Patent Application
20240277106
The present disclosure relates to a smart insole and its application, specifically to smart insoles equipped with sensors and communication means to monitor user movements and muscle performance.
Current technologies for monitoring musculoskeletal performance and facilitating rehabilitation can have limited accuracy and precision. They can be inconvenient and uncomfortable to use and lack timely feedback to users or healthcare professionals. The current range of motion of these technologies is often limited. The present disclosure provides devices that address these issues.
The present disclosure is directed to a smart insole for monitoring user movements and biomarkers for applications such as musculoskeletal injury prevention and rehabilitation. The smart insole may contain a plurality of sensors, such as flexible stretchable pressure sensors and a gas sensor array. The pressure sensors are thin, flexible, and comfortable to use for extended periods of use. The sensors may have a variety of parameters based on the target application, including sensor size, thickness, force range, response time, recovery time, weight, and stretchability. The gas sensor array can detect a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) related to human diseases and health, including but not limited to acetone, ammonia, and nitrogen dioxide emanating from the skin, foot, or leg. The gas sensor array can be calibrated to detect gas concentrations at low levels for precise and accurate measurements.
In some embodiments, the smart insole provides accurate and precise measurement of user movements and muscle performance, even during complex movements. The smart insole is equipped with wireless connectivity and customizable alerts to provide remote monitoring of user movements and muscle performance. Sensor data may be analyzed using algorithms, e.g., a machine learning algorithm, a preinstalled executable program, etc. and provide personalized feedback to the user or healthcare professionals in real time.
In one embodiment, the smart insole is used during physical therapy exercises for users with musculoskeletal injuries. The thin, flexible, and stretchable pressure sensors provide precise and accurate measurement of the user's movements and muscle performance, while the gas sensor array detects and monitors emanated VOCs related to human diseases and health. The gas sensor array can provide valuable data to healthcare professionals to aid in managing the user's condition and to monitor the effectiveness of therapy.
In another embodiment, the smart insole is used to monitor the performance of athletes during training or competition. The pressure sensors provide real-time measurement of the athlete's movements and muscle performance, while the gas sensor array can detect any changes in gas levels that may indicate fatigue or other health issues. The machine learning algorithm can analyze the data and provide personalized feedback to the athlete or the coach to optimize training and performance.
The smart insole can be tailor-made to fit any size or shape of the foot, with the pressure sensors and gas sensor array integrated into the insole. In another embodiment, the pressure sensors can be integrated into the insole of the shoe, while the wireless connectivity, battery, data processing module, and gas sensor array are attached to the shoe's edge.
The gas sensors are positioned within the insole and are configured to detect gases emanating from foot for health management, such as hydrogen, oxygen, methane, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may indicate the human performance, fat burning, the presence of an infection in the wound. VOCs include, but not limited to, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, acids, sulfur containing compounds, esters, hydrocarbons and nitrogen containing compounds, propene, acetaldehyde, ethanol, acetonitrile, (E)-2-butene, (Z)-2-butene, 2-propenal, n-propanal, acetone, 2-propanol, dimethyl sulfide, 1- pentene, isoprene, n-Pentane, 1,3-dioxolane, 2-methyl-2-propenal, 2-methyl-propanal, 3-buten-2-one, 2-methyl Furan, n-butanal, 2-butanone, 3-methyl furan, ethyl acetate, 2-Butenal, 2-methyl-1, 3-Dioxolane, 2-methyl-2-Pentene, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene, (E)-2-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, (Z)-2-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, 3-methyl-butanal, 2-methyl-butanal, isopropyl acetate, 2-pentanone, 2,5-dimethyl furan, allyl methyl sulfide, n-pentanal, 3-methyl-2-butenal, 1-heptene, 2-heptene, n-heptane, 2-ethyl-butanal, 4-methyl-3-penten-2-one, isobutyl acetate, 2-hexanone, n-hexanal, gamma-butyrolactone, n-butyl acetate, (E)-2-hexenal, 1-octene, n-octane, 2-heptanone, n-heptanal, benzaldehyde, 1-nonene, n-nonane, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, 2-pentyl-furan, b-pinene, n-octanal, p-cymene, DL-limonene, styrene, eucalyptol, n-nonanal, 2-ethylhexanol, 3-methylhexane, butyraldehyde, ethylbenzene, ethyl butanoate, toluene, undecane, H2O, CO, NO, N2O, NO2 , ammonia, Acetophenone, 4-methylphenol, Dodecane, Dimethyl pyrazine,2-Pentanol, 2-butanol, 2-pentene, 2-methylbutyl isobutyrate, 2-methoxy-5-methylthiophene, amyl isovalerate; 2-methylbutyl 2-methylbutyrate, 6-tridecane, 3-methyl-1H-pyrrole, 2-methyl-3-(2-propenyl)-pyrazine, 2,3-dimethyl-5-isopentylpyrazine, methyl thiolacetate, methyl thiocyanate, hydrogen cyanide, 2-aminoacetophenone, 1-undecene, formaldehyde, dimethyl ether, carbon dioxide, pentafluoropropionamide, methyl cyclohexane, 2-methylbutanol, n-propyl acetate, butanal, 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran, carbon disulfide, methyl propanoate, methyl butanoate, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, hydrogen sulfide, propanol, indole, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, butanol, 2-tridecenone, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, 1-hydroxy-2-propanone, 3-nitro-benzenesulfonic acid, isobutyric acid, methyl ester, 1,2-dimethyl-benzene, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, isopentyl 3-methylbutanoate, 2,4-dinitro-benzenesulfonic acid, decanal, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-phenylethanol, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, 2-methylbutanoic acid, methyl mercaptan, 2-nonanone, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methylbutanoic acid, dimethyl trisulfide, dimethyl disulfide, and acetic acid.
In still other embodiments, one or more of the plurality of sensor arrays contain a plurality of sensors, each adapted to detect at least one parameter selected from heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure, hydration level, stress, position & balance, body strain, neurological functioning, brain activity, blood pressure, cranial pressure, auscultatory information, skin and body temperature, body fat density, muscle density, temperature, humidity, and pressure. The plurality of sensor may also include an accelerometer and a gyroscope.
The gas sensor can be of various types, including electrochemical, chemiresistors, metal oxides, infrared, or optical sensors.
Some embodiments of the disclosure are configured to measure skin and body temperature (e.g., 25° C. to 45° C.), heart rate, humidity (0-99%), and a variety of concentrations of VOCs. The VOC detection limit may range from 0.1 ppb to 5000 ppm, e.g., 0.1 ppb-1 ppb, 1 ppb-5 ppb, 5 ppb-10 ppb, 10 ppb-50 ppb, 50 ppb-100 ppb, 100 ppb-200 ppb, 200 ppb-300 ppb, 300 ppb-500 ppb, 500 ppb-1 ppm, 1 ppm-2 ppm, 2 ppm-5 ppm, 5 ppm-10 ppm, 10 ppm-100 ppm, 100 ppm-200 ppm, 200 ppm-500 ppm, 500 ppm-1000 ppm, 1000 ppm-2000 ppm, and 2000 ppm-5000 ppm.
The methods, gas sensors, and devices disclosed herein can detect VOCs emanated from the subject. In some cases, the devices may be capable of detecting VOCs at a concentration of 5000 ppm or less, 4000 ppm or less, 3000 ppm or less, 2000 ppm or less, 1000 ppm or less, 500 ppm or less, 250 ppm or less, 100 ppm or less, 50 ppm or less, 10 ppm or less, 1 ppm or less, 800 parts per billion (ppb) or less, 600 ppb or less, 500 ppb or less, 400 ppb or less, 200 ppb or less, 100 ppb or less, 80 ppb or less, 60 ppb or less, 40 ppb or less, 20 ppb or less, 10 ppb or less, or 1 ppb or less, of VOCs in gas mixtures.
In some cases, the methods, sensors, and devices may be configured to have a limit of detection of 5000 ppm or less of VOCs in gas mixtures. The “limit of detection” (or “the detection limit”) means the lowest quantity of a substance that can be distinguished from the absence of that substance, i.e., a blank value. In certain cases, the gas sensor or device are configured to have a limit of detection of 1000 ppm or less, 500 ppm or less, such as 400 ppm or less, including 300 ppm or less, 200 ppm or less, 100 ppm or less, 75 ppm or less, 50 ppm or less, 25 ppm or less, 20 ppm or less, 15 ppm or less, 10 ppm or less, 5 ppm or less, 1 ppm or less, 500 ppb or less, 100 ppb or less, 50 ppb or less, 10 ppb or less, or 1 ppb or less. In certain cases, the gas sensor or device is configured to have a limit of detection of 1 ppm or less. In certain cases, the gas sensor or device is configured to detect at least 1 ppb, at least 10 ppb, at least 50 ppb, at least 100 ppb, at least 500 ppb, at least 1 ppm, at least 5 ppm, at least 10 ppm, at least 15, ppm, at least 20 ppm, at least 25 ppm, at least 50 ppm, at least 75 ppm, at least 100 ppm, or at least 200 ppm of the VOCs.
The smart insole allows for the strategic placement of sensors, including both pressure sensors and an array of gas sensors , in various patterns or configurations. This arrangement is designed to cater to a wide array of specific pressure sensing requirements, ensuring the insole's adaptability across diverse applications. By customizing the layout of these sensors, the insole can be tailored to monitor and analyze user movements, muscle performance, and the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with a high degree of accuracy. This customization capability enables the smart insole to provide targeted support and feedback for applications ranging from musculoskeletal injury prevention and rehabilitation to enhancing athletic performance, thereby optimizing the efficacy of the device for individual users' needs.
The thickness of the pressure sensors can be in the range of 10-24.9 micrometers, 25-40 micrometers, 40.01-99.99 micrometers, 100.01-199.99 micrometers, 0.2-10 millimeters, or 10.01-15 millimeters, depending on the desired level of flexibility and stretchability.
The sensors integrated within the smart insole are designed to measure a range of forces, e.g., from 0.01 to 0.099 pounds-force (lbf), 0.1-10 pounds-force (lbf), 10-100 pounds-force (lbf), 100-200 pounds-force (lbf), 200-300 pounds-force (lbf), 300-500 pounds-force (lbf), 500-1,000 pounds-force (lbf), providing a wide range of sensitivity and measurement capabilities. This range of force can be adjusted based on the intended application and desired accuracy.
The stretchability of the sensors can be customized from 10% to 100%, 100-200%, 200-300%, 300-400%, 400-500%, 500-600%, 600-1,000%, allowing the sensors to conform to irregular surfaces and accommodate various deformations. The range of stretchability can be adjusted based on the intended application and the level of flexibility required.
The flexible and stretchable pressure sensors are also designed to be stretchable, flexible, bendable, and rollable, making them more comfortable for users to wear. This feature enhances the usability of the sensors in various applications and helps to reduce discomfort or irritation for users.
According to further embodiments, the stretchable pressure sensor contains an elastomer material selected from the group consisting of polydimethylsiloxane, thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone rubber, fluorinated elastomers, butadiene-based elastomers, isoprene-based elastomers, styrene-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, natural rubber, and synthetic rubbers such as neoprene, nitrile rubber, and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber.
In summary, the present disclosure provides a smart insole design that integrates advanced technologies for accurate and precise musculoskeletal injury prevention and rehabilitation. The smart insole is equipped with flexible stretchable pressure sensors and a gas sensor array that integrate with the algorithm to provide accurate and precise measurement of user movements and muscle performance, remote monitoring, and personalized feedback. The highly flexible, and comfortable design of the pressure sensors and gas sensor array allows for extended use of the smart insole by the user, while the customizable specifications allow for tailored use in a range of applications. The gas sensor array is calibrated to detect gas concentrations at low levels for precise and accurate measurements, while the algorithm provides real-time data analysis and personalized feedback to users or healthcare professionals.
In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the smart insole can be utilized for a wide range of applications including monitoring of musculoskeletal injury during physical therapy, athletic training, or competition. The sensors of the smart insole can measure various parameters such as body position, balance, and strain to provide accurate and precise measurements of user movements and muscle performance. The gas sensor array can be used to detect and monitor various VOCs related to human diseases and health, providing valuable data to healthcare professionals to aid in managing the user condition.
The present disclosure also provides a customizable design for the smart insole, allowing for tailored use in a variety of applications. For example, pressure sensors can be customized in terms of size, thickness, and force range to provide accurate and precise measurements of user movements and muscle performance. Similarly, the gas sensor array can be calibrated to detect various concentrations of VOCs and can be customized to detect specific VOCs of interest. The ultra-thin, highly flexible, and comfortable design of the pressure sensors and gas sensor array allows for extended use of the smart insole by the user, increasing the amount and quality of data that can be collected.
The present disclosure provides a significant advance over existing technologies for musculoskeletal injury monitoring and rehabilitation. The smart insole is capable of providing precise and accurate measurement of user movements and muscle performance, while being convenient and comfortable for users to use for long periods of time. The algorithm provides personalized feedback to users or healthcare professionals, while the wireless connectivity and customizable alerts allow for remote monitoring of user movements and muscle performance. The customizable design of the smart insole also allows for tailored use in a variety of applications, making it a versatile and valuable tool in the field of musculoskeletal injury prevention and rehabilitation.
It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The FIGURE shows a schematic diagram of the smart insole of the present disclosure.
The FIGURE shows an exploded view of a smart insole of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the insole contains a top layer, a middle layer, and a bottom layer. The middle layer is made from a substrate having a host of electronic components disposed thereon. The electronic components include a microcontroller unit (MCU) containing a data processor, a plurality of pressure sensors, one or more gas sensors, a data processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, a wireless communication module, e.g., the Bluetooth module, connected to and receiving data from the data processor. The Bluetooth module is connected to a computing device, which is configured to analyze sensor data, e.g., pressure, VOCs, temperature, and other physiological data. The bottom layer contains a battery pack. When the three layers are integrated, the battery is connected to the middle layer and provides power to the electronic components thereon. In an alternative embodiment, the insole contains one or more sensors while the other electronic components are installed in a shoe configured to receive the insole. For example, the power source, the MCU, the wireless communication module, e.g., a battery, may be installed in the shoe. When the insole is inserted into the shoe, the electronic components installed in the shoe are connected to the insole through one or more contact pads.
In some embodiments, the substrate can be a printed circuit board (PCB), which can be a flexible PCB that is commercially available. Additional embodiments may employ wireless communication means other than Bluetooth, including Wi-Fi, cellular communication, infrared communication, wireless sensor networks, etc. The wireless communication means enables data transfer between the smart sole and one or more external devices, such as smartphones or tablets.
The embodiment depicted in the FIGURE features a consolidated sensor layer that supports both pressure sensors and gas sensors, integrating these components to maximize space efficiency and sensor interaction. This arrangement allows for the simultaneous monitoring of pressure distribution and the detection of odors, gases and volatile organic compounds, such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and acetone, within a single, compact layer. This configuration provides data as to foot health, by monitoring both the biomechanical aspects and the presence of human odors directly through a connected mobile application.
The MCU may implement executable instructions for the data collection, processing, and communication tasks. The MCU may be connected to additional circuitry for signal processing, memory storage, power management, sensor interface,
The signal processing circuitry includes a processor, which also enhances the accuracy and reliability of data collected from the sensors, ensuring precise analysis of pressure points, gait patterns, and gas concentrations. The memory storage circuitry provides a memory to store data, thereby allowing historical data analysis and long-term monitoring of foot health trends.
The power management circuitry ensures efficient power consumption and management, prolonging the battery life and ensuring the insole remains functional throughout the day without frequent recharges. The sensors interface circuitry enables the integration and calibration of both pressure and gas sensors within the same layer, ensuring they operate harmoniously to provide comprehensive foot health monitoring.
In certain embodiments, the computing device associated with the smart insole is configured to interface with external devices that are accessible to users, healthcare professionals, trainers, and other relevant parties. This connectivity enables these individuals to receive data and make necessary adjustments to meet pre-established health and wellness criteria. Such adjustments could pertain to the user's posture, the intensity and frequency of physical activities, or even specific medical treatments.
The range of additional devices that can be paired with the smart insole encompasses various forms of wearable/portable technology, e.g., electronic devices, smartphones, phones, smartwatches, tablets, smart goggles, and headsets. This connectivity ensures that the feedback and insights provided by the smart insole can be acted upon promptly and conveniently.
The smart insole, as illustrated in the FIGURE and discussed previously, is designed for a variety of application scenarios. These may include daily health monitoring for preventive care, assistance in sports training for optimized performance, support in rehabilitation settings for injury recovery, and other situations where foot health and activity monitoring are beneficial.
A user with a musculoskeletal injury wears the smart insole of the present disclosure while performing physical therapy exercises. The flexible stretchable pressure sensors provide accurate and precise measurement of the user's movements and muscle performance, while the gas sensor array detects and monitors emanated VOCs related to human diseases and health, providing valuable data to the healthcare professional to aid in managing the user condition. The algorithm analyzes the data in real-time and provides personalized feedback to the user and/or the healthcare professional.
The smart insole of the present disclosure is used to monitor the performance of athletes during training or competition. The ultra-thin, flexible, and stretchable pressure sensors provide real-time measurement of the athlete's movements and muscle performance, while the gas sensor array detects any changes in gas levels that may indicate fatigue or other health issues. The algorithm analyzes the data and provide personalized feedback to the athlete and/or the trainer to optimize training and performance.
The present disclosure provides a smart insole for accurate and precise musculoskeletal injury prevention and rehabilitation. The smart insole comprises a plurality of flexible stretchable pressure sensors and a gas sensor array that integrate with the algorithm to provide precise and accurate measurement of user movements and muscle performance.
The pressure sensors are designed to be ultra-thin, highly flexible, and comfortable for users to wear for extended periods of time. The pressure sensors can be based on various structures, such as piezoresistive, piezoelectric, or capacitive, and can be customized with a range of specifications, including the number of sensors, sensor size, thickness, force range, response time, recovery time, weight, and stretchability.
The gas sensor array is capable of detecting a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) related to human diseases and health, including but not limited to acetone, ammonia, nitrogen dioxide, etc. emanating from the skin, foot, or leg. The gas sensors can be based on various technologies, such electrochemical, chemiresistors, metal oxides, infrared, or optical sensors, and can be integrated into the smart insole design. The gas sensor array can be calibrated to detect gas concentrations at low levels for precise and accurate measurements.
The smart insole is designed to provide accurate and precise measurement of user movements and muscle performance, even during complex movements. The advanced AI algorithms can analyze data in real-time and provide personalized feedback to users or healthcare professionals. The smart insole is equipped with wireless connectivity and customizable alerts to provide remote monitoring of user movements and muscle performance and to allow for real-time adjustments to treatment plans.
While embodiments of this disclosure have been shown and described, modifications can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or teaching of this invention. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of methods, systems and apparatuses are possible and are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but is only limited by the claims. The scope of the claims shall include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.
This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/485,503, filed on Feb. 16, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63485503 | Feb 2023 | US |
