARLES

AI summary

A sole sensor system is provided. The sole sensor system that includes a sensor or sensors within insoles for use with footwear, wherein the sensors wirelessly send sensor data to a user computing device that communicates with a server to process the sensor data to determine pressure points of the user's feet during various activities of the user.