Ergonomic Assessment Garment with Integrated Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring posture and motion are either coarse and imprecise or intrusive, making it difficult to accurately assess ergonomic conditions, especially in work environments like factories where instrumentation is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using an ergonomic assessment garment with integrated sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, to collect data on bend angles, speed, and acceleration, which determines ergonomic zones and provides feedback to improve posture and motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional instrumentation methods (e.g., goniometers) are used to measure posture and motion, then measurement precision can be adequate, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome and unwieldy instrumentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement instruments (goniometers) with electronic sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) integrated into a wearable garment. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical joint measurement devices while maintaining measurement accuracy through digital sensing of body segment orientations and movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable garment integrates multiple sensor types (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) into a single multi-functional system that can measure various posture and motion parameters simultaneously. This universal approach replaces the need for multiple specialized mechanical instruments, reducing overall device complexity while comprehensive monitoring capability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional instrumentation methods are used to measure posture and motion, then measurement precision can be adequate, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome instrumentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces cumbersome mechanical measurement tools with a lightweight wearable electronic garment that automatically collects posture and motion data. This substitution dramatically improves ease of operation by eliminating the need for operators to manually position and adjust complex mechanical instruments on workers' bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable garment is designed to be self-sufficient, automatically sensing and recording posture and motion data without requiring external instrumentation or operator intervention. The system autonomously processes sensor data to determine ergonomic assessments, eliminating the need for operators to manually operate complex measurement devices.
3Ease of operation
If coarse and imprecise methods (e.g., visual observation) are used to assess posture, then ease of operation is good, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual observation with objective electronic sensing using accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers. These sensors precisely measure body segment orientations and movements, eliminating the imprecision and subjectivity inherent in visual assessment while maintaining operational simplicity through automated data collection and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically processes sensor data to generate ergonomic assessments without requiring human operators to perform complex visual evaluations. The wearable garment and associated computing devices self-automate the measurement and analysis process, delivering precise quantitative results without the subjectivity of manual observation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of determining an ergonomic assessment for a user are provided. For instance, sensor data can be received from one or more sensors implemented with an ergonomic assessment garment worn by a user. Corporeal data associated with at least one body segment of the user can be determined based at least in part on the sensor data. The corporeal data is associated with a bend angle associated with the at least one body segment. An ergonomic assessment associated with the user can be determined based at least in part on the corporeal data. The ergonomic assessment can include an indication of one or more ergonomic zones associated with the user, the one or more ergonomic zones being determined based at least in part on the bend angle associated with the at least one body segment.