Flexible sensor, muscle tension detection device and detection method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible sensor, a muscle tension detection device and a detection method thereof. The flexible sensor comprises a sensor main body, a force sensitive layer and a probe, wherein the sensor main body is prepared from a soft material; the lower end of the probe is used for abutting against a target muscle part, and the upper end abuts against the lower end of the middle of the sensor body. The edge of the sensor main body is used for being fixed on the skin beside a target muscle part so as to enable the probe to be tightly propped against the target muscle part; the force-sensitive layer is arranged at the upper end of the middle of the sensor body. The probe goes deep into the skin and is close to the target muscle position, when the target muscle tension of the measuring part changes, the probe position, namely the probe probing depth, changes, the deformation of the upper force sensitive layer changes, the deformation of the force sensitive layer can be output, the strain of the force sensitive layer can be obtained through calculation, and then the modulus of the muscle is calculated. The real-time data of the muscle tension is obtained, and the accuracy of muscle tension detection is improved by shortening a force conduction path and enhancing the signal capturing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical detection, in particular to a flexible sensor and a muscle tension detection device and a detection method thereof. Background Art

[0002] The existing methods for detecting muscle tension in children with cerebral palsy mainly include subjective scale assessment (such as the modified Ashworth scale, Tardieu scale, etc.) and objective measurement methods (such as electromyography, H reflex, pendulum test, acoustic radiation force pulse elastography, real-time ultrasound elastography, etc.). These methods are divided into two categories: neurophysiological response methods and biomechanical response methods. Neurophysiological methods mainly measure the electrical activity of muscles, while biomechanical methods evaluate the resistance of muscles to passive stretching or tissue elasticity.

[0003] In the existing field of muscle activity monitoring technology, especially those muscle monitoring sensors based on mechanical principles, the design method of fitting the skin surface is generally adopted. However, due to the relatively small modulus of human skin and fat (especially children), the muscle tension at the detection site needs to penetrate the skin and fat layers to be sensed, and the signal is attenuated layer by layer. The change of muscle tension will be greatly attenuated and interfered when it is transmitted to the skin surface. This attenuation and interference directly reduce the sensitivity of the sensor, thereby affecting the accuracy of muscle activity measurement. In addition, although electromechanical sensors can monitor muscle activity to a certain extent, they are extremely sensitive to external interference and are easily affected by environmental factors, resulting in unstable measurement results. At the same time, the manufacturing process of electromechanical sensors is relatively complicated, which not only increases the production cost, but also makes the measurement process less convenient, and it is difficult to meet the urgent needs for fast and accurate measurement in clinical practice. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a flexible sensor and a muscle tension detection device and a detection method thereof, which can improve the accuracy of muscle tension detection and meet the needs of fast and accurate measurement in clinical practice.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A flexible sensor comprises a sensor body made of soft matter, a force-sensitive layer and a probe; The lower end of the probe is used to press against the target muscle part, and the upper end is abutted against the lower end of the middle part of the sensor body; The edge of the sensor body is used to fix on the skin beside the target muscle part so that the probe is kept close to the target muscle part; The force-sensitive layer is arranged at the upper end of the middle part of the sensor body.

[0006] Furthermore, the sensor body includes an upper plate, a support column and a lower plate, the upper plate and the lower plate are arranged at an interval, and the two ends of the support column are respectively fixed to the upper plate and the lower plate; the probe is passed through the middle of the lower plate and the upper end of the probe is abutted against the lower end of the upper plate, and the two sides of the lower plate are used to be fixed on the skin beside the target muscle part; the force sensitive layer is arranged at the upper end of the upper plate.

[0007] Furthermore, a limiting device is provided between the upper plate and the lower plate; the limiting device is connected to the probe to ensure the consistency between the movement direction of the probe and the contraction direction of the target muscle.

[0008] Furthermore, the limiting device is an annular body, which is fixed to the upper end of the lower plate, the inner diameter of the annular body matches the outer diameter of the probe, and the probe is inserted into the annular body.

[0009] Furthermore, the upper plate, the support column, the lower plate and the annular body are integrally formed.

[0010] Furthermore, the force-sensitive layer is prepared by particle engulfing sensitive material.

[0011] A muscle tension detection device, comprising a processing device and a flexible sensor; The processing device is connected to the force-sensitive layer and is used to calculate the real-time data of muscle tension according to the deformation of the force-sensitive layer during the detection process.

[0012] A detection method of a muscle tension detection device comprises the following steps: Fix the edge of the sensor body to the skin beside the target muscle part, so that the lower end of the probe located in the middle of the sensor body is close to the target muscle part; When the tension of the target muscle changes during the test, the depth of the probe changes accordingly, and the deformation of the force-sensitive layer also changes accordingly; The deformation of the force-sensitive layer is output to a processing device, and the processing device calculates real-time data of muscle tension based on the deformation of the force-sensitive layer.

[0013] Furthermore, the edge of the sensor body is fixed to the skin beside the target muscle part by respectively gluing the two sides of the lower plate of the sensor body to the skin by means of adhesive tapes.

[0014] In general, the present invention has the following advantages: When in use, the lower end of the probe is pressed against the target muscle part, and the edge of the sensor body is adhered to the skin beside the target muscle part by tape. Since the sensor body is made of soft material, the edge of the sensor body and the skin beside the target muscle part are always tightly fitted during the measurement process and are not easy to loosen, which is conducive to obtaining accurate detection results. The sensor body made of soft material acts as the base of the force-sensitive layer, so that the probe penetrates into the skin and approaches the target muscle position. At this time, the force-sensitive layer above the probe undergoes initial deformation. When the target muscle tension of the measured part changes, the probe position, that is, the depth of the probe penetration changes, and the deformation of the upper force-sensitive layer changes. The deformation of the force-sensitive layer can be output through an external wire, and the signal is converted into an electrical signal and transmitted to the processing device. The processing device obtains the strain size of the force-sensitive layer by calculation, and then solves the change in the probe penetration depth and the pressure value, and then calculates the modulus size of the muscle to obtain real-time data of muscle tension. The present invention uses the probe to apply moderate pressure through a flexible substrate to squeeze the shallow tissue (such as the dermis) and approach the surface of the muscle. The physical distance between the probe and the muscle is shortened, which reduces the absorption and dispersion of force by the soft tissue, allowing changes in muscle tension to be transmitted more directly to the force-sensitive layer, shortening the force conduction path, enhancing signal capture efficiency, and improving the accuracy of muscle tension detection, thus meeting the needs of fast and accurate measurement in clinical practice. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the flexible sensor of the present invention.

[0016] In the figure: 1-sensor body, 11-upper plate, 12-support column, 13-lower plate, 14-ring body; 2-probe; 3-force-sensitive layer; 4- Wire; 5- Skin. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present invention aims to design a flexible sensor and a muscle tension detection device and a detection method thereof. The flexible sensor can be worn at will and tightly adhere to the user's skin 5, and can accurately and objectively measure the muscle tension of patients in different physiological states. It not only improves the accuracy of muscle tension detection, but also simplifies the detection process and reduces the monitoring burden, so that it can be detected in natural life states such as exercise.

[0018] The present invention will be described in further detail below.

[0019] like Figure 1As shown, a flexible sensor includes a sensor body 1 made of soft material, a force-sensitive layer 3 and a probe 2; the lower end of the probe 2 is used to press against the target muscle part, and the upper end is abutted against the lower end of the middle part of the sensor body 1; the edge of the sensor body 1 is used to be fixed on the skin 5 beside the target muscle part so that the probe 2 remains pressed against the target muscle part; the force-sensitive layer 3 is arranged at the upper end of the middle part of the sensor body 1.

[0020] When in use, the lower end of the probe 2 is pressed against the target muscle part, and the edge of the sensor body 1 is adhered to the skin 5 beside the target muscle part by tape, so that the probe 2 is kept close to the target muscle part to avoid shaking during the measurement process; because the sensor body 1 is made of soft material, the flexible wearable design allows the flexible sensor to be easily worn and tightly adhered to the user, making the entire detection process smoother and barrier-free. The edge of the sensor body 1 and the skin 5 beside the target muscle part are always tightly fitted and not easy to loosen during the measurement process, which is conducive to obtaining accurate detection results. The sensor body 1 made of soft material acts as the base of the force-sensitive layer 3, so that the probe 2 penetrates into the skin 5 to approach the target muscle position. At this time, the force-sensitive layer 3 above the probe 2 undergoes initial deformation. When the target muscle tension of the measured part changes, the position of the probe 2, that is, the depth of the probe 2, changes, and the deformation of the upper force-sensitive layer 3 changes. The deformation of the force-sensitive layer 3 can be output through the external wire 4, and the signal is converted into an electrical signal and transmitted to the processing device (such as a computer or mobile phone APP). The processing device obtains the strain of the force-sensitive layer 3 by calculation, and then solves the change in the penetration depth of the probe 2 and the pressure value, and then calculates the modulus of the muscle to obtain real-time data of muscle tension.

[0021] Traditional muscle monitoring sensors are generally designed to fit the surface of the skin 5. However, since the modulus of human skin 5 and fat is relatively small, changes in muscle tension will be greatly attenuated and interfered when transmitted to the surface of the skin 5. This attenuation and interference directly reduce the sensitivity of the sensor, thereby affecting the accuracy of muscle activity measurement. At the same time, it is difficult for existing sensors to accurately measure the absolute value of muscle tension, which is mainly affected by the sensor wearing method and individual differences (such as skin 5 and fat thickness), thereby limiting its wide application in the assessment of human muscle tension. The present invention abandons the traditional flat fitting sensor and instead adopts a probe 2 downward pressing sensor. The probe 2 presses the skin 5 down to form a pit, so that the lower end of the probe 2 is tightly against the target muscle part, reducing the attenuation and interference of the skin 5 and the fat layer on the measurement signal, and improving the sensitivity of the sensor and the accuracy of muscle tension measurement.

[0022] Preferably, the sensor body 1 includes an upper plate 11, a support column 12 and a lower plate 13, and the two ends of the support column 12 are fixed to the upper plate 11 and the lower plate 13 respectively; the probe 2 is inserted into the middle of the lower plate 13 and the upper end of the probe 2 is abutted against the lower end of the upper plate 11, and the upper plate 11 and the lower plate 13 are arranged at intervals, which increases the control distance of the probe 2, so that the probe 2 can be fixed on the sensor body 1 and is not easy to shake, thereby improving the stability during the measurement process and improving the accuracy of the measurement. The two sides of the lower plate 13 are used to be fixed on the skin 5 beside the target muscle part; the force-sensitive layer 3 is arranged at the upper end of the upper plate 11. When the tension of the target muscle changes, the upper plate 11 and the force-sensitive layer 3 also deform accordingly, so that the muscle tension data can be calculated, which greatly improves the perception accuracy of muscle tension and the reliability of the data.

[0023] Preferably, a limit device is provided between the upper plate 11 and the lower plate 13; the limit device is connected to the probe 2 to ensure the consistency between the movement direction of the probe 2 and the contraction direction of the target muscle. The limit device further ensures the stability of the probe 2 and the accuracy of the measurement.

[0024] Specifically, the limiting device is an annular body 14 with a certain thickness, which is fixed to the upper end of the lower plate 13. A through hole is provided in the middle of the annular body 14, and the aperture of the through hole matches the outer diameter of the probe 2. The probe 2 is inserted into the through hole of the annular body 14. The annular body 14 can guide the motion trajectory of the probe 2, prevent the probe 2 from swinging left and right during the measurement process, and ensure the consistency between the motion direction of the probe 2 and the contraction direction of the target muscle.

[0025] Preferably, the upper plate 11, the support column 12, the lower plate 13 and the annular body 14 are integrally formed, and the sensor body 1 can be made of a soft material with a suitable modulus using a 3D printing mold to ensure the accuracy of shape and size.

[0026] Preferably, the force-sensitive layer 3 is made of particle-engulfed sensitive material, which significantly reduces the influence of interference factors and enhances the perception of muscle tension.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention performs packaging processing on the flexible sensor to protect internal components, avoid interference from the external environment, and improve measurement accuracy.

[0028] A muscle tension detection device includes a processing device and a flexible sensor; the processing device is connected to the force-sensitive layer 3 and is used to calculate the real-time data of the muscle tension according to the deformation of the force-sensitive layer 3 during the detection process. The processing device is preferably a computer or a mobile phone.

[0029] Specifically, a detection method of a muscle tension detection device comprises the following steps: The edge of the sensor body 1 is fixed to the skin 5 beside the target muscle part, so that the lower end of the probe 2 located in the middle of the sensor body 1 is close to the target muscle part; when the tension of the target muscle changes during the detection process, the depth of the probe 2 changes accordingly, and the deformation of the force-sensitive layer 3 also changes accordingly; the deformation of the force-sensitive layer 3 is output to the processing device, and the processing device calculates the real-time data of muscle tension according to the deformation of the force-sensitive layer 3. Use machine learning technology to analyze or present the data to the doctor, evaluate the user's muscle tension status, and formulate a corresponding treatment plan or rehabilitation plan.

[0030] Specifically, the edge of the sensor body 1 is fixed to the skin 5 beside the target muscle part by respectively bonding the two sides of the lower plate 13 of the sensor body 1 to the skin 5 by means of adhesive tape. The length of the lower plate 13 is greater than that of the upper plate 11, and the two sides of the lower plate 13 can be firmly bonded to the skin 5, and the lower plate 13 forms an arch upward through its own flexibility, so that the probe 2 is stably pressed against the target muscle part.

[0031] The present invention cleverly integrates the probe 2 that can be tightly pressed against the target muscle part, the sensor body 1 made of soft material, and the force-sensitive layer 3 made of particle engulfment sensitive material, so that the flexible sensor can contact the muscle tissue more closely and effectively, can directly and accurately sense the subtle changes in muscle tension, and can accurately capture the changes in muscle tension. Specifically, the present invention selects a soft material with a suitable modulus to make the sensor body 1, so that the probe 2 can penetrate into the skin 5 and contact the muscle tissue more closely, which not only improves the perception accuracy of the flexible sensor to the changes in muscle tension, but also can calculate the muscle modulus according to the depth of the probe 2 and the pressure, thereby achieving accurate measurement of muscle tension, providing extremely intuitive and objective data support for clinical evaluation. Compared with the existing technology, this innovative technical means shows significant superiority and innovation in both detection sensitivity and accuracy, and provides a more reliable and accurate basis for evaluating human muscle tension.

[0032] In summary, the present invention has successfully achieved multiple significant advantages such as intuitiveness, objectivity, convenience, ease of use and high accuracy through these innovative technical means.

[0033] The above embodiments are preferred implementation modes of the present invention, but the implementation modes of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments. Any other changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, and simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be equivalent replacement methods and shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible sensor, characterized in that: It includes a sensor body, a force-sensitive layer and a probe made of soft matter; The lower end of the probe is used to press against the target muscle part, and the upper end is abutted against the lower end of the middle part of the sensor body; The edge of the sensor body is used to fix on the skin beside the target muscle part to keep the probe close to the target muscle part; The force-sensitive layer is arranged at the upper end of the middle part of the sensor body.

2. The flexible sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor body includes an upper plate, a support column and a lower plate. The upper plate and the lower plate are arranged at an interval, and the two ends of the support column are respectively fixed to the upper plate and the lower plate; the probe is passed through the middle of the lower plate and the upper end of the probe is abutted against the lower end of the upper plate, and the two sides of the lower plate are used to be fixed on the skin beside the target muscle part; the force sensitive layer is arranged at the upper end of the upper plate.

3. The flexible sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that: A limit device is provided between the upper plate and the lower plate; the limit device is connected to the probe to ensure the consistency between the movement direction of the probe and the contraction direction of the target muscle.

4. The flexible sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The limiting device is an annular body, which is fixed to the upper end of the lower plate. The inner diameter of the annular body matches the outer diameter of the probe, and the probe is passed through the annular body.

5. The flexible sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that: The upper plate, the supporting column, the lower plate and the annular body are integrally formed.

6. The flexible sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The force-sensitive layer is prepared by particle engulfing sensitive materials.

7. A muscle tension detection device, characterized in that: comprising a processing device and the flexible sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6; The processing device is connected to the force-sensitive layer and is used to calculate the real-time data of muscle tension according to the deformation of the force-sensitive layer during the detection process.

8. The detection method of a muscle tension detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The following steps are included: Fix the edge of the sensor body to the skin beside the target muscle part, so that the lower end of the probe located in the middle of the sensor body is close to the target muscle part; When the tension of the target muscle changes during the test, the depth of the probe changes accordingly, and the deformation of the force-sensitive layer also changes accordingly; The deformation of the force-sensitive layer is output to a processing device, and the processing device calculates real-time data of muscle tension based on the deformation of the force-sensitive layer.

9. The detection method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The edge of the sensor body is fixed to the skin beside the target muscle part by respectively adhering the two sides of the lower plate of the sensor body to the skin by means of adhesive tapes.

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