Instrumented Shoe Stud with Modular Sensor for Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instrumented shoes for measuring forces exerted on cleats are invasive, modifying the shoe's properties and failing to accurately measure stresses in all directions, which hinders their use during sports and affects measurement precision.
Innovation Solution
A crampon design with a base attached to the shoe sole, featuring a connecting part that allows movement relative to the base, equipped with sensors to measure mechanical stresses without altering the shoe's comfort or feel, enabling precise force measurement in multiple directions without the need for seals, and allowing interchangeable crampon bodies for different terrain adaptations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If instrumented soles with force measuring plates are used, then force measurement capability is improved, but the shoe properties (stiffness, thickness, comfort) are modified and it becomes difficult to use for normal play
Solution Approach 1:
The instrumented crampon separates measurement functions into modular components: individual instrumented studs rather than a unified instrumented sole, allowing selective instrumentation without modifying the entire shoe structure. This enables normal shoe usage while providing precise force measurements at specific contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrumented crampon acts as an intermediary device between the shoe and ground, placing sensors in the studs that contact the ground rather than in the shoe itself. This mediates the measurement function externally, preserving the original shoe properties while enabling force measurement.
2Measurement precision
If existing instrumented shoes are used, then some force measurement is enabled, but stresses in all directions cannot be measured accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The instrumented crampon measures forces in multiple dimensions by using three orthogonal strain gauges on each stud, capturing vertical, lateral, and longitudinal forces. This multi-dimensional measurement approach enables comprehensive stress analysis in all directions rather than single-direction measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrumented stud design provides universal measurement capability for all types of ground reaction forces through a single device configuration. The multi-axis strain gauge arrangement enables the same stud to measure various force components (vertical, shear, lateral) depending on the movement direction, making it adaptable to diverse sporting activities.
3Reliability
If seals are compressed to attach crampon to sole, then attachment is achieved, but static stresses are generated that hinder movement and impair measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The instrumented crampon design extracts the seal and compression mechanism from the attachment system. The studs are attached directly to the shoe sole using threaded fasteners without requiring compressible seals, eliminating the source of static stresses that would interfere with dynamic force measurements during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical attachment system replaces seal compression with threaded fastening. Instead of using elastic deformation of seals to secure the crampon, the invention uses rigid mechanical threads to attach the studs, eliminating the compliant element that generates interfering static stresses.
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 non-invasive, precise measurement of mechanical stresses on cleats in multiple directions, optimizing crampon shape and monitoring athlete condition, while maintaining comfort and adaptability to various terrains without modifying the shoe's standard dimensions or feel.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor sensitive to a movement of said body and/or to a deformation of the connecting part during this movement
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5
Figure 6a~10
AI summary
The invention relates to a stud (3) comprising: - a base for securing to a sole (2) of a studded shoe, said base resting against the lower face of the sole, - a stud body, at least partially defining the outer surface, - a linking portion which connects the body to the base such that the body can move relative to the base under the effect of a force exerted on the stud body by the wearer of the shoe, and - at least one sensor for detecting a movement of the body and/or a deformation of the linking portion during this movement.