Body Fat Measurement Device Using Back Area Electrodes and Trunk Width Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional body fat measurement devices using the body impedance technique struggle to accurately measure visceral fat and subcutaneous fat masses, as they typically require electrodes to be placed on the trunk area, leading to errors due to subcutaneous fat being thinner on the abdominal side, and are complex in design, making them unsuitable for household use without assistance.
Innovation Solution
A body fat measurement device with multiple electrodes, including back area electrodes, a trunk area width detection unit, and a fitting unit that surrounds the trunk area, allowing for accurate measurement of visceral and subcutaneous fat masses by applying current to the back area and using non-contact sensors to measure trunk area dimensions, enabling self-use without assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrodes are placed on the abdominal area to measure visceral fat, then measurement capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to thinner subcutaneous fat causing current leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional electrode placement from the abdominal area to the back area. By placing electrodes on the back where subcutaneous fat is thicker, the current leakage problem is avoided while still enabling visceral fat measurement through the trunk area impedance measurement.
2Ease of operation
If conventional body impedance measurement is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates as it cannot accurately extract visceral fat and subcutaneous fat individually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fat measurement into two distinct components: visceral fat mass and subcutaneous fat mass. By using multiple electrodes including back area electrodes and applying specific calculation formulas, the device can separately quantify each fat type while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes including back area electrodes are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases making it unsuitable for household use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fitting unit multi-functional by integrating both electrode placement and trunk area width measurement capabilities into a single device. The fitting unit serves as both the electrode carrier and the measurement tool for trunk dimensions, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement methods with automated sensors. Trunk area width is measured using sensors that automatically detect dimensions when the fitting unit is worn, eliminating the need for manual tape measurements and complex calculation procedures, thereby simplifying the device for household use.
4Ease of manufacture
If trunk area width is measured manually, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual trunk area width measurement with automated sensors integrated into the fitting unit. These sensors automatically detect and record trunk dimensions when the device is worn, providing precise measurements without requiring manual intervention or complex manufacturing procedures.
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 allows for easy and accurate measurement of body fat masses, including visceral and subcutaneous fat, in a household setting, simplifying operations and eliminating the need for assistance, while maintaining stable contact with the back area.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a body impedance of a measurement subject using a body impedance measurement unit
Implementation Method 2
a trunk area width detection unit for detecting a trunk area width of the measurement subject
Data Source
AI summary
A body fat measurement device includes hand electrodes that contact both hands, back area electrodes that contact the surface of a trunk area of the back, foot electrodes that contact both feet, a trunk area width detection unit for measuring the width and depth of the trunk area, a body impedance measurement unit that measures the body impedance of a body using the multiple electrodes and a body fat mass calculation unit that calculates a body fat mass based on the body impedance and the width and depth of the trunk area. The back area electrodes that make contact with the surface of the back of the trunk area are provided in a fitting unit in an exposed state, as well as the trunk area width detection unit. Accordingly, a body fat measurement device can measure a body fat mass easily and accurately in a household or the like.