System for measuring spinal and / or skeletal angles of a mannequin

Abstract

A system for measuring spinal and / or skeletal angles of a manikin in a side-lying position. The system includes a manikin comprising one or more articulating joints and a spinal and / or skeletal profile defining a manikin profile, a suspension frame suspending the manikin, one or more measuring devices connected to the manikin at one or more measuring points, and a support surface adjustable in at least a vertical axis. The manikin comprises a suspended configuration when suspended by the suspension frame and a supported configuration when supported by the support surface. The one or more measuring devices measure a difference in spinal and / or skeletal angles of the manikin profile between the suspended configuration and the supported configuration. The invention provides a system for replicating and measuring human physiology when interfacing with a surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a system for measuring spinal and / or skeletal angles. Specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to a system for measuring spinal and / or skeletal angles in a human model in a lateral position on a mattress. Background Technology

[0002] Various types of human testing equipment and systems are typically used to determine usability, ergonomics, and safety. Human models are often used to simulate the effects of human-product interaction or environmental conditions on the human body.

[0003] For example, US 4669302, entitled "Deflection and topography assessment mechanism anthropomorphically natural," discloses a device that defines a mannequin for pressing against a surface (such as a mattress), thereby allowing analysis of the resulting surface profile and pressure distribution on the mannequin. Tests like these focus only on the supine, i.e., supine sleeping position and provide limited data on human physiology because the primary motivation is to analyze the mattress profile formed by the weighted mannequin. These methods also lower the mannequin onto the mattress to assess the profile and indentation induced by the mannequin.

[0004] Other systems (such as US 5628230 entitled "Method and apparatus for testing the efficacy of patient support system") disclose anthropomorphic models for measuring pressure distribution on anthropomorphic human models, primarily for analyzing the likelihood of pressure-related complications such as pressure ulcers and similar conditions.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved system for measuring human models on a support surface, specifically, a system for measuring the spinal and / or skeletal angles of a human model in a side-lying position on a mattress. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The preferred objective of this invention is to provide a system and / or apparatus and / or method for solving or improving one or more of the aforementioned problems in the prior art and / or providing a useful commercial alternative.

[0007] This invention relates to a system for measuring spinal and / or skeletal angles. In one form, though not necessarily the most general, the invention relates to a system for measuring spinal and / or skeletal angles of a human model in a lateral recumbent position, the system comprising: a human model including one or more articulated joints and a spinal and / or skeletal profile defining the outline of the human model; a suspension frame suspending the human model; one or more measuring devices connected to the human model at one or more measuring points; and a support surface adjustable at least on a vertical axis; wherein the human model includes a suspension configuration when suspended by the suspension frame; a support configuration when supported by the support surface; and the one or more measuring devices measure the difference in spinal and / or skeletal angles of the human model outline between the suspension configuration and the support configuration.

[0008] Preferably, the one or more hinge joints are adjustable in terms of resistance and / or hinge angle.

[0009] Preferably, the spine and / or skeletal contours in the suspension configuration are sagittal relative to the human model.

[0010] Preferably, the support surface is raised along the vertical axis to support the human body model.

[0011] Preferably, the human model includes a torso, and wherein the suspension frame further includes a vertical stabilizer connected to the torso and maintaining the torso in the lateral position.

[0012] More preferably, the vertical stabilizer allows the torso to move vertically along the vertical stabilizer.

[0013] More preferably, the vertical stabilizer allows the torso to move along the coronal plane of the vertical stabilizer.

[0014] Preferably, the human model includes a hinged hip joint that can hinge and rotate.

[0015] Preferably, the human model is suspended by the suspension frame via multiple ropes.

[0016] More preferably, the plurality of ropes are taut when in the suspension configuration and slack when in the support configuration.

[0017] Preferably, when in the suspended configuration, the entire weight of the mannequin rests on the suspended frame, and when in the supported configuration, the entire weight of the mannequin rests on the supported surface.

[0018] Preferably, the supporting surface is a mattress.

[0019] Preferably, the human model includes a head independently supported by a counterweight, wherein the head is maintained in a neutral position along the contour of the spine.

[0020] Preferably, the one or more measurement points are located along the spine and / or bone contour.

[0021] Preferably, the measuring device is an electronic device mounted on the suspension frame and connected to the human model at one or more measuring points.

[0022] Preferably, the system includes a control interface configured to control the raising and lowering of the support surface.

[0023] More preferably, the control interface is configured to process, display, and / or output data from the one or more measuring devices.

[0024] Preferably, the size of the human body model is set according to the size between the 99th percentile male and the 1st percentile female.

[0025] Preferably, the weight of the human body model is set based on the weight between the 99th percentile male and the 1st percentile female.

[0026] Preferably, the system includes a set of acceptable limitations for assessing changes in the spinal and / or skeletal angles of the human model's contours. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To aid in understanding the invention and to enable those skilled in the art to practice it, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example with reference only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a system used to measure the angles of the spine and / or bones, with the human model in a supporting configuration.

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The system's side view, in which the human model is in a suspended configuration.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of the system, in which the human body model is in a supporting configuration.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A further side view.

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A top view of the system. Detailed Implementation

[0033] This invention relates to a system for measuring spinal and / or skeletal angles. However, it should be understood that embodiments of the invention can be applied to other forms of human model testing systems. The components of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in a concise overview form, thereby showing only the specific details necessary for understanding embodiments of the invention, while avoiding confusion due to excessive detail that would be apparent to those skilled in the art from this description.

[0034] According to one aspect, the present invention is defined as a system for measuring the spinal and / or skeletal angles of a human model in a lateral recumbent position, the system comprising: a human model including one or more hinge joints and a spinal and / or skeletal profile defining the outline of the human model; a suspension frame suspending the human model; one or more measuring devices connected to the human model at one or more measuring points; and a support surface adjustable at least on a vertical axis; wherein the human model includes a suspension configuration when suspended by the suspension frame; the human model includes a support configuration when supported by the support surface; and the one or more measuring devices measure the difference in the spinal and / or skeletal angles of the human model outline between the suspension configuration and the support configuration.

[0035] Advantages of some embodiments of the present invention include the ability to measure changes in the spinal and / or skeletal profile in a lateral position rather than only a supine position. By suspending the mannequin in a lateral position and raising the support surface to engage with the mannequin, the system can easily establish a neutral spinal and / or skeletal profile and efficiently analyze the predicted spinal and / or skeletal profile of a person lying on their side on the support surface. By implementing articulated joints, the mannequin can also more closely mimic the lateral sleeping position and movement of a human as they sink into a support surface (such as a mattress). The measuring device connected to the mannequin can record any changes in the spinal and / or skeletal profile caused by interaction with the support surface, thereby providing data on any height, rotation, and angular deviations or changes in the spinal and / or skeletal profile that make up the mannequin's profile. Therefore, the present invention facilitates the collection and measurement of sleep physiology data, with particular emphasis on skeletal and spinal angles in a lateral or supine sleeping position.

[0036] Those skilled in the art will understand that not all of the advantages described above must be included in all embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 1This is a perspective view of a system for measuring spinal and / or skeletal angles, wherein a human model is in a supported configuration. In one form, though not necessarily the most widespread, the invention relates to a system 100 for measuring spinal and / or skeletal angles of a human model in a lateral recumbent position, the system 100 comprising: a human model 105 including one or more hinge joints 110 and a spinal and / or skeletal profile defining the outline of the human model; a suspension frame 115 suspending the human model 105; one or more measuring devices 120 connected to the human model 105 at one or more measuring points; and a support surface 125 adjustable at least on a vertical axis; wherein the human model 105 includes a suspension configuration when suspended by the suspension frame 115; the human model 105 includes a supported configuration when supported by the support surface 125; and the one or more measuring devices 120 measure the difference in spinal and / or skeletal angles of the human model profile between the suspension configuration and the supported configuration.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, one or more hinge joints 110 are adjustable in terms of hinge resistance and / or angle. This allows for adjustment of the mannequin 105 and realistically mimics human posture and responses as the mannequin 105 settles onto the support surface 125. More preferably, the support surface 125 is a mattress. Those skilled in the art will understand that, depending on the firmness of the support surface 125 or the mattress, the mannequin 105 may gradually settle over time.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the mannequin 105 is positioned in a side-lying position to replicate the lying position of a human subject. As mentioned, the adjustable hinge joint 110 allows for fine-tuning of the mannequin 105 to achieve the desired angle when lying on the support surface 125. Optionally, these adjustments can be made via internal components that can be adjusted to increase or decrease resistance. The desired angle and limitations can be established through ergonomic data collection or based on medical research. Preferably, the hinge joint 110 at the hip of the mannequin 105 replicates human movement parameters by providing limitations on hinge and rotation, as well as a tension-adjustable joint. By allowing the hip of the mannequin 105 to laterally hinge and rotate, the knees of the mannequin 105 can be properly rested on the support surface 125, realistically replicating the natural flexion and rotation of the human body. Those skilled in the art will also understand that limitations on the desired angle can be imposed on the hinge joint 110 to simulate the flexibility and range of motion of the human body, including limitations where necessary, such as in rehabilitation settings.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the mannequin 105 includes a torso, and the suspension frame 115 further includes a vertical stabilizer 130 connected to the torso of the mannequin 105. The vertical stabilizer 130 holds the torso and effectively keeps it upright, so that the mannequin 105 is maintained in a position where the shoulders are vertically stacked. This allows the mannequin 105 to replicate the posture of a human lying on its side with high accuracy and maintain a reference to the suspension frame 115. With the vertical stabilizer 130 connecting the mannequin 105 to the suspension frame 115, the mannequin 105 can move vertically, horizontally, and rotationally along the vertical stabilizer in the coronal plane or in a plane parallel to the vertical plane of the suspension frame 115. A counterweight rope 135 is also used to support the head of the mannequin 105, wherein the counterweight rope 135 is fed through rollers 140 and enters into the body of the suspension frame 115.

[0041] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The system is shown in a side view, with the mannequin 105 in a suspended configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the mannequin 105 is suspended by a suspension frame 115 via a plurality of ropes 200. In the suspended configuration, the plurality of ropes 200 are taut and suspend the mannequin 105 in a neutral position. With the mannequin 105 attached to the suspension frame 115 via the plurality of ropes 200, the entire weight of the mannequin rests on the suspension frame 115 when in the suspended configuration.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the spinal and / or skeletal contour defining the mannequin's outline is sagittal with respect to the mannequin 105 in the suspension configuration, thus representing the spinal and / or skeletal contour extending symmetrically and / or linearly upwards and downwards along the mannequin. This is illustrated by a centerline 205 for reference. The suspended mannequin 105 can be leveled and calibrated in the suspension configuration to establish a neutral spinal and / or skeletal contour that is symmetrical and / or straight when viewed from the front of the mannequin 105. The measuring device 120 can also be calibrated or zeroed in the suspension configuration. Preferably, the measuring device 120 is connected to or configured to measure measurement points located along the spinal and / or skeletal contour of the mannequin 105. Alternatively, the measuring device 120 can be configured such that the mannequin's outline is defined and / or limited by other physiological structures that are associated with muscles and / or other anatomical structures such as tendons, joints, and connective tissue.

[0043] Preferably, the measuring device 120 is an electronic device mounted on the suspension frame 115 and then connected to the mannequin 105 at multiple measuring points. Those skilled in the art will understand that the measuring device 120 can be an analog or digital gauge calibrated to zero when the respective measuring points are on the established neutral spinal contour. In a preferred embodiment, one or more measuring devices 120 are string potentiometers that are pulled into a string 210 under tension, thereby measuring the vertical movement and linear position of the measuring points. The pre-established distances between the measuring points extending along the spinal and / or skeletal contour allow for accurate measurement and calculation of changes in the spinal and / or skeletal contour between the suspension and support configurations, resulting in a complete and accurate representation of the spinal and / or skeletal contour that defines the mannequin's contour.

[0044] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The system is shown in a side view, with the mannequin in a supported configuration. In a preferred embodiment, when in the supported configuration, the entire weight of the mannequin 105 rests on the support surface 125. With the entire weight of the mannequin 105 resting on the support surface 125, the multiple ropes 200 are completely slack. Therefore, the multiple ropes 200 must be strong enough to suspend the mannequin 105 and flexible enough not to influence or impact the measurement data. Although the multiple ropes 200 used to suspend the mannequin 105 become slack, the strings 210 of one or more measuring devices 120 remain taut.

[0045] After the entire weight of the mannequin 105 is supported by the support surface 125, the multiple ropes 200 become slack. An exception is the counterweight rope 135 suspending the head of the mannequin 105, where the counterweight rope 135 remains taut and the head is maintained in a neutral position along the spinal contour even though the weight of the mannequin 105 is supported by the support surface 125. The counterweight rope 135, which independently supports the head, mimics the height of a pillow, thereby mitigating any unintentional distortion of the spinal contour caused by an unnaturally angled neck and maintaining the posture of a sleeping human using a pillow. Without the counterweight rope 135 maintaining the head in a neutral position, the position and angle of adjacent torso segments can be affected. To achieve balance, the counterweight rope 135 can be transported via a series of rollers 140 (not shown) so that the counterweight rope 135 enters the support frame 115 and descends to an adjustable counterweight, ensuring that the head is consistently maintained in a neutral position along the spinal and / or skeletal contours that define the mannequin's contour.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the support surface 125 is raised along the vertical axis to support the mannequin 105. The support surface 125 may be raised by one or more lifts 300, which may be in the form of pneumatic lifts. As the one or more lifts 300 raise the support surface 125, the support surface is provided from below to contact and engage with the passively suspended mannequin 105. Those skilled in the art will understand that various types of mechanical lifts and leveling devices can be used, as long as the support surface 125 can stably engage the suspended mannequin 105.

[0047] Figure 4 This is an observation from below the head of the mannequin 105. Figure 2 A further side view. In a preferred embodiment, the support surface 125 rests on a support base 400 connected to one or more lifts 300. This allows for easy and quick modification of the support surface 125 to test different support surfaces 125 with different parameters, such as robustness. Since the mannequin 105 is passively suspended from the suspension frame 115, there is no need to frequently modify the mannequin 105 or recalibrate one or more measuring devices 120. Because the support surface 125 is a moving element, the mannequin 105 and any previous calibrations or alignments can remain constant. This significantly improves the repeatability and consistency of the testing and data collection procedures.

[0048] Preferably, once the support surface 125 is raised to contact the passively suspended mannequin 105, the one or more measuring devices 120 begin to register or record any changes in vertical height. As the mannequin 105 becomes fully supported by the support surface 125, the measuring devices 120, positioned on the suspension frame 115, are able to determine the fully supported spinal and / or skeletal profile, and the gradual changes in one or more measuring points associated with various locations on the spinal and / or skeletal profile, thus establishing graphical or numerical measurements indicating the deviation of the spinal and / or skeletal profile from the centerline 205. Final measurements can be determined after the mannequin 105 has stabilized on the support surface 125. As mentioned, some support surfaces (such as thick mattresses) may require a period of time for the weight of the mannequin 105 to fully settle into the mattress.

[0049] Recorded changes and relative differences between one or more measurement points are used to calculate specific angles between segments of the mannequin 105. These angles can be assessed against results from actual human subjects or against a set of acceptable limits established by medical professionals such as orthopedic surgeons and other researchers. When the support surface 125 being tested is a mattress, these acceptable limits can indicate parameters that measurements must meet to mitigate spinal, muscular, joint, or other physiological discomfort experienced during or after sleep.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, system 100 includes a control interface 405 configured to control the raising and lowering of the support surface 125 and process electronic data received from one or more measuring devices 120. Using the control interface 405, a user can operate system 100 and test the effect of the support surface 125 on the spinal contour of the mannequin 105. The control interface 405 may house electronics and processing devices configured to calibrate the one or more measuring devices 102. The control interface 405 may also process, display, and output recorded data indicating changes in the one or more measuring points. Those skilled in the art will understand that the control interface 405 may be attached to the suspension frame 115 or alternatively, a computing device positioned separately according to operator convenience and usability.

[0051] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The system top view shows a mannequin 105 in a lateral position. In a preferred embodiment, the mannequin 105 is sized to realistically represent an anatomically accurate human anatomy. Therefore, the mannequin 105 may be sized and weighed according to the 99th percentile male, or the mannequin 105 may be sized and weighed according to the 1st percentile female. Optionally, the method may include sizing and weighing the mannequin 105 according to dimensions and weights within a range between the 99th percentile male and the 1st percentile female. As an example, those skilled in the art will understand that, based on ergonomic studies related to physical measurements of men and women, the 95th percentile male is measured to have a height of 188 cm and a weight of 124 kg, and the 5th percentile female is measured to have a height of 150 cm and a weight of 50 kg. The use of these different sized mannequins allows test data for each support surface 125 to represent a wide population coverage, thereby providing measurement data relevant to a broad range of human populations.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, a set of acceptable limits is established for evaluating changes in the spinal and / or skeletal angles of the mannequin profiles of each mannequin 105. This allows the control interface 405 to determine the extent of deviations in the spinal and / or skeletal profiles caused by a particular support surface 105 and whether these deviations exceed acceptable limits. As mentioned, these acceptable limits may be established by medical research or medical professionals.

[0053] Therefore, System 100 addresses at least some of the aforementioned problems, thereby providing an accurate system for replicating and measuring human physiology and assessing the effects of different surfaces on at least specific skeletal and / or spinal angles. As a human model 105 measuring in a lateral sleeping position, System 100 can effectively conduct and observe in-depth studies and data collection on changes in spinal and / or skeletal contours during lateral sleeping. Combined with medical advice and collaboration with healthcare professionals, the effects and influences of different support surfaces 125 can be assessed, and the parameters of the support surfaces 125 can be adjusted accordingly to improve the physiological comfort and health of the human user.

[0054] In this patent specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, up and down, above and below, back, front and side, etc., are used only to define one element or method step from another, and do not necessarily require a specific relative position or sequence described by the adjective. Words such as "comprising" or "including" are not used to define exclusive components or method steps. In fact, these words define only the smallest component or method step contained in a specific embodiment of the invention.

[0055] The foregoing description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for descriptive purposes to those skilled in the art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate many alternatives and variations of the invention. Therefore, while some alternative embodiments have been specifically discussed, other embodiments will be obvious or relatively readily developed by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this specification is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the invention discussed herein, as well as other embodiments falling within the scope of the invention described above, as determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A system for measuring the angles of the spine and / or bones of a human model in a lateral decubitus position, the system comprising: A support surface that is adjustable at least along the vertical axis; A human body model including one or more hinge joints, the one or more hinge joints including a laterally hinged and rotatable hinged hip joint, such that when the human body model is in a lateral recumbent position, the knees of the human body model can rest on the support surface. The spine and / or skeletal outline that defines the contour of the human body model; A suspension frame suspends the mannequin; and One or more measuring devices are connected to the human body model at one or more measuring points; in, The human body model includes the suspension configuration when suspended by the suspension frame; The human body model includes the support configuration when supported by the support surface; The one or more measuring devices measure the difference in spinal or skeletal angles of the human model profile between the suspension configuration and the support configuration; and The one or more hinge joints are adjustable in terms of hinge resistance or can be adjusted to limit the hinge angle.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The spine and / or skeletal contour in the suspension configuration is sagittal relative to the human model, and the spine and / or skeletal contour is offset in the support configuration.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The supporting surface is raised along the vertical axis to support the human body model.

4. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The human model includes a torso, and the suspension frame further includes a vertical stabilizer connected to the torso and maintaining the torso in the lateral position.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The vertical stabilizer allows the torso to move vertically along the vertical stabilizer.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The vertical stabilizer allows the trunk to move along the coronal plane of the vertical stabilizer.

7. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The human model is suspended by the suspension frame via multiple ropes.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, When in the suspended configuration, the multiple ropes are taut, and when in the supported configuration, the multiple ropes are slack.

9. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When in the suspended configuration, the entire weight of the mannequin rests on the suspended frame, and when in the supported configuration, the entire weight of the mannequin rests on the supported surface.

10. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The supporting surface is a mattress.

11. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The human model includes a head independently supported by a counterweight, wherein the head is maintained in a neutral position along the contour of the spine and / or bones.

12. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The one or more measurement points are located along the spine and / or bone contour.

13. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The measuring device is an electronic device mounted on the suspension frame and connected to the human model at one or more measuring points.

14. The system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a control interface, wherein, The control interface is configured to control the raising and lowering of the support surface.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The control interface is configured to process, display, and / or output data from the one or more measuring devices.

16. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The mannequin's dimensions are set based on the size between the 99th percentile male and the 1st percentile female.

17. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The mannequin's weight was set based on the weight between the 99th percentile male and the 1st percentile female.

18. The system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a set of acceptable limitations for assessing changes in the spinal and / or skeletal angles of the mannequin's profile.

19. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The articulated hip joint is adjustable in terms of articulation resistance or can be adjusted to limit the articulation angle.

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