Robotic Shoe with Dynamic Insole for Gait Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gait rehabilitation systems require a lengthy trial-and-error process for optimal shoe adjustments and lack real-time feedback, making them inflexible and ineffective in dynamically addressing gait disorders across various circumstances.
Innovation Solution
A robotic biomechanical shoe that uses real-time feedback from sensors and control systems to adjust the sole shape based on measured parameters such as ground reaction forces, electromyography, and inertial measurements, allowing for continuous and autonomous correction of gait anomalies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If iterative adjustment of shoe characteristics is used to compensate for gait disorders, then patient-specific gait correction can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and lacks flexibility for dynamic manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static shoe insoles into dynamic systems with movable elements that can be repositioned in real-time based on measured gait parameters. The insole includes a platform with multiple elements that can be independently moved to different positions, allowing the system to adapt to changing gait conditions without requiring repeated clinical visits for manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously measure gait parameters and provide feedback to a control system. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of the movable insole elements based on real-time gait analysis, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual trial-and-error adjustments by clinicians.
2Stability of the object's composition
If static bulbous protuberances are predetermined by iterative adjustments, then mechanical and functional stability can be improved, but the rehabilitative effect becomes fixed and requires frequent clinic visits for readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed bulbous protuberances with movable elements on a platform that can be dynamically repositioned. The elements can be moved to different locations on the insole based on real-time gait measurements, providing both the stability needed for neuromuscular control and the adaptability to change as the patient's condition improves or circumstances change.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts the position of the movable elements based on feedback from gait sensors, eliminating the need for external clinicians to perform repeated adjustments. The device serves itself by continuously monitoring gait parameters and making appropriate repositioning decisions without requiring patient transport to clinic facilities.
3Reliability
If biomechanical shoes are designed to compensate for gait problems, then rehabilitation treatment can be provided, but the system lacks flexibility to support specific needs in various circumstances such as different stepping surfaces and subject fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic insole system where elements can be repositioned based on real-time measurements of gait parameters. This allows the shoe to adapt to different stepping surfaces, fatigue levels, and other varying circumstances while maintaining reliable rehabilitation effectiveness through continuous optimization of the corrective forces applied.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic shoe which provides real-time feedback regarding forces acting on the foot of the user, in order to modify these forces in a corrective or diagnostic manner. The shoe comprises an insole equipped with embedded pressure sensors enabling it to continuously monitor the ground reaction forces (GRF) and the foot center of pressure (COP) while the user is standing, walking, and running. The insole COP and GRF readings are input to a programmable system that shifts the COP trajectory dynamically in a patient-specific manner via the robotic platform of the shoe. The robotic platform contains motors that control elements whose movement manipulates the forces acting on the foot and lower limb, resulting in modification of the GRF. Closed loop feedback enables a dynamic fit of an optimal COP. The COP and GRF information can be stored for analysis and diagnosis of gait and instability events accruing during locomotion.