Sensorized Mat Structure with Optical Deformable Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensorized mats and insoles face challenges with sensor adjustment, require external control apparatus, and lack precise and reliable measurements, especially in household or customized applications, due to issues like cross-talk between sensors and the need for external electronics.
Innovation Solution
A sensorized mat structure with a high density of deformable cells having a truncated pyramid structure and optical sensors, where each cell generates a measurement signal without affecting adjacent cells, allowing for accurate pressure mapping without external devices, and integrated electronics for data analysis and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high density of sensors is used to cover the whole contact area, then pressure mapping precision is improved, but cross-talk between neighbouring sensors occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mat is divided into discrete sensor elements arranged in a matrix pattern, with each sensor isolated from others by spacing. This segmentation allows high density coverage while preventing cross-talk between adjacent sensors, as each sensor independently detects pressure at its location without interference from neighbours.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If remote sensors are used for insoles, then measurement capability is improved, but frequent adjustment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to be self-calibrating and self-adjusting through its electrical connection to the control unit. The control unit automatically processes signals from all sensors in the matrix, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or calibration by the user. The system self-regulates to maintain accurate measurements throughout use.
3Measurement precision
If a matrix of sensors is used to obtain overall pressure mapping, then detection accuracy is improved, but external electronics and control apparatus are required
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is integrated directly into the insole structure, merging the control apparatus with the sensor array. This integration eliminates the need for separate external control devices and wiring harnesses, as the control unit is positioned within the insole to process signals from the sensor matrix locally, reducing overall system complexity.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If sensorized mats are used for gait analysis, then measurement capability is improved, but specialized centres and expert operators are required
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically analyzes gait patterns by processing signals from the sensor matrix without requiring expert intervention. The system self-calibrates, automatically detects gait events, and generates measurements, enabling non-experts to perform accurate gait analysis in home or clinical settings without specialized training or equipment setup.
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 precise and reliable pressure measurements without sensor adjustment or external apparatus, allowing for daily monitoring of walking conditions and easy integration into shoes, with reduced sensitivity to environmental factors and minimal need for recalibration.
Implementation Method 1
optical sensors that measure the variation of emitted light by a source towards a sensitive element
Data Source
AI summary
A structure of sensorized mat (100) comprises a support base (1) where a plurality of sensors (10) are arranged to generate corresponding measurement signals (15) when they are subjected to a load P. The structure (100) also comprises a control unit (30) associated with the plurality of sensors (10) and configured to analyse and/or transmit the measurement signals (15) and a supply unit (40) arranged to supply the plurality of sensors (10) and the control unit (30). Each sensor (10) comprises a deformable cell (20) equipped with a support wall (22), opposite to the support base (1), and a plurality of side walls (23), which with the support wall (22) and the support base (1), where the plurality of sensors (10) is arranged, define a housing (25) in which at least one emitter (12) of a light source and at least one photosensitive detector (14) are housed, to measure a changing light intensity owing to the deformation of each cell (20) when it is subjected to the load P. This way, when the support wall (22) of each cell (20) is subjected to the load P, the side walls (23) change their shape and are compressed towards the support base (1) and expand laterally, in order to occupy a deformation space D less than the separation space S.