Idea: having a mechanoelectrical pressure sensor, that when fully pressed, would activate a tiny vibrating motor for a fraction of a second.
Inspiration: My grandfather recently lost all the feeling on the bottom of his feet. this makes walking kind of difficult since its hard for him to tell when he has actually stepped. he is in generally good health (used to run five miles a week prior to), and still walks. I discussed possibly trying to make something to help him with walking.
Application: I planned on installing the sensor(s) in the sole of his shoe. when he steps, pressure would be applied, and a little vibration would give him some tactile feedback.
Challanges: I have no clue about how to really approach this problem. all ive really managed to do is possibly track down parts that could be used. id also need a way to make sure that it just gives a fraction of a second of vibration, as apposed to it staying on while he is stepping. I also need a way to make sure that the vibration only occurs once per footstep. so possibly like a switch the closes when the pressure is fully applied, but as soon as the pressure is gone, the switch opens. just thinking outloud...
Parts ive looked:
Piezoelectric Film Sensors
http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/81206.pdf
Vibrating motors
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/DCM-320/TINY-VIBRATING-MOTOR/1.html
If anyone could possibly provide any help (maybe even a reality check for someone inexperience with electronics) it would be pretty helpful.
thanks ahead of time
Inspiration: My grandfather recently lost all the feeling on the bottom of his feet. this makes walking kind of difficult since its hard for him to tell when he has actually stepped. he is in generally good health (used to run five miles a week prior to), and still walks. I discussed possibly trying to make something to help him with walking.
Application: I planned on installing the sensor(s) in the sole of his shoe. when he steps, pressure would be applied, and a little vibration would give him some tactile feedback.
Challanges: I have no clue about how to really approach this problem. all ive really managed to do is possibly track down parts that could be used. id also need a way to make sure that it just gives a fraction of a second of vibration, as apposed to it staying on while he is stepping. I also need a way to make sure that the vibration only occurs once per footstep. so possibly like a switch the closes when the pressure is fully applied, but as soon as the pressure is gone, the switch opens. just thinking outloud...
Parts ive looked:
Piezoelectric Film Sensors
http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/81206.pdf
Vibrating motors
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/DCM-320/TINY-VIBRATING-MOTOR/1.html
If anyone could possibly provide any help (maybe even a reality check for someone inexperience with electronics) it would be pretty helpful.
thanks ahead of time