Handheld Algometer with Multi-Sensor Array for Pain Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pain-measurement methods lack standardization due to variability in manual application of pressure and lack of devices that simultaneously measure pressure, depth, and temperature, making it difficult to effectively evaluate pain levels and healing progress.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held algometer device equipped with sensors for measuring force/pressure, depth, and temperature, featuring a microprocessor for data processing and output options like display or wireless transmission, allowing for standardized pain evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual palpation is used to measure pain levels, then the assessment can be performed with simple equipment, but the results show wide variation between practitioners and lack standardization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical palpation with electronic sensors (pressure sensor, displacement sensor, temperature sensor) that automatically measure physiological parameters. This substitution eliminates human variability while maintaining equipment simplicity, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-measurement capability where the sensors automatically detect and record pressure, depth, and temperature without requiring skilled manual technique. The microprocessor processes sensor data to provide standardized readings, allowing any practitioner to obtain consistent results without extensive training
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are integrated to measure pressure, depth, and temperature simultaneously, then standardized measurements can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (pressure sensing, displacement sensing, temperature sensing) into a single integrated hand-held device. The microprocessor consolidates data from all sensors, providing coordinated multi-parameter measurement that achieves standardization while managing complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The hand-held device is designed as a multi-functional instrument that performs pressure measurement, depth measurement, and temperature measurement simultaneously. This universal design allows one device to replace multiple separate tools, achieving comprehensive standardized measurement without proportionally increasing operational complexity
3Measurement precision
If the probe is made moveable to measure depth displacement, then depth measurement capability is added, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical depth measurement mechanisms with electronic displacement sensors that directly detect probe position. This substitution adds precise depth measurement capability while minimizing mechanical complexity by using electronic sensing rather than mechanical indicators
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides empirical, standardized measurements of pressure, depth, and temperature, enhancing the reliability and consistency of pain assessment and healing evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor connected to the probe for measuring the force applied to move the probe between the first and second positions
Implementation Method 2
a displacement sensor connected to the probe for measuring the distance the probe travels between the first and second positions
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices and systems designed to assist an examiner in assessing the level of pain sensitivity in a patient, along with methods of using of the devices and/or systems. The device contains a tip for applying pressure to a point of the patient's body; a pressure sensor used to measure the pressure; a displacement sensor used to measure the depth of probing; and an optional third sensor used to measure temperature. The device can therefore simultaneously measure the pressure applied by the probe and the distance travelled by the tip of said probe (i.e. the displacement achieved). The device can be included in a system, which receives the data from the aforementioned sensors, and the patient's perceived pain value on a scale of 1-10. These values can be analyzed over time (i.e. over multiple applications of the device) to permit the examiner to use the data obtained to assess potential changes in the level of pain or discomfort and/or amount of healing of the patient.