The Design Technology Blog

Author: Maya

  • Smart Insole

    People who have received an artificial leg, had a hip replacement, or who are recovering from a broken leg all want to avoid  developing a limp. Not only will it limit their mobility and increase the risk of falls, but it can also lead to problems such as osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over each other. In osteoarthritis, the top layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away.) That’s why mechanical engineer Prof. Stacy Bamberg is developing the Rapid Rehab system, it’s a “smart” insole paired to a smart phone app, designed to provide users with feedback on how they walk.

    The gel insole combines two force-sensitive resistors that measure pressure when the patient’s foot is on the ground. It also contains an accelerometer for detecting leg movement, and a gyroscope (a device, used to provide stability or maintain a fixed orientation) for determining the angle and position of the foot.

    Data from all of those sensors is wireless and transmitted to a smartphone that uses a custom app to create a real-time profile of the patient’s gait. It will note any problems with their walking pattern, and then advise them via their choice of instant visual, audioStacy Bamberg and sole or sensory feedback.

    Rapid Rehab Sole

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Citation: 

    • ” Smart insole could help improve gait problems.” Design Engineering News, Products, Features and Research for Engineers. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Dec. 2012. <http://www.eurekamagazine.co.uk/design-engineering-news/smart-insole/46176/>.
    • “Rapid Rehab.” Rapid Rehab. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Dec. 2012. <http://images.gizmag.com/hero/rapidrehab.JPG>.
    • “Stacy with insole.” Stacy with insole. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Dec. 2012. <http://www.engineering.com/Portals/0/BlogFiles/DesignerEdge/1112/Insole%20Offer%20More/Stacywithinsole.jpg>.
    • “carollorenz27: Smart insole designed to correct gait problems.” carollorenz27. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Dec. 2012. <http://carollorenz27.blogspot.com/2012/11/smart-insole-designed-to-correct-gait.html>.