Abstract: A force sensor system for use in monitoring weight bearing on a location. The force sensor system comprises at least one a foot force sensor, a palm force sensor, and a knee force sensor. The foot force sensor comprises a flexible insole containing a plurality of inflatable pockets that are inflated with air or liquid. The palm force sensor and knee force sensor each comprise a wrap to be worn around the palm and knee, respectively. Each wrap comprises a pocket. Each pocket is connected to a tube that, in turn, connects with a pressure sensor and a connector coupling that is remote from the pocket. Each coupling contains a valve. The valve opens to allow inflation and deflation of each inflatable pocket. The pressure sensors measure the air or liquid pressure within each of the inflatable pockets, and convert the corresponding pressure signal into a suitable output signal medium, usually electrical signals.
Abstract: Apparatus (20) is provided for improving athletic performance of a user, including a flexible insole (40), adapted for insertion into a shoe, the insole shaped so as to define one or more chambers (22, 24). The apparatus also includes a stimulator (50) and a control unit (30). The control unit is adapted to detect respective pressures in the chambers, and to drive the stimulator to apply a stimulation to the user responsive to the detected pressures and a desired parameter of athletic performance.
Abstract: Apparatus (20) is provided for improving athletic performance of a user, including a flexible insole (40), adapted for insertion into a shoe, the insole shaped so as to define one or more chambers (22, 24). The apparatus also includes a stimulator (50) and a control unit (30). The control unit is adapted to detect respective pressures in the chambers, and to drive the stimulator to apply a stimulation to the user responsive to the detected pressures and a desired parameter of athletic performance.
Abstract: Apparatus (10) is provided for use with a shoe worn by a subject, the apparatus (10) including an insole system (20), adapted to be inserted into the shoe, the insole system (20) including a flexible insole (26) and at least one force sensor (28), adapted to generate a force measurement; and a control unit (24), adapted to receive the force measurement, and convert the force measurement to a weight measurement. Other embodiments are also described.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 5, 2006
Publication date:
July 10, 2008
Applicant:
ANDANTE MEDICAL DEVICES LTD.
Inventors:
Arik Avni, Lior Bar-Nes, Ronit Friedman, Dror Salah
Abstract: A portable, self-learning adaptive weight bearing monitoring system for personal use during rehabilitation of orthopedic patients with fractures of the lower extremities. The system includes a flexible insole which is worn inside the shoe. The insole includes pressure and/or force sensor that measure the GRF force applied at key bearing points under the foot or other portions of the patient's lower extremity. The sensors are, in turn, connected through an A/D converter to a CPU that is connected so as to drive a stimulator that delivers closed-loop sensory stimulation (electrical, mechanical, and/or audio) as feedback to encourage the patient to load the optimal target weight for the limb for which the weight bearing force is being measured. Accurate real-time monitoring of the weight bearing during physical rehabilitation is also provided, and, through the use of closed-loop sensory stimulation, the patient is given continuous feedback for improving rehabilitation.