Status Report: Component Selection and Design Finalization
Task Overview:
This phase involves selecting the appropriate components (sensors, power systems, connectivity modules) and finalizing the overall design of the motion-tracking sole. The goal is to ensure the technical specifications meet the operational requirements outlined in previous discussions.
Progress Summary:
1. Component Selection:
– IMU (Accelerometers & Gyroscopes):
– We have chosen the Bosch IMU for tracking both linear and angular motion, providing a ±16g accelerometer range and a ±2000°/s gyroscope range, ensuring sufficient accuracy for our use cases.
– This selection is subject to change as we finalize our design report and validate whether these specifications fully meet the project’s needs.
– Pressure Sensors:
– Opted for high-resolution pressure pads with 8-bit resolution for precise foot pressure mapping.
– We are using multiple pressure pads (forefoot, midfoot, and heel) to provide granular data on foot movement and weight distribution. As we complete our design report, these configurations may be adjusted based on further testing.
– Microcontroller (ESP32):
– We’ve selected the ESP32 microcontroller, which offers I2C communication to interface with the IMU and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for data transmission to the mobile app.
– The ESP32 was chosen due to its integrated BLE and Wi-Fi capabilities, making it ideal for both communication and sensor data handling in our compact design.
– Power Supply:
– A 200mAh rechargeable lithium-polymer battery has been selected, capable of supporting at least 3 hours of continuous use. This is subject to refinement based on the final power consumption metrics from our design report and initial testing.
– Connectivity:
– We’ve decided on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.0 for efficient, low-power data transmission, ensuring smooth communication with mobile devices and minimizing power consumption.
2. Design Finalization:
– Insole Design:
– Proceeding with a removable insole design for flexibility and broader market appeal.
– Sensor placement has been optimized at key foot points (heel, midfoot, forefoot) to balance performance and user comfort, subject to minor adjustments as we finalize the design.
– Material Selection:
– Lightweight, moisture-wicking materials have been chosen for comfort and durability, though this will be finalized following further user testing.
– Durability Considerations:
– The insole design will include a waterproof rating of IP68, ensuring long-lasting performance in varied environments.
Challenges Encountered:
– Battery Life Optimization:
Continuing to optimize power consumption, particularly around balancing sensor performance with battery efficiency, as this will affect the final design.
– Sensor Calibration:
Ongoing work on refining calibration settings to ensure accurate data collection across different user cases and environments.
Next Steps:
– Complete the design report to finalize component selections and specifications.
– Begin prototyping with selected components for initial testing and validation.
– Continue optimizing power circuits for extended battery life.
Design Review Presentation:
– I am currently preparing a design review presentation that will summarize the component selection, design choices, and rationale behind the decisions. This presentation, which will be ready by the end of the week, will serve as a key milestone to finalize the hardware and software integration plan.
Conclusion:
We are progressing well with component selection and design finalization, though all numbers and specifications are subject to change as we complete the design report. The Bosch IMU and ESP32 microcontroller have been chosen for their respective roles in data collection and transmission, and the design review presentation will provide further insights into our development process. Our next phase will focus on prototyping and testing.