Adaptive multi-airbag foot pressure redistribution insole design using image-based rapid pressure measuring system

In the paper, a novel adaptive multi-airbag foot pressure redistribution insole design and manufacturing methodologies using image-based rapid pressure measuring system is proposed. The in-house made rapid foot pressure measurement system is constructed with a body weight spring scale and an image-based foot/ground contact pattern identification scanning mechanism. The basic principle of measuring system is that, when the body weight was supported by foot, the blood will be blocked into the blood capillary of sole and it will generate the different color foot/ground contact pattern owing to the difference of local contact pressure. By using scanning mechanism, the contact pattern is registered and foot pressure distribution profile can be easily calculated by using a mathematical transformation model. A two-layered insole with multiple channel air-inflated bags in the bottom layer for adjusting foot contact pressure is proposed. In this configuration, the correct contact foot pressure profile can be achieved by pumping air into each air-inflated bag when subject is standing on the insole. An adaptive multi-air-bag insole using proposed method was designed and constructed. The proposed method not only can be used for the design and manufacturing for medical therapeutic insole but also for athletic and personal insole.