Modular Expandable Platform for Plantar Pressure Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current baropodometric platforms are limited by their fixed dimensions and sensor density, which restricts their ability to accurately measure plantar pressures over large areas without compromising resolution, and are hindered by the construction of sensor modules that require components to be mounted on one side, leading to inefficient data transmission and processing.
Innovation Solution
An expandable platform with modular, orthogonally connected sensor modules that can be easily joined using snap fittings, allowing for high-resolution data transmission and calibration, enabling continuous surface coverage without interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the size of the circuit increases to cover larger measurement areas, then the surface area for measurement is improved, but the number of sensors that can be used reduces, deteriorating the resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The baropodometric platform is divided into multiple independent modules, each containing its own array of measurement sensors. Each module can be independently connected to the control computer via USB interface, allowing the system to cover large areas while maintaining high sensor density and resolution in each module. The modular structure enables flexible configuration to achieve any desired total measurement area.
2Measurement precision
If the number of sensors increases to improve resolution, then the measurement precision is improved, but the data transmission load increases, deteriorating the processing speed
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the platform into multiple modules with independent USB interfaces, each module transmits data separately to the control computer. This parallel data transmission approach reduces the total data transmission load on any single interface and allows the computer to process data from multiple modules simultaneously, maintaining high processing speed even with a large total number of sensors across all modules.
3Ease of manufacture
If the components are mounted on one side of the circuit as in current construction, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the data transmission efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The USB interface is positioned on the inferior side (bottom) of each module rather than on the same side as the sensor array. This spatial reconfiguration allows data transmission components to be optimally positioned for efficient data collection from sensors above, while maintaining simple manufacturing processes. The inferior positioning of the interface enables direct vertical data transmission paths and facilitates modular assembly.
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 platform can measure plantar pressures over extensive areas with high resolution and speed, supporting dynamic examinations without interrupting data transmission, allowing for precise sampling and seamless module connection.
Implementation Method 1
baropodometric platforms equipped with resistive measurement sensors
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable platform for measuring plantar pressures includes a multiplicity of modules (1) for measuring plantar pressures, each having mutually orthogonal sides and including its own array of sensors able to measure plantar pressure, and a control computer provided with a software for the treatment of the information coming from the sensors, able to display the static, postural and dynamic examination of the plantar pressures. The array of plantar sensors of each module (1) is connected with the control computer through an interface (2) positioned inferiorly to the measuring module (1) in such a way that each measuring module (1) is individually connectable for the transmission of data with the control computer, and is electronically and mechanically joined to other measuring modules (1) positioned adjacent to its own mutually orthogonal sides.