Cylindrical Electrode Unit for Objective Rehabilitation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rehabilitation training apparatuses for arm disabilities lack direct sensory experience and uniformity, as they are primarily wearable devices, and rehabilitation training results are subjective and difficult to standardize.

Innovation Solution

A to-be-detected unit with a cylindrical body, electrodes, and guides that can be stacked and connected electrically, combined with a control board for insertion detection and position determination, allowing for objective measurement and customized training.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wearable rehabilitation training apparatuses are used, then the apparatus can be worn on the body, but direct sensory experience such as touch and proprioception cannot be directly recognized through the fingers

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewearabilityVSAvoidsensory experience detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection system consisting of electrodes and control boards that mediate between the user's finger interactions with the to-be-detected unit and the rehabilitation training system. The electrodes detect electrical signals from finger contact, providing indirect but measurable sensory data without requiring direct wearable sensors on the fingers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical wearable sensors with an electrical detection system. Instead of using mechanical pressure sensors or accelerometers in wearable devices, the system uses electrical conductivity detection through electrodes to sense finger interactions, substituting mechanical measurement with electrical field-based detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If therapists conduct rehabilitation training manually, then personalized training can be provided, but uniform rehabilitation training is difficult due to different therapist standards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalized trainingVSAvoidtraining uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated feedback system where the control board detects which to-be-detected units are inserted in which insertion portions, and provides feedback through lights or sounds. This automated feedback mechanism ensures uniform training standards while allowing personalized training programs to be designed by therapists, resolving the contradiction between customization and standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service rehabilitation training where users can independently complete training exercises by inserting to-be-detected units according to instructions. The automated detection and feedback systems guide users through the training process without requiring constant therapist intervention, ensuring uniform execution of training protocols while maintaining adaptability through programmable training programs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple to-be-detected units are stacked and connected, then the device complexity increases, but electrical connection between units must be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestackable configurationVSAvoidelectrical connection management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the rehabilitation training system into segmented to-be-detected units that can be individually stacked and connected. Each unit contains its own electrodes and can function independently or in combination with other units, allowing flexible configuration while simplifying electrical connection management through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The to-be-detected units are designed with universal interfaces that allow them to be stacked and connected in various configurations. The electrodes and connection structures are standardized across all units, enabling multi-functional use where the same unit type can serve different training purposes when stacked in different arrangements, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 measurement of rehabilitation training accuracy and time, providing uniform and user-customized training without therapist intervention, improving the effectiveness of rehabilitation training for arm disabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an insertion detection unit electrically connected to each of the third electrode and the fourth electrode and detecting an electrical change due to insertion of the to-be-detected unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity detection: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3960256B1To-be-detected unit for rehabilitation training and rehabilitation training system
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 MORETHINGS CO LTD
  • EP3960256B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3960256B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(D)
  • EP3960256B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a to-be-detected unit for rehabilitation training and a rehabilitation training system. The to-be-detected unit for rehabilitation training comprises: a cylinder-shaped main body with an opening in at least one side thereof; a first electrode portion formed on one region of the circumference of the main body; a second electrode portion separated from the first electrode portion and formed on another region of the circumference of the main body; and a guide portion which is formed between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion to block the electrical connection between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, and which is recessed or protrudes at the circumference of the main body to a predetermined depth.