Lactate Threshold Estimation via Gait Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring lactate working threshold values are limited as they require blood samples and specialized devices, making it difficult to estimate this parameter in real-world movement environments, especially during walking or running activities outside of controlled settings.
Innovation Solution
A lactate working threshold-estimating device that uses sensors to acquire information on gait parameters such as plantar pressure, floor reaction force, stride, pitch, and foot/ground contact time to estimate the lactate working threshold value, allowing for continuous measurement in unconstrained environments without the need for blood samples or specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If blood sampling and specialized measuring devices (ergometer, power meter) are used to measure lactate working threshold value, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/blood-based measurement system with a sensor-based gait analysis system. Instead of using blood sampling and specialized exercise equipment, the invention uses sensors to detect gait parameters (stride length, pitch, foot/ground contact time) and floor reaction forces to estimate lactate working threshold, thereby eliminating the need for complex mechanical measuring devices while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gait parameters and floor reaction force as intermediary indicators to indirectly measure lactate working threshold. These intermediaries serve as substitutes for direct blood lactate measurement, allowing the estimation of the target parameter through related physiological and mechanical characteristics that can be captured by standard sensors
2Measurement precision
If blood sampling is required to measure lactate working threshold value, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the invasive blood sampling procedure with non-invasive sensor-based gait analysis. By substituting the mechanical/blood-based system with electronic sensors that detect movement parameters and floor reaction forces, the invention eliminates the discomfort and complexity of blood draws while maintaining the ability to measure lactate working threshold
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the measurement system to operate autonomously without requiring blood sampling procedures. The sensors automatically detect gait parameters and floor reaction forces during normal movement, and the system processes this data to estimate lactate working threshold, making the measurement process self-contained and convenient for users in real-world environments
3Measurement precision
If specialized measuring devices are used to measure output power, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability to real-world environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can function in multiple environments (laboratory, track, street, etc.) by using standard sensors to detect gait parameters and floor reaction forces. This multi-functional approach allows the same system to accurately measure output power and estimate lactate working threshold across diverse real-world settings, eliminating the need for specialized equipment in each environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces specialized mechanical measuring devices with a sensor-based system that detects physical quantities (gait parameters, floor reaction forces) that can be measured in any environment. This substitution enables the system to adapt to various real-world conditions while maintaining measurement precision, as the sensors can operate in laboratories, on tracks, and in street environments alike
4Measurement precision
If floor reaction gauges are installed under the floor to measure gait, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses floor reaction force as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure gait characteristics. Instead of requiring complex floor reaction gauges embedded in the floor, the system uses sensors to detect floor reaction forces during movement and processes these forces along with gait parameters to estimate lactate working threshold, thereby simplifying the measurement system while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical floor reaction gauge system with a sensor-based detection system. By substituting the embedded floor gauge mechanism with portable or wearable sensors that can detect gait parameters and floor reaction forces, the invention eliminates the need for complex installations while maintaining measurement capability in various environments
Data Source
AI summary
A lactate working threshold-estimating device includes: an acquiring unit configured to acquire information on a gait of a person whose lactate working threshold value is to be estimated from a sensor installed on the person; and an estimating unit configured to estimate the lactate working threshold value of the person on the basis of the acquired information.