SAFER Podiatric Tracker Real-Time Feedback for Ulcer Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring and management of neuromuscular gait, stance, and podiatric performance are inefficient, particularly for individuals with neuromuscular disorders and diabetic patients at risk of foot ulcers, as existing technologies do not provide real-time feedback and are prone to causing skin issues due to intimate fitting braces and poor compliance with wound off-loading instructions.
Innovation Solution
A portable podiatric activity tracking system, the Smart Adjustable FEet activity tracking and Recommendation (SAFER) system, which includes a podiatric data central module and movable podiatry trackers with sensors for real-time feedback and alert systems, integrated with a mobile application to provide personalized monitoring and recommendations for gait correction and ulcer prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If modern braces are designed to fit more intimately to improve efficacy, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but skin issues increase due to structural or environmental stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time monitoring of pressure, temperature, and humidity conditions between the brace and skin using sensors. This feedback system continuously tracks environmental stresses and alerts users or providers when conditions approach harmful thresholds, enabling preventive adjustment before skin damage occurs while maintaining the intimate fit necessary for treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and monitoring systems as intermediaries between the brace and the skin. These intermediaries detect and report environmental conditions without interfering with the brace's primary function, allowing the intimate fit to be maintained while providing protective monitoring against skin damage from excessive pressure or moisture
2Reliability
If comprehensive ulcer prevention programs are implemented, then ulcer risk is reduced, but ulcers may still occur due to poor compliance with wound off-loading instructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides real-time feedback through mobile device alerts and notifications that monitor weight distribution and pressure on wound areas. This continuous feedback makes it easier for patients to understand and follow off-loading instructions by providing immediate information about their compliance, thereby improving adherence to treatment protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables patients to self-monitor their own compliance with off-loading instructions through the mobile application. Patients can view real-time data about their weight distribution and receive personalized feedback, making the compliance monitoring process self-service rather than requiring constant external supervision
3Ease of operation
If real-time monitoring and feedback systems are implemented, then treatment compliance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a multi-functional mobile device platform that combines pressure sensing, temperature monitoring, humidity detection, wireless communication, and user interface capabilities in a single system. This universal approach leverages the existing multi-functionality of mobile devices to provide comprehensive monitoring without requiring multiple separate specialized devices, thereby managing system complexity
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 SAFER system offers continuous, real-time monitoring and feedback, improving compliance with treatment plans, reducing the risk of skin issues and foot damage, and enhancing ulcer prevention and healing by providing personalized recommendations for gait correction and footwear adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The MOPT handles signal processing of podiatry-related sensors, including but not limited to, force sensing resistors, shear force sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a portable podiatric activity tracking system for monitoring the neuromuscular gait, stance, and/or performance related to the feet of an end user. Embodiments are configured to receive, by a podiatric data central (PODAC) module, podiatry data associated with a respective foot of the end user. The podiatry data is generated at least in part by podiatry-related sensors associated with respective movable podiatry trackers (MOPTs). Embodiments can also generate, based at least in part on the podiatry data, summary data related to foot activity related to the end user. Embodiments can transmit the summary data to an end device associated with the end user. A mobile software application associated with the end device can generate active feedback based at least in part on the summary data, where the active feedback is configured to encourage or discourage the foot activity related to the end user.