Electronic Caliper with Nine-Axis Sensor for Biomechanical Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calipers for measuring patient posture alignment lack the ability to provide digital data directly to computing devices and often require manual entry, are cumbersome, or offer higher accuracy than needed, making them complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A handheld electronic caliper with a nine-axis sensor, LED display, and wireless communication capabilities, allowing for direct data transfer to a computing device and providing real-time results for practitioners to discuss with patients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a standard hip and shoulder caliper is used with manual recording, then the device is simple and low cost, but data transfer to computing devices requires manual entry which is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual recording system with an electronic sensor-based measurement and wireless data transmission system. The electronic caliper uses sensors to automatically capture posture data and transmits it wirelessly to computing devices, eliminating the need for manual entry and significantly improving data transfer efficiency while maintaining practical device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary between the electronic caliper and computing devices. This intermediary enables automatic data transfer without direct physical connection or manual intervention, resolving the contradiction by providing efficient data transmission while keeping the caliper design practical and manageable
2Extent of automation
If the anatometer is used with digital display and data recording, then data can be recorded electronically, but the device becomes very large and costly with many unnecessary components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential automated data recording and wireless transmission functions from the complex anatometer system. By implementing a simplified electronic caliper with core sensors and wireless communication capability, it achieves automatic data recording without the unnecessary components, large size, and high cost of the anatometer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a simpler, more cost-effective electronic caliper design compared to the expensive anatometer. The simplified device uses affordable electronic components and wireless technology to provide automated data recording functionality without requiring the complex, costly structure of the anatometer
3Measurement precision
If a numeric display is used for measurement, then higher accuracy is provided, but the display is harder to view and discuss with patients in real time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple display formats within the electronic caliper system - combining numeric precision data with visual graphical representations. This allows practitioners to access both the accuracy of numeric measurements and the ease of visual interpretation when discussing results with patients, resolving the contradiction between precision and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms one-dimensional numeric data into two-dimensional visual displays showing posture alignment and deviations. This dimensional transformation maintains the precision of measurements while making the data visually intuitive and easier to discuss with patients in real-time clinical settings
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, easy-to-view measurements of tilt, yaw, and roll angles with digital data transfer, enhancing data analysis and patient communication while reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
the nine-axis sensor may include a three-axis accelerometer
Implementation Method 2
the nine-axis sensor may include a three-axis gyroscope
Implementation Method 3
the nine-axis sensor may include a three-axis compass
Implementation Method 4
an electronic system housed in the display module and including a light emitting diode string of lights
Data Source
AI summary
A system for displaying and collecting biomechanical measurements is provided. The system comprises: an electronic caliper including a bar, two arms slidably mounted on the bar and extending normal therefrom, a display module, and an electronic system housed in the display module and comprising a light emitting diode string of lights, a nine-axis sensor, firmware, a wireless radio, and a power source connector for electronic communication with a power source; and a remote computing device, the wireless radio in communication with the remote computing device. The electronic caliper and method of use thereof is also provided.