Monitoring system for measuring vibrations

Abstract

A system for measuring vibrations transmitted to a hand of a user comprises a vibration sensor (1). The vibration sensor (1) is configured to be arranged over the first dorsal interossei muscles on the palm side of the hand and connected by wire (6) to a control unit (2) having a battery and configured to be arranged on the back side of the hand. Further, a glove element is disclosed for at least an index finger and a thumb, comprising a pocket configured to hold a vibration sensor (1) for measuring vibrations transmitted to a hand of a user, arranged on the palm side of the glove element and configured to be positioned over the first dorsal interossei muscles on the palm side of the hand of a the user.

Description

[0001] MONITORING SYSTEM FOR MEASURING VIBRATIONS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for measuring vibrations transmitted to a hand of a user that comprises a vibration sensor.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Hand held and hand guided powers tools usually transmit vibration to the hands and arms of a power tool operator. It is known that such transmitted vibration, which is often termed Hand Arm Vibration (HAV), can lead to painful and disabling disease as a consequence of longterm exposure. Regulating the exposure of potentially damaging hand-arm vibrations to machine operators requires affordable and easy-to-use personalized devices which will measure and record the cumulative exposure of vibrations to an operator during the course of a working period.

[0006] A directive acknowledges the possible damaging consequences of vibration for human health and lays down maximum levels of vibration exposure to avoid "white finger". White finger is a medical condition of numbness or pain that arises from continuous use of vibrating tools. In extreme cases white finger can lead to loss of one or more digits. Other issues from exposure to vibrations include, for instance, carpal tunnel syndrome.

[0007] The directive lays down a careful specification of what cumulative vibration levels the user is allowed to be exposed to. Above this specified dosage work must stop for that day.

[0008] Vibration is caused by a moving object. Two important physical characteristics when evaluating the risk of health effects or discomfort associated with exposure to vibration are acceleration and frequency.

[0009] In basic terms, acceleration, also known as the vibration level, is the measure of how fast the object is moving. The faster the object moves, the higher the acceleration or vibration level. In terms of vibration, acceleration is measured in m / s2. In terms of frequency this can’t be directly translated to vibration. Each part of the body is susceptible to a vibration of a different frequency. For example, legs are most susceptible to vibration of 2-20 Hz, the stomach to 4-8 Hz, the hand to 30-50 Hz, and the arm to 5-10 Hz. This means that exposure to vibrating objects that oscillate in the frequency range to which the hand and arm are most susceptible result in the highest risk of adverse health effects from HAV.

[0010] Per section 7.11 (a) of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation, an employer must ensure that workers are not exposed to HAV in excess of the limits specified in the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) publication, Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. In the summary of WorkSafeBC vibration exposure limits, with a daily exposure duration of 8 hours, the vibration exposure limit is 5 m / s2.

[0011] The 5.0 m / s2exposure limit is the maximum vibration level that a worker can be exposed to averaged over the course of an 8-hour shift. This means that a worker may be exposed to vibration in excess of 5.0 m / s2as long as the duration of exposure is less than 8 hours. For example, a worker can operate a tool that exposes them to a vibration level of 10.0 m / s2for less than half of the time of an 8-hour shift. If the worker doesn’t operate any more tools that result in vibration exposure during the remainder of their shift, they will not have been overexposed to vibration.

[0012] The 5.0 m / s2exposure limit does not represent a boundary between safe and unsafe exposure and therefore, it is good practice and more protective for workers to take precautions before exposure reaches the exposure limit. This can be done by using 2.5 m / s2as a guideline vibration level.

[0013] What the directive does not do is suggest how this exposure is to be measured. Technically, vibration measurements can be made with high quality but relatively expensive hardware that exists on the market today. This hardware will have been used in research work involved in the definition of the standards.

[0014] EP 3 799 582 A1 discloses a vibration monitor which is releasably attached to an arm or hand of an operator during use of a power tool. The vibration monitor comprises a vibration sensor and a processor. The vibration sensor senses vibration sustained by the arm or hand of the operator when the vibration monitor is attached to the arm or hand of the operator and provides: a first vibration signal corresponding to vibration in a first axis; a second vibration signal corresponding to vibration in a second axis; and a third vibration signal corresponding to vibration in a third axis.

[0015] US 2015 / 0173666 A1 discloses an in-situ physiologic monitor for a body. The in-situ physiologic monitor comprises an electronic monitoring module, wherein the electronic monitoring module is capable of logging an electronic monitoring module sensed parameter; and a body attachment component, wherein the body attachment component attaches the electronic monitoring module to the body.

[0016] US 2015 / 0133748 A1 discloses an apparatus and systems for monitoring and assisting with the physical activity of a user within a gym environment. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to providing a system for monitoring the user and providing the user a manner in which to interact with the various components of the gym environment so as to provide a favorable experience and motivational feedback. The disclosure also provides systems and devices that can be added by, for example, a gymnasium to existing infrastructure and therefore provide a particular gym with a technological edge against its competitors.

[0017] WO 2019 / 026092 A1 discloses a computing system adapted for prediction and management of chronic disorders, implemented in an Internet of Things (loT) network environment. It includes an input module to receive a plurality of inputs comprising wearable device sensor inputs indicative of physiological parameters of an individual, distributed loT system inputs indicative of additional physiological parameters of the individual and surroundings of the individual, enterprise system inputs indicative of medical information of the individual, social media inputs indicative of sentiments of the individual, and user inputs provided by the individual. A processing module performs multimodal, multisource, and multilingual processing on the plurality of inputs to generate a profile of the individual, identify patterns, determine triggers, stressors, reaction, and recovery, and predict an adverse event. A display module provides a report based on the processing and provide an alert when the adverse event is predicted.

[0018] US 2017 / 0273374 A1 discloses an apparatus for protecting a power tool user that includes a glove or other garment having at least one sensor that monitors proximity to the power tool. Glove embodiments can include finger and / or thumb proximity sensors, and / or sensors that detect hand position, finger and / or wrist joint angle, vibration, and / or acceleration. Sensing targets can be retroactively installed on the power tool, and can define warning and / or danger zones. Sensing can be via magnetic, electromagnetic, capacitive, eddy current, and / or range finding means. Sizes of warning and / or target areas can be controlled by selecting targets from a plurality of targets of various detection ranges. Protective responses can vary according to different sensed events, and can include audible, visual, and / or tactile alerts, and / or interruption of power to the tool. Embodiments can record proximity and / or status data during a work session for review, training, and certification purposes. A controller can be physically cooperative with the garment.

[0019] There is thus a need to provide a vibration dosage meter that is light, unobtrusive, comfortable, and easy to use even when wearing work gloves and preferably cheap enough for every worker to have one. It should calculate the vibration dose accurately such that it fulfills the requirements of the ISO standard for monitoring vibrations and provide a clear indication of when the dosage limit has been reached. Also, the fine motor skills should not be affected by wearing this kind of device. The group of workers that could benefit from such a device comprises, for instance, various craftsmen, healthcare staff, e.g., dentists, gardeners, city staff, workers within transport etc.

[0020] SUMMARY

[0021] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system for monitoring vibrations that is easy to use and unobtrusive.

[0022] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure a system for measuring vibrations transmitted to a hand of a user comprises a vibration sensor. The vibration sensor is configured to be arranged over the first dorsal interossei muscles on the palm side of the hand and connected by wire to a control unit having a battery and configured to be arranged on the back side of the hand. Having only the vibration sensor on the palm side of the hand minimizes the possibility of obstruction or impeding the work of the user. Also, the positioning of the vibration sensor over the first dorsal interossei muscle, i.e., between the thumb and index finger, is particularly beneficial since this part of the hand is relatively soft, when the hand is gripping something, and therefore allows for the vibration sensor to slightly “sink” into the hand and thus be less obstructive. Furthermore, having the sensor on the palm side of the hand allows for a more accurate monitoring of the vibrations. According to a further aspect of the present disclosure the control unit is configured to be arranged over the first dorsal interossei muscles on the back side of the hand of the user. This provides the same benefit as mentioned above with the muscle of the first dorsal interossei being relatively soft and thus minimizing the protrusion of the control unit from the hand.

[0023] According to yet a further aspect of the present disclosure the system further comprises a holding glove element for at least an index finger and a thumb. The glove element comprises a pocket configured to hold the control unit and a further pocket configured to hold the vibration sensor. The pockets could be open at one end such that it is easy to insert or remove the vibration sensor and / or the control unit. According to one aspect the glove element is a glove. According to a further aspect, the glove element is a fingerless glove element. An advantage with a fingerless glove element is that it is less invasive for a user when handling a tool. However, in some instances a regular glove is needed anyway and a glove with pockets could then be used as long as the pockets, or at least the pocket for the vibration sensor is arranged over the first dorsal interossei muscles on the palm side of the hand.

[0024] Preferably, the glove element further comprises a wrist strap for holding the system secured to the hand of a user.

[0025] According to the present disclosure, such a glove element, is provided wherein said glove element is a holding glove element for at least an index finger and a thumb, said glove element comprising a first pocket configured to hold a vibration sensor of a system for measuring vibrations transmitted to a hand of a user, wherein said pocket configured to hold said vibration sensor is arranged on the palm side of the glove element and configured to be positioned over the first dorsal interossei muscles on the palm side of the hand of said user. Thus, a glove can be provided including the advantages of the vibration measurement system described herein with additional mechanical hand protection of the hand of the user for various working tasks when wearing the glove. Preferably the first pocket is attached to and / or integrated with said glove element. The pocket may be arranged as a, preferably for insertion and replacement of the sensor openable and closable, recess on the palm side of the glove element to be positioned over the first dorsal interossei muscles on the palm side of the hand of said user. Preferably, the glove element comprises a second pocket configured to hold a control unit connectable by wire to a control unit having a battery and configured to be arranged on the back side of the hand. Thus, the system is advantageously integratable into a glove.

[0026] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a layer on one side of the pocket holding the control unit is elastic. Thus, the control unit could be held in the correct position and is easily inserted and removed. Another option is to have a pocket where the opening could be closed by, for instance, a Velcro band.

[0027] According to yet an aspect of the present disclosure the vibration sensor and the control unit are configured to be fastened to the hand of a user with a tape, i.e., an adhesive tape. Preferably, the tape could be one strip covering the control unit, the vibration sensor, and also the wire between the control unit and the vibration sensor.

[0028] According to yet one aspect of the present disclosure, the system further comprises an application in a remote device, such as a mobile phone, wherein the control unit further comprises a transmitter. The transmitter is arranged to wirelessly interact with the remote device for registering vibration data in the application corresponding to the vibrations a user are exposed to. The vibration data collected may then be displayed in the remote device for checking whether or not a threshold is passed or not. According to an alternative aspect of the present disclosure, the system further comprises a receiver arranged in the control unit for receiving input such as threshold level of vibrations, i.e., setting the threshold for when there may be a health risk continuing working.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present disclosure the application is arranged to provide a notification to the user when a predetermined level of accumulated vibrations have been registered. The vibrations a user is subjected to could be registered and the information allows for planning of future work not to exceed a specific level of vibrations. In other words, the application is arranged to provide a notification to the user when a predetermined level of accumulated vibrations have been registered. In this way, the user is immediately notified. The set level could for instance be at 80% of the allowed level of vibrations for a day in order for the user to be able to plan when to conclude the work. According to yet another aspect the control unit comprises a haptic generation module arranged to produce a signal upon reaching a predetermined threshold level of vibrations. Having the control unit arranged over the first dorsal interossei muscles on the back side of the hand provides a better chance for the user to notice the signal. For instance, a vibration signal could be difficult to separate from the vibrations of a power tool should the housing of the vibration monitoring device be arranged on the palm of the hand. The same applies to a light signal which could be easily detected according to the device of the present disclosure compared to a palm placed monitor where the light might not even be visible. If the device is equipped with a receiver, a threshold level could be set for when said haptic signals are to be produced.

[0030] According to an alternative aspect of the present disclosure the application of the mobile device has a connection with a computer data network. According to some legislation, an employer might be expected to keep track of the working environment for the employees and may with such a connection monitor from a distance the exposure to vibrations of the employees. Also, in a company with several coworkers, a person managing the planning of the tasks to be performed could thus in this way plan the work of the coworkers to make sure that no one is subjected to a too large level of vibrations.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system further comprises one or any combination of sensors from the group comprising; motion sensor, temperature sensor, gas sensor, sound sensor, particle sensor, and light sensor. The motion sensor could for instance also be a fall sensor.

[0032] As previously mentioned, having the control unit of the system on the back side of the hand provides for easier detection of a haptic signal. A further advantage of the placement is when the system is combined with another sensor, i.e., one of the sensors mentioned above. For instance, a sound sensor placed over the first dorsal interossei muscles on the back side of the hand will be exposed basically to the same level of sound as a sound sensor separately placed elsewhere on a user. Another possibility would be to have the system on the hand combined with a sensor in wireless communication with each other. For instance, a temperature sensor could be placed on a helmet of a user.

[0033] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure the vibration monitor is adapted to measure vibrations from about 2 Hz and up. Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled person realize that different features of the present invention may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0034] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein

[0036] Figure 1 is a view of a back side of a hand with an embodiment of a system according to the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 is a view of a palm side of a hand with an embodiment of a system according to the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 3 is a view of a back side of a hand with an embodiment of a system according to the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4 is a view of a palm side of a hand with an embodiment of a system according to the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5 is a view of a back side of a hand with an embodiment of a system according to the present disclosure

[0041] Figures 6a and 6b show a left hand palm and a right hand palm, respectively, with a system according to the present disclosure.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness. Like reference character refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0044] With reference to figures 1 and 2, a system for measuring vibrations transmitted to a hand of a user is shown. The system comprises a vibration sensor 1 , configured to be arranged over the first dorsal interossei muscles on the palm side of the hand and connected by wire 6 to a control unit 2 having a battery and configured to be arranged on the back side of the hand. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the control unit 2 is configured to be arranged over the first dorsal interossei muscles on the back side of the hand of the user.

[0045] As also can be seen in the figures, the wire 6 could be arranged to run the shortest way between the sensor 1 and the control unit or alternatively, as shown with the dashed lines, run around the thumb close to the wrist. The sensor 1 and / or the control unit 2 could have one side with an adhesive to attach it to a hand.

[0046] Turning to figures 3 and 4, the vibration sensor 1 and the control unit 2 are configured to be fastened to the hand of a user with a tape 7. A further alternative is to have a flexible band 8 around the hand. In one embodiment, the sensor 1 and the control unit 2 could be placed in pockets in the flexible band 8.

[0047] The system shown in figure 5 shows an embodiment that comprises a fingerless holding glove element 3 for an index finger and a thumb wherein the glove element further comprises a pocket 4 configured to hold the control unit 2, shown outside the pocket, over the first dorsal interossei muscles on the back side of the hand of a user. A corresponding pocket could be used for the vibration sensor on the palm side of the hand. Thus, the glove element 3 is arranged to hold the control unit 2 and / or the vibration sensor 1 (not shown in figure 5) over the soft parts of the hand between the thumb and the index finger.

[0048] As also can be seen, the glove element 3 further comprises a wrist strap 5. Using the strap 5, the glove element 3 will stay on the hand when pulled out of a working protection glove or similar. The strap 5 could be attached by for instance a Velcro band. Further, the glove element 3 could be made to fit either a right hand or a left hand. Under certain circumstances a system according to the present invention could be worn on both the left and the right hand. Also, depending to some extent on the material of the glove element 3, it could be turned inside out, i.e., the same glove element 3 could be used for either the left or the right hand.

[0049] The system shown in figures 6a and 6b is an example of what the system on the palm side of the hands may look like with glove elements 3. Sometimes, sensors 1 could be attached to both hands. It varies of course depending on what kind of vibrations are to be monitored, for instance, various powertools, lawn mowers etc. Part of the wire 6 running between the sensor 1 and the control unit (not shown in figures 6a and 6b) can also be seen in the figures 6a and 6b.

[0050] While a few embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is / are used.

[0051] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one." The phrase "and / or," as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for measuring vibrations transmitted to a hand of a user, comprising a vibration sensor (1), wherein the vibration sensor (1) is configured to be arranged over the first dorsal interossei muscles on the palm side of the hand and connected by wire (6) to a control unit (2) having a battery and configured to be arranged on the back side of the hand.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit (2) is configured to be arranged over the first dorsal interossei muscles on the back side of the hand of the user.

3. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a holding glove element (3) for at least an index finger and a thumb, the glove element comprising a pocket (4) configured to hold the control unit (2) and a further pocket configured to hold the vibration sensor (1).

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the glove element (3) further comprises a wrist strap (5).

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein a layer on one side of the pocket (4) holding the control unit (2) is elastic.

6. The system according to any of the claims 1 and 2, wherein the vibration sensor (1) and the control unit (2) are configured to be fastened to the hand of a user with a tape (7).

7. The system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an application in a remote device, such as a mobile phone, wherein the control unit (2) further comprises a transmitter, the transmitter being arranged to wirelessly interact with the remote device for registering vibration data in the application corresponding to the vibrations a user are exposed to.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the application is arranged to provide a notification to the user when a predetermined level of accumulated vibrations have been registered.

9. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (2) comprises a haptic generation module arranged to produce a signal upon reaching a predetermined threshold level of vibrations.

10. The system according to claim 7, wherein the control unit (2) comprises a receiver.11 . The system according to any of the claims 1 and 2, further comprising a flexible band (8) configured to be arranged around a hand of a user such that it retains the sensor (1) and the control unit (2) in said positions on the hand.

12. The system according to any of the preceding claims, the control unit (2) further comprising or is connected to one or any combination of sensors from the group comprising; motion sensor, temperature sensor, gas sensor, sound sensor, particle sensor, and light sensor.

13. A glove element, wherein said glove element is a holding glove element (3) for at least an index finger and a thumb, said glove element comprising a first pocket configured to hold a vibration sensor (1) of a system for measuring vibrations transmitted to a hand of a user, wherein said pocket configured to hold said vibration sensor is arranged on the palm side of the glove element and configured to be positioned over the first dorsal interossei muscles on the palm side of the hand of said user.

14. The glove element of claim 13, wherein the glove element comprising a second pocket (4) configured to hold a control unit (2) connectable by wire (6) to a control unit (2) having a battery and configured to be arranged on the back side of the hand.

15. The glove element of claim 13 wherein said first pocket is attached to and / or integrated with said glove element.

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