The base for the mechanical design of the wearable device was fashioned out of a remodeled foam ankle brace. It features Velcro straps for ease of remove and applying the wrap to the foot. It is also made of Neoprene foam in combination with Nylon which allow the wrap to be flexible, durable, and comfortable to the user. We plan to use this wrap as the mechanical base for the wearable device, with pressures sensors attached under the sole and the IMU, microprocessor and battery attached to the ankle.
After fashioning the wrap, we tested it by having several people of different shoe size wear it, from a size 6 women’s to a size 12 men’s. We found that the wearable comfortably and securely fit these different foot sizes, showing that it is a promising mechanical base for our wearable device.
