Sole Surface Detection Using Sensor Rod Matrix
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting the curved surface of the sole and pressure distribution are limited by low precision, high cost, complexity, and limited resolution, with existing technologies failing to provide accurate and practical solutions for 3D reconstruction.
Innovation Solution
A detecting apparatus featuring a housing with a top plate, a vertically reciprocating detecting mechanism, a sensor rod matrix, and a data processing system that uses infrared technology to collect and analyze displacement data for 3D reconstruction, offering high precision, low power consumption, and low cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser-scanning method is used to scan the sole, then profile information of the sole can be obtained, but the measured information is limited and the operation is complicated with high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex laser-scanning system with a simpler sensor rod matrix system. Instead of using laser beams and complex optical paths, the invention uses direct mechanical contact sensors (sensor rods) that vertically move with the sole surface, converting the measurement problem from optical to mechanical domain, thereby simplifying the system while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a physical copy of the sole's 3D profile through the sensor rod matrix that mirrors the sole surface topology. The sensor rods vertically follow the contour of the sole, creating a tangible replica of the surface geometry that can be directly measured and recorded without complex optical processing
2Measurement precision
If plane imaging method with grid projection is used, then 3D surface image can be obtained with high resolution ratio, but the 3D gradient is limited by the angle of illumination to the grids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D plane imaging to 3D direct measurement by introducing vertical sensor rods that extend into the third dimension. Instead of projecting grids onto a 2D surface and calculating 3D information indirectly, the sensor rods physically extend into the vertical dimension to directly capture height variations, eliminating illumination angle constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical illumination and image processing system with a mechanical sensor rod system. Instead of using light projection and camera imaging, the invention uses physical sensor rods that directly contact and follow the surface contour, converting optical measurement to mechanical measurement and thereby eliminating limitations related to light angle and projection geometry
3Measurement precision
If grating sensors are used to measure the curved surface, then displacement information can be obtained, but the sensors have a big size such that they might not be able to be arranged in a certain area, whereby the resolution ratio is reduced and the transmission mechanism is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into numerous small, independent sensor rod units arranged in a matrix. Instead of using a few large grating sensors, the invention segments the measurement function across many small sensor elements, each capable of independent vertical displacement measurement, thereby achieving high resolution within a compact area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex grating sensor mechanism with simpler sensor rod units. Instead of using optical gratings and interferometric measurement, the invention uses direct mechanical displacement of sensor rods, eliminating the need for complex transmission mechanisms and frequency signal processing while reducing the size of each sensing element
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 3D reconstruction of the sole's surface and pressure distribution with high antijamming ability, simple construction, and easy operation, overcoming the limitations of previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
when the planar materials are deformed, the inductance and/or capacitance thereon will vary, thus the curved surface can be measured by measuring the inductance and/or capacitance
Implementation Method 2
an infrared ray emission module for converting electric power of the scanning module to luminous energy and transmitting the luminous energy to an infrared ray receiving module through the translucent film
Implementation Method 3
transmitting the luminous energy to an infrared ray receiving module through the translucent film
Data Source
AI summary
A detecting apparatus for curved surface of sole and distribution of pressure thereon, that includes a housing, a top plate enclosed at an opening of the housing, a detecting mechanism capable of vertical reciprocating movement and contacting the curved surface of sole, a detecting circuit collecting the vertical movement data of the detecting mechanism and transferring the vertical movement data to a data processing system, and the data processing system receiving and analyzing the data as well as re-constructing the profile of sole. The detection and reconstruction for 3D surface of the sole and pressure distribution thereon can be achieved by emitting and receiving an infrared ray, with high precision, strong anti-jamming ability, low power consumption and low cost.