Removable Toe Sensor Assembly for Precise Foot Health Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foot health evaluation devices lack accuracy and convenience, particularly in measuring toe strength and range of motion, and are inaccessible to untrained users, often requiring manual examination prone to discrepancies and failing to provide a comprehensive assessment of foot health.
Innovation Solution
A foot evaluation device with a platform and removably attachable toe sensor assembly, including a toe force sensor, heel force sensor, metatarsal force sensor, and a control module, which measures and processes toe-related forces to ensure accurate toe strength and range of motion measurements, while allowing for partial automation and user-friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual examination techniques are used to evaluate foot health, then the evaluation can be performed without specialized equipment, but the results are subjective and prone to discrepancies between clinicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical examination with electronic force sensors that objectively measure toe flexion and extension forces. The sensor assembly converts mechanical foot movements into electrical signals for precise, repeatable measurement, eliminating clinician subjectivity while maintaining ease of use through simple patient positioning on the platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables patients to perform their own foot health evaluations without requiring trained clinicians. The automated sensor system guides patients through flexion and extension movements and automatically records and analyzes the data, making the evaluation process accessible to untrained users while maintaining measurement consistency.
2Measurement precision
If current measurement devices are used to capture toe strength, then more consistent results are obtained, but the devices are limited in accuracy and convenience, and fail to detect pure toe movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the foot evaluation into separate measurable components: toe flexion force, toe extension force, and overall foot movement. The sensor assembly is segmented to independently measure each toe's movement while detecting whether other foot parts are involved, allowing pure toe movement detection and comprehensive consistency in measurement results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controlled intermediary environment - a platform with positioning guides and support surfaces - that isolates the toe movements from compensatory foot movements. This intermediary structure ensures patients perform pure toe flexion and extension while making the device convenient through standardized positioning that reduces operational complexity.
3Extent of automation
If automated measurement systems are implemented, then untrained users can perform evaluations, but the systems become more complex and sensitive
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as a self-service system where patients independently position their feet on the platform, perform the flexion and extension movements as instructed, and receive automated feedback on their foot health metrics. The control system automatically processes sensor data and generates evaluation reports without requiring trained operators, achieving high automation while managing complexity through intuitive design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where the control system monitors sensor readings during the movement and provides guidance to patients on proper technique. The system automatically detects measurement quality and can request repetitions if movements are improper, reducing the need for complex manual oversight while maintaining measurement accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to monitor overall foot movement, then accurate detection of pure toe movements is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single integrated sensor assembly that simultaneously measures toe flexion force, toe extension force, and foot position. This consolidation achieves accurate detection of pure toe movements through coordinated sensor readings while reducing overall device complexity compared to separate independent measurement systems.
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 device provides precise and comprehensive foot health evaluation, enabling accurate toe strength and range of motion measurements, minimizes user error, and allows untrained users to perform reliable assessments without clinical assistance.
Implementation Method 1
a toe force sensor configured to measure forces applied to the toe force sensor by a toe of a user's foot
Implementation Method 2
The toe force sensor is configured to measure forces applied to the toe force sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A foot evaluation device is configured to evaluate metrics of foot health accurately and precisely. The foot evaluation device includes a platform configured to accommodate a user's foot, and a toe sensor assembly that is removably attachable to the platform and includes a toe force sensor and a toe cap connected to the toe force sensor. The toe force sensor is configured to measure forces applied to the toe force sensor by a toe of the user's foot.