Capacitive Stretch Sensor Array for Spinal Motion Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack the capability to effectively capture and visualize spinal motion and posture using wearable stretch sensor arrays, which is essential for accurate monitoring and biofeedback in exercise and therapy applications.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a scanning device, sensors, and analytics to capture and process spinal parameters, producing a 3D model of the spine for visualization and biofeedback, utilizing a capacitive stretch sensor array in an X-shaped configuration integrated into wearable garments to monitor spinal curvature and motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If no wearable stretch sensor array is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the capability to capture and visualize spinal motion is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible stretch sensors integrated into wearable garments or clothing that conform to the back surface. These thin film sensors capture spinal motion through skin deformation, enabling precise measurement without complex rigid structures. The flexible nature allows the sensor array to be worn comfortably while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical motion capture systems with capacitive stretch sensors that detect skin deformation. Instead of using mechanical linkages or rigid frames, the system uses electrical capacitance changes caused by stretching of the sensor material to infer spinal motion, significantly reducing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If invasive scanning device is used, then measurement precision of spinal parameters is improved, but ease of operation and user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses flexible stretch sensors integrated into wearable garments that conform to the back surface, providing non-invasive measurement of spinal motion. The sensors capture skin deformation during movement, enabling precise measurement of spinal curvature and range of motion without invasive procedures or uncomfortable rigid devices.
3Measurement precision
If simple position feedback is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision of biomechanical parameters is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses capacitive stretch sensors that detect skin deformation and converts this data into biomechanical parameters through computational models. Instead of using complex mechanical measurement devices, the system uses electrical sensing combined with biomechanical modeling to achieve accurate measurement of spinal motion and posture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual 3D model of the spine that replicates actual spinal motion based on sensor data. This digital copy allows for accurate biomechanical analysis without requiring physical models or complex mechanical measurement apparatus, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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 real-time monitoring and visualization of spinal motion and posture, providing effective biofeedback for exercise correction and therapy, suitable for home use and professional training programs, with potential for integration into mobile and immersive visualization systems.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sensor comprises a sensor array. In embodiments, the at least one sensor comprises at least four (4) capacitive stretch sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of wearable stretch sensors and applications of using the same are disclosed. In embodiments, the sensors and the applications disclosed herein can be used to capture spinal motion and posture information.