Shoe Outsole Multi-Depth Sensor Embedding for Pressure Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current shoes lack the capability to maximize sensing sensitivity and generate calculation values based on sensing data to match and display motion images with time effectively.

Innovation Solution

A shoe design incorporating a sensing system with multiple sensors embedded in the outsole, including a first sensor for the forefoot area, a second sensor for the rear foot area, and a third sensor positioned deeper, communicating with a control module that processes data to generate calculation values and display motion images alongside these values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are embedded at different depths in the outsole, then sensing sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing sensitivityVSAvoidsensing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing system is segmented into multiple sensors positioned at different depths within the outsole structure. Each sensor segment targets specific pressure zones (forefoot, midfoot, rearfoot) to capture detailed foot pressure distribution data, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex sensor system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-plane sensor arrangement to a three-dimensional multi-depth sensor configuration. By embedding sensors at varying depths (first sensor at depth d1, second sensor at depth d2 where d2 > d1), the system captures pressure information across vertical dimensions, enhancing sensing sensitivity to detect subtle pressure variations that single-depth sensors would miss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If sensors are embedded deeper in the outsole, then pressure distribution measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure distribution measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor embedding depth precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the outsole are equipped with sensors at locally optimized depths. The first sensor is positioned at depth d1 in the forefoot/midfoot area while the second sensor is positioned at greater depth d2 in the rearfoot area, allowing each region to be measured with appropriate sensor placement that accounts for local pressure distribution characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor embedding depths are predetermined and pre-configured during the outsole manufacturing process. By establishing the depth hierarchy (d2 > d1) as an inherent feature of the outsole structure rather than requiring post-manufacturing adjustment, the system achieves accurate pressure measurement while managing manufacturing precision requirements through integrated design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enhances sensing sensitivity and allows for the effective generation and display of calculation values, providing users with valuable feedback on their motion and balance, improving performance and posture analysis.

Implementation Method 1

a sensing system embedded in the outsole... a first sensor corresponding to the forefoot area or the mid-foot area and a second sensor corresponding to the rear foot area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10798986B2Shoe
Publication Date: 2020.10.13 SALTED VENTURE CO LTD
  • US10798986B2 patent drawing
  • US10798986B2 patent drawing
  • US10798986B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a shoe capable of maximizing sensing sensitivity. The shoe comprises: an outsole including a forefoot area, a midfoot area, and a rear foot area; an upper structure coupled to the outsole; and a sensing system embedded in the outsole, wherein the sensing system includes a first sensor corresponding to the forefoot area or the midfoot area and a second sensor corresponding to the rear foot area, and the second sensor is embedded deeper than the first sensor into the outsole from the top surface thereof.