Body Movement Sensor With Triggering Mechanism for Joint Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring body segment movements are subjective, costly, and obtrusive, limiting their application outside laboratory settings.
Innovation Solution
A sensing device with a covering and a triggering mechanism that measures movement by activating a sensor when a body segment moves relative to a reference segment, providing objective data on joint angles, translation distances, velocity, and acceleration, with optional wireless communication and processing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If subjective observation methods are used to measure body segment movements, then implementation cost is reduced, but measurement accuracy and objectivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical instrumentation systems with a simplified sensor-based system. The sensor detects body segment movements through minimal mechanical interaction (covering contact), substituting elaborate mechanical measurement apparatus with an electronic sensing system that provides objective, accurate data without the complexity and cost of traditional mechanical instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device is designed to measure multiple parameters (position, velocity, acceleration, joint angles) across different body segments using a single unified system. The covering and sensor combination can be applied to various body parts and movement types, providing universal measurement capability that replaces multiple specialized instruments.
2Measurement precision
If traditional instrumentation of limbs is used to objectively observe motions, then measurement objectivity is improved, but obtrusiveness to the performer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible covering that contacts the body surface to attach the sensor. This thin, flexible interface minimizes the physical bulk and rigidity that would otherwise make the instrument obtrusive. The covering conforms to body contours and allows natural movement, reducing interference with the performer while maintaining objective measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from complex mechanical instrumentation and concentrates it in a minimal sensor element. By removing unnecessary mechanical components and reducing the sensing element to its essential function, the device achieves objective measurement with minimal physical presence on the body.
3Measurement precision
If traditional instrumentation of limbs is used to objectively observe motions, then measurement objectivity is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical instrumentation systems with an electronic sensor-based approach. The sensor, covering, and triggering mechanism constitute a low-cost alternative to traditional mechanical goniometers, force plates, or motion capture systems, while providing equivalent or superior measurement objectivity through electronic data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device is designed as a disposable or single-use instrument that can be discarded after use. This eliminates the need for expensive calibration, maintenance, and repair infrastructure required by traditional instrumentation systems. The low cost of individual units allows widespread use without significant financial investment in infrastructure.
4Measurement precision
If traditional instrumentation of limbs is used to objectively observe motions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex instrumentation systems and isolates it in a simple sensor element. The covering and triggering mechanism provide minimal mechanical interface, while the sensor handles all complex measurement and data processing functions, significantly reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate triggering mechanism that converts various types of body movements into a standardized sensor activation signal. This intermediary component simplifies the interface between diverse body movements and the sensor, reducing the complexity of directly measuring different movement types with a single device.
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 accurate, non-intrusive, and cost-effective measurement of body segment movements, facilitating pattern analysis and real-time feedback for improved performance and injury prevention.
Implementation Method 1
movement of the moving segment activates the triggering mechanism to provide a force input to the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing device including a sensor, a triggering mechanism is provided. The sensing device is attachable to a covering positioned in contact with a body such that the triggering mechanism extends between first and second segments of the body. Movement of at least one of the first and second segments activates the triggering mechanism to provide an input to the sensor, actuating the sensor to generate an output defining at least one measurement of the movement. The measurement may be one or more of rotation, translation, velocity, acceleration, and joint angle. An intermediate mechanism may be interposed between the triggering mechanism and the sensor. The sensing device may include a processor to process or record measurements corresponding to movement. A system and method of measuring the movement is also provided.