Smart Shoe Module Pressure Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart shoes face challenges in precise motion detection and high power consumption due to conventional motion sensors, leading to noise-generated errors and inefficient battery usage.
Innovation Solution
A smart shoe module with an upper and lower case, a conductive member, and a circuit board that generates signals based on elastic motion, using a controller to process these signals and minimize power consumption by activating sensors only when necessary, and incorporating piezo elements for precise pressure detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional motion sensor is used to detect wearer's activity, then the smart shoe can measure location and motion, but the battery consumption increases and measurement precision decreases due to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the motion detection function into two separate components: a pressure sensor (conductive member) that remains inactive and a motion sensor that activates only when needed. This segmentation allows the system to use the low-power pressure sensor for initial detection and only engage the higher-power motion sensor when actual motion is detected, thereby reducing overall battery consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by having the controller activate the motion sensor only at specific intervals when motion is detected by the pressure sensor, rather than keeping the motion sensor continuously active. This periodic activation significantly reduces power consumption while ensuring that motion detection precision is maintained when needed.
2Reliability
If a conventional motion sensor operates continuously to maintain measurement state, then motion detection capability is preserved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor performs preliminary action by detecting pressure changes before the motion sensor is activated. This preliminary detection allows the system to prepare for motion detection and activate the motion sensor only when necessary, maintaining reliability while reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor acts as an intermediary between the wearer's motion and the motion sensor. It detects pressure changes first and triggers the motion sensor accordingly, serving as a low-power mediator that maintains system reliability without requiring continuous operation of the high-power motion sensor.
3Measurement precision
If only a motion sensor is used for activity detection, then location tracking is achieved, but noise causes cumulative errors in measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two different sensing mechanisms: the pressure sensor (conductive member) that detects pressure changes and the motion sensor that detects motion. By combining these two sensors, the system cross-validates measurements and reduces the impact of noise-induced cumulative errors that would occur with a single sensor type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the controller continuously monitor signals from both the pressure sensor and motion sensor. When discrepancies or noise-induced errors are detected in the motion sensor readings, the pressure sensor data provides feedback to correct or validate the measurements, thereby improving overall 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
This solution minimizes noise and power consumption while accurately distinguishing between on-signals and off-signals, enhancing the reliability of motion detection and reducing battery drain.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive member provided between the upper and the first circuit unit of the circuit board and configured to generate a signal in the first circuit unit according to the elastic motion
Implementation Method 2
an upper case provided to define an upper exterior of a pressure switch and configured to be elastically movable by a specific pressure value or more activating in a first direction
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in a smart shoe module mounted to a smart shoe for analyzing the motion of a wearer and providing various functions, the smart shoe module comprising: an upper case which forms an upper outer experience of a pressure switch and elastically behaves by means of a pressure, which is applied in a first direction and has a particular value or larger, in order to accurately measure the motion of the wearer by measuring the pressure generated during walking of a wearer, as digital signals such as on-signal and an off-signal, and, moreover, minimize a manufacturing tolerance so as to prevent an error in distinguishing between an on-signal and an off-signal from being caused by the pressure generated during walking of the wearer; a lower case coupled to the lower end of the upper case and forming a lower end outer experience of the pressure switch; a substance amounted to the inside of the upper case and generating a signal in the first circuit unit through the elastic behavior; and a control unit for processing the signal generated in the first circuit unit.