Shoe Insert Load Cell Module for Accurate Weight Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weight measurement systems in shoes face challenges such as inaccurate measurements due to sensor position and posture variations, synchronization issues, and durability problems with film-type pressure sensors under repeated loads, making it difficult to accurately monitor body weight variations.
Innovation Solution
A load cell module is designed to be inserted into shoes, featuring a compact load cell, a main PCB with a tilt sensor and transmission unit, and a detachable mounting system to the heel part of the midsole, allowing for accurate weight measurement and real-time data transmission to a mobile terminal, with a weight transfer unit and durable construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a load cell is used for accurate body weight measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the device size becomes too large to be built in shoes
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell is divided into multiple strain gauge elements arranged in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. This segmentation allows the load cell to maintain high measurement precision while reducing the overall size to fit within shoe constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The load cell is designed with a compact nested structure where the strain gauges are embedded within a minimized housing that integrates with the shoe's heel counter, allowing the measurement device to be contained within the existing shoe volume.
2Volume of moving object
If a pressure sensor is used for weight measurement in shoes, then the device can be built in shoes, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to position and posture variations
Solution Approach 1:
A tilt sensor is integrated to detect the posture and position of the load cell, providing feedback signals that are processed to compensate for measurement errors caused by variations in sensor orientation and location within the shoe.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters based on detected tilt angles and position variations, transforming the raw pressure sensor data into accurate weight measurements by compensating for orientation changes through calculated correction factors.
3Ease of manufacture
If a film type pressure sensor is insertedly disposed in shoes, then the device can be integrated into shoes, but durability deteriorates due to repeatedly applied load
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensing element is constructed using composite materials that combine the flexibility needed for shoe integration with enhanced mechanical strength and load-bearing capacity, allowing the sensor to withstand repeated loading cycles without deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The load cell is pre-positioned and secured within a protective housing that integrates with the shoe's heel counter, providing structural support and cushioning that protects the sensing elements from damage during repeated loading before any deterioration can occur.
4Measurement precision
If synchronization configuration is added to synchronize inputted weight with measured value, then measurement accuracy can be adjusted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt sensor, load cell, and control unit are merged into a single integrated module that processes both position and weight data simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate synchronization hardware and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 accurate and continuous monitoring of body weight variations, facilitating effective weight management and motivation through real-time data on mobile terminals, while reducing the burden of sharing absolute weights and enhancing durability.
Implementation Method 1
when a wearer's feet are level with the ground surface, an accurate variation in the body weight is detected by measuring a load applied to a load cell
Implementation Method 2
a main PCB including a tilt sensor and a transmission and reception unit disposed thereon
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a load cell module configured to be insertedly disposed in shoes and a weight management service system using the same. The load cell module comprises: a main case (10) including a load cell accommodating space (11) projected upwardly at one side thereof and a circuit and battery accommodating space (12), which are formed therein; a load cell (20) accommodated in the load cell accommodating space (11); a main PCB (30) including a tilt sensor (31) and a transmission and reception unit (32), the main PCB being accommodated in the circuit and battery accommodating space 12; and a battery (40) accommodated in the circuit and battery accommodating space 12, whereby the load cell module is detachably mounted to a heel part (H) of a midsole (M) of a shoe.