Shank Angle Detection for Overstriding Using Single IMU
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gait analysis systems for detecting overstriding are complex, bulky, and require multiple sensors, making them difficult to use independently and accurately outside laboratory settings, and often result in poor reliability due to sensor slippage and calibration issues.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single inertial measurement unit (IMU) affixed to the shank to measure acceleration and angle, with a microprocessor comparing these measurements to threshold values to detect overstriding, providing real-time feedback and allowing for independent monitoring without the need for extensive equipment or human analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to monitor gait for overstriding, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and uses only the essential measurement (shank angle) from the complex multi-sensor system. By focusing on a single critical parameter measured by one IMU sensor, the system achieves sufficient detection accuracy without requiring multiple sensors, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate measurement precision for overstriding detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor arrangements with a single IMU-based measurement system. Instead of using multiple sensors to capture comprehensive gait data, the system substitutes this with one sensor that measures shank angle, leveraging inertial measurement technology to simplify the overall system while maintaining detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors on both legs are used to gather comprehensive gait information, then measurement precision is improved, but weight of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary measurement (shank angle) from comprehensive multi-sensor gait analysis. By using a single IMU sensor on one leg to measure this critical parameter, the system achieves adequate gait analysis accuracy without the weight penalty of multiple sensors on both legs, thus reducing the weight of the moving object while maintaining sufficient measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If complex sensor arrangements are used to detect overstriding, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the single IMU sensor system to independently detect overstriding without requiring complex sensor arrangements or external equipment. The system processes the shank angle measurement autonomously, providing overstriding detection capability that runners can use independently without needing laboratory settings or multiple sensors, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to monitor gait, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to sensor slippage and calibration issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function to a single IMU sensor that measures shank angle, eliminating the reliability problems associated with multiple sensors. By using one sensor instead of several, the system avoids issues of sensor slippage between multiple attachment points and calibration inconsistencies, thus improving reliability while maintaining measurement precision through the focused single-point measurement approach.
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 system is lightweight, easy to use, and provides accurate detection of overstriding, allowing runners to adjust their gait in real-time, reducing the risk of injury and improving running efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) affixed to a shank of a person, an acceleration and an angle of the shank during a stride
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for detecting overstride in runners include measuring, using an inertial measurement unit affixed to a shank of a person, an acceleration and an angle of the shank during a stride, monitoring, using a microprocessor, the shank acceleration measurements to detect an acceleration profile indicative of the corresponding foot making initial contact with the ground during the stride, determining, using the microprocessor, the corresponding shank angle at initial contact from the shank angle measurements, comparing, using the microprocessor, the shank angle at initial contact to a threshold shank angle, and identifying, using the microprocessor, an overstride of the corresponding leg if the shank angle at initial contact exceeds the threshold shank angle.