Biomechatronic Device for Automated Rheumatic Disease Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biomechatronic devices lack automation in measuring pain thresholds and evaluating the severity of rheumatic diseases, relying on subjective human perception and varying operator expertise, which limits their effectiveness in diagnostic and therapeutic practices.

Innovation Solution

A biomechatronic device with wearable actuators and force sensors that apply mechanical nociceptive stimuli, connected to an electronic control unit for objective measurement and evaluation, allowing users to report pain thresholds and automatically assess disease severity through a monitoring and control module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If subjective human perception and operator expertise are used for measuring pain thresholds, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement precision and diagnostic accuracy are limited and vary between operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain threshold measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces subjective mechanical assessment with an automated biomechatronic system that uses actuators to apply controlled mechanical stimuli and force sensors to objectively measure pain thresholds, eliminating operator variability while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables patients to self-report pain thresholds by pressing a button when pain is perceived, while the automated system independently measures and records the data, combining patient involvement with objective measurement capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If automated actuators and force sensors are used to measure pain thresholds, then measurement precision and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation extentVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the system into modular components including wearable actuators, force sensors, a control unit, and a button, allowing each component to perform a specific function independently while working together to achieve automated pain threshold measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The biomechatronic device integrates multiple functions including pain threshold measurement, disease severity evaluation, and diagnostic support into a single system, reducing the need for multiple separate devices and procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple actuators and sensors are integrated into the device, then the ability to objectively measure pain thresholds and evaluate disease severity is enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic reliabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses adjustable parameters such as variable actuator forces and sensor sensitivity settings to optimize the measurement process, allowing the system to adapt to different patients and disease stages without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each scenario

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables objective, automated, and standardized measurement of pain thresholds and disease severity, reducing reliance on individual healthcare professionals and improving diagnostic accuracy and consistency.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical air compressor configured to generate a force through a pneumatic drive of the at least one actuator 100a

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic drive: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

at least one force sensor 100c able to detect the intensity of the mechanical nociceptive stimuli applied by said at least one actuator 100a

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3847952B1Biomechatronic device for automated diagnosis of rheumatic diseases

Publication Date: 2022.08.10 UNIV DEGLI STUDI MAGNA GRAECIA DI CATANZARO

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AI summary

Biomechatronic device (100) for automated diagnosis of rheumatic diseases, comprising: - a wearable element (200) comprising an actuator (100a) and at least one force sensor (100c); - an electrical air compressor able to generate a force through a pneumatic drive of the actuator (100a); - a transmission mechanical element (100b) connected to the actuator (100a) and configured to transmit the force generated by the electrical air compressor to said actuator (100a) ; - a button (102; - an electronic control unit (101) connected to the wearable element (200), to the button (102) and to the electrical air compressor. The force sensor (100c) is able to detect the intensity of the mechanical nociceptive stimuli applied by said actuator (100a), while the button (102) is configured to be actuated by the user and is able to interrupt the application of the mechanical nociceptive stimuli.