Florida International University

Azmal Chowdhury

Nezih Pala

Chunlei Wang

Borzooye Jafarizadeh

Iman Khakpour

The subject invention is concerned with systems and methods advantageously applying finite element analysis to establish design rules for a highly sensitive piezo-resistive pressure sensor with an output that is high enough to be detectable by simple and inexpensive circuits and therefore ensure wearability. Four frequently reported micro-feature shapes in micro-patterned piezo-resistive sensors are provided, where the micro-dome and micro-pyramid yield the highest sensitivity. Investigations of different conductivity values of micro-patterned elastomers show that coating the elastomer with a conductive material (e.g., a metallic coating) leads to higher current response when compared to composited conductive elastomers. Advantageous geometric parameters and spatial configurations of micro-pyramid design of piezo-resistive sensors are provided. Results show that an enhanced sensitivity and higher current output can be achieved by a lower spatial density configuration of three micro-features per millimeter length, a smaller feature size of around 100 μm, and a 60-50 degrees pyramid angle.

Multi-modal pressure sensor

Sensors, actuators, energy sources, and data processing for enabling artificial intelligent (AI) integrated automated features of intelligent electronic shoes are provided. The intelligent footwear can gather information from the shoe and send the data to a user interface for monitoring the physical activities of the wearer. A smart thermal actuation system can control the internal temperature of the shoe to offer a comfortable experience to the user. Intelligent footwear can also have systems for multipurpose sensing and actuation modules, which can use energy harvested by the user locomotion or by an energy source accompanied by artificial intelligence to gather and process information for ensuring an enhanced user experience.

Growing community of inventors

Miami, FL, United States of America

Azmal Chowdhury