Deflectable Beam for Mechanical Joint Motion Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring joint movement, such as 'shoulder hiking' in therapy, require extensive clinician observation and lack independence for patients, as they do not provide effective feedback mechanisms for independent practice.
Innovation Solution
A device with a deflectable beam that provides audio and haptic feedback upon deflection, allowing for independent monitoring of joint movement without the need for constant observation, using adhesive pads and supports to detect excessive joint elevation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional mirror-based observation method is used for monitoring joint movement, then clinician can observe patient movement, but it requires many hours of constant clinician observation and does not allow patient independence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic feedback systems with a purely mechanical feedback mechanism. The deflectable beam uses mechanical deflection caused by joint movement to directly generate audible feedback through vibration, eliminating the need for sensors, electronics, or power sources. This resolves the contradiction by providing automatic feedback (improving automation) while keeping the device simple and mechanical (avoiding electronic complexity).
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables patients to independently monitor their own joint movement without requiring clinician observation. The mechanical feedback system automatically detects and provides feedback on excessive joint elevation, allowing patients to self-correct their movements. This resolves the contradiction by achieving patient independence (improving automation) through a simple mechanical system rather than complex electronic monitoring.
2Ease of operation
If electronic feedback devices are used to provide automatic monitoring, then patient independence is improved, but expensive and complicated electronics are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electronic components with a purely mechanical system. The deflectable beam mechanically detects joint movement through deflection and converts it directly into audible feedback through vibration, eliminating sensors, microcontrollers, power sources, and other electronic components. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining patient independence (ease of operation) while removing all electronic complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical feedback device can be manufactured inexpensively using simple materials such as a deflectable beam, adhesive pads, and vibration elements. The simplicity of the mechanical design allows for low-cost production and potential disposable use, resolving the contradiction by providing patient independence without expensive electronics.
3Measurement precision
If constant clinician observation is used for therapy monitoring, then accurate detection of joint movement is achieved, but it consumes significant time and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements immediate mechanical feedback that alerts patients to excessive joint movement through audible vibrations generated by the deflectable beam. This continuous automatic feedback maintains measurement precision by detecting joint movement in real-time without requiring clinician observation, thereby resolving the contradiction by preserving detection accuracy while freeing clinician time for other tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables patients to independently monitor and self-correct their joint movement using the mechanical feedback system. This eliminates the need for constant clinician observation while maintaining accurate detection of excessive joint elevation, resolving the contradiction by achieving precise measurement through patient self-monitoring rather than clinician time investment.
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 patient independence during therapy sessions, promotes time efficiency for clinicians, and can be applied to various joints, offering a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for detecting excessive joint movement.
Implementation Method 1
a deflectable beam configured to provide audio and haptic feedback to the user when the deflectable beam is deflected due to joint movement
Implementation Method 2
the deflectable beam comprises a first end and a second end... provide audio and haptic feedback
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for detecting joint motion of a user. In particular embodiments, devices may comprise a deflectable beam coupled to a user via adhesive pads located between the neck and shoulder of the use. Audio and haptic feedback can be provided to the user when the deflectable beam deflects due to motion of the joint.