Transducer Arrangement for Dynamic Load Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Force-sensing resistors (FSRs) have a low speed response and are not precise enough to measure dynamic load variations, limiting their ability to provide information about foot anatomy and gait dynamics, which is essential for athlete monitoring and healthcare applications.
Innovation Solution
A transducer arrangement comprising a combination of a first transducer for measuring static or quasi-static load variations and a second transducer for measuring high dynamic load variations, both connected to separate evaluation circuits to output distinct electrical signals, allowing for precise measurement of both low and high dynamic load changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If force-sensing resistors are used for measuring load variations, then the device can be implemented with a simple structure, but the measurement precision for dynamic load variations deteriorates due to low speed response
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer arrangement is segmented into multiple independent transducer elements, each comprising a first transducer for static loads and a second transducer for dynamic loads. This segmentation allows each transducer type to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide comprehensive load measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges two different transducer types (first transducer for static loads and second transducer for dynamic loads) into a single integrated transducer arrangement. This combination enables the system to simultaneously measure both static and dynamic load variations with appropriate precision for each type.
2Device complexity
If a single transducer type is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to capture both static and dynamic load variations simultaneously deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer arrangement achieves multi-functionality by integrating two transducer types that can simultaneously measure different types of load variations. The first transducer handles static loads while the second transducer captures dynamic loads, making the system versatile for comprehensive gait analysis and foot anatomy evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic characteristics by using a second transducer specifically designed to capture high dynamic load variations. This allows the transducer arrangement to adapt to different loading conditions (static vs. dynamic) and provide accurate measurements across the full range of motion during walking, running, and jumping activities.
3Ease of manufacture
If force-sensing resistors are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the reliability for healthcare and athlete monitoring applications deteriorates due to insufficient precision
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer arrangement uses a composite structure combining two different transducer types, each with its own evaluation circuit. This composite approach leverages the strengths of each transducer type to achieve reliable and precise measurements required for healthcare applications, athlete monitoring, and gait analysis, while maintaining manufacturability through modular design.
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 measurement of load variations, capturing both static and dynamic changes simultaneously, enhancing the ability to analyze foot loading during activities like walking, running, and jumping, and providing complementary dynamic and static plantar load information.
Implementation Method 1
at least two electrodes and a layer of pressure sensitive material arranged in an active area of the first transducer. The pressure sensitive material connects the first electrode and the second electrode. In response to a load variation that is acting onto the active area, the first carrier foil approaches the second carrier foil and an electrical contact is established across the layer of pressure sensitive material between the first electrode and the second electrode so that the resistance measured between the first electrode and the second electrode changes.
Implementation Method 2
The second transducer is an electret based pressure sensor or, alternatively, with less dynamic range, a piezoelectric pressure sensor comprising a sensing foil.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a transducer arrangement for converting a load variation into one or more electrical output signals. The transducer arrangement comprises at least one transducer element and an evaluation unit operatively connected to the transducer element. The transducer arrangement can be used amongst others, for healthcare applications, sport leisure activities, impact detection for safety applications in the automotive industry as well as for safety surveillance systems in the industry.