Magnetometer Insole Sensing for Foot Presence and Step Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized lacing systems for footwear face challenges such as high cost of manufacture, complexity, assembly difficulties, lack of serviceability, and fragile mechanical mechanisms, making them unsuitable for mass production and daily use.
Innovation Solution
A modular footwear platform with interchangeable motorized and non-motorized lacing engines, featuring a robust mechanical design, serviceable components, and streamlined assembly processes, including a mid-sole plate that allows for late-stage integration of lacing engines and visual/tactile feedback through LED lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If motorized lacing systems are implemented in footwear, then automated tightening function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lacing system is divided into independent modular components: a motorized lacing engine, a footwear article with receptacle, and interchangeable parts. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using optimized processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining automated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized lacing engine is designed as a universal module that can be integrated into different footwear articles through standardized receptacles. This multi-functionality allows a single engine design to serve multiple shoe models, reducing tooling costs and enabling economies of scale in production.
2Extent of automation
If motorized lacing systems are implemented in footwear, then automated tightening function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into distinct modular units (motorized engine, receptacle, footwear article), the complexity of each individual component is reduced and managed independently, making the overall system easier to design, manufacture, and service.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-contained modular units that can be independently serviced or replaced. The interchangeable nature of components allows for easy maintenance without requiring complex disassembly or specialized service procedures.
3Extent of automation
If motorized lacing systems are implemented in footwear, then automated tightening function is achieved, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented modular design allows assembly to occur in discrete steps with clearly defined interfaces. The motorized lacing engine can be assembled and tested independently, then integrated into the footwear article through standardized receptacles, simplifying the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are pre-assembled and pre-tested as modular units before final integration. The motorized lacing engine is prepared in advance with all necessary sub-components, reducing on-site assembly complexity and enabling late-stage integration as specified in the patent.
4Extent of automation
If motorized lacing systems are implemented in footwear, then automated tightening function is achieved, but serviceability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented modular architecture allows any faulty component to be independently accessed and replaced. The motorized lacing engine can be removed and replaced without disassembling the entire footwear, significantly improving serviceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to allow easy replacement of worn or faulty components. Individual modules such as the motorized lacing engine can be discarded and replaced with new or refurbished units, extending the overall system life without requiring complete replacement.
5Extent of automation
If motorized lacing systems are implemented in footwear, then automated tightening function is achieved, but mechanical reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the mechanical system into isolated modular components reduces the propagation of mechanical stresses and failures. Each module can be designed with optimized mechanical structures for its specific function, improving overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes self-contained modular units with built-in protection against mechanical failure. The interchangeable design allows rapid replacement of failed components, maintaining system reliability through quick restoration of function.
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 reliable operation, retail-level customization, and efficient assembly of motorized lacing systems with interchangeable components, addressing the limitations of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetometer to measure a strength or direction of a magnetic field that is influenced by a position of the ferromagnetic body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An article of footwear can include a ferromagnetic body disposed in the article, and a magnetometer to measure a strength or direction of a magnetic field that is influenced by a position of the ferromagnetic body. One of the ferromagnetic body and the magnetometer can be configured to move relative to the other one of the ferromagnetic body and the magnetometer, for example according to movement of a foot in the article. In an example, the ferromagnetic body is disposed in a compressible insole and the ferromagnetic body moves in response to compression or relaxation of the insole. The magnetometer can be disposed in a platform or sole portion of the article that is relatively stationary compared to the ferromagnetic body. Rate of change information about the magnetic field can be used to control article functions or to provide information about a foot strike or step rate.