Upper Body Inertial Sensor Running Gait Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional running training systems often lead to injuries by focusing solely on minimizing lower body impact, neglecting proper coiling and compression of the upper body, which are crucial for a natural and enjoyable running experience, and fail to provide effective feedback for maintaining proper running technique.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing inertial sensors attached to the upper body to provide real-time feedback, comparing actual running gait with an ideal gait animation, and determining if the rate of acceleration and ground impact period are within predetermined thresholds, to ensure proper bounce and propulsion through precise control of upper body movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional running training systems focus on minimizing lower body impact, then injury risk is reduced, but proper running technique and enjoyment are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback by comparing the user's actual running gait parameters (vertical bounce, acceleration, ground impact period) against ideal running patterns, enabling users to adjust their technique to achieve both injury prevention and proper form
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors and provides feedback on specific running parameters including vertical bounce, acceleration, and ground impact period, allowing users to optimize these parameters simultaneously for both injury prevention and proper technique
2Use of energy by moving object
If systems minimize vertical bounce or displacement, then energy efficiency is improved, but natural running motion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback on vertical bounce and acceleration parameters, enabling users to optimize energy efficiency through controlled bounce rather than eliminating it, preserving natural running motion while improving efficiency
3Measurement precision
If inertial sensors are attached to the upper body, then proper running form is monitored, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's own upper body as the measurement platform, leveraging natural upper body movement during running to capture running form data without requiring complex external measurement infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with inertial sensors that utilize electromagnetic principles, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement precision for running form analysis
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
The system enables safer and more enjoyable running by reducing the stress on the lower leg, promoting a natural running motion by focusing on upper body control and providing continuous monitoring and feedback to maintain proper running form.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inertial sensor for attachment to an upper body of the user and configured to provide sensor data
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and system for training proper running of a user, the system including at least one inertial sensor, a memory, a controller, and an output interface. The memory is for storing information for an ideal running gait, the information including information for an ideal bounce or acceleration over time. The method can be implemented by the controller and includes displaying an animation of an ideal running gait and an actual running gait of the user, both simultaneously with cadence synchronized, and also providing to the output interface a comparison of an actual bounce of the user with the ideal bounce.