Finger Dexterity Device Using Magnetic Rotary Encoder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring finger dexterity, such as those used in neurological assessments, face limitations in data processing, data output, and ease of use, particularly in quantifying small but meaningful changes in motor function, and are often subjective and not validated for clinical use.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a thumb and finger portion connected by a flexible connector with a magnetic rotary encoder and microprocessor for wireless data transmission, allowing for direct and clean data capture without filtering, suitable for remote monitoring, and automated data storage and scoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual grading method is used to evaluate finger tapping test, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is poor due to subjectivity and insensitivity to small changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual grading system with an electromagnetic sensing system. Magnetic coils are attached to the finger and thumb, and electromagnetic induction is used to detect and quantify the tapping motion objectively, eliminating subjectivity while providing precise measurements of amplitude, frequency, and velocity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic coils as intermediary elements between the finger/t thumb and the measurement system. These coils act as mediators that convert mechanical motion into electrical signals through electromagnetic induction, enabling objective and precise measurement without direct visual assessment.
2Measurement precision
If multiple magnetic coils are placed on finger and thumb for electromagnetic induction measurement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the magnetic coil system multi-functional by using the same coils for both generating the magnetic field and detecting the tapping motion. The system can measure multiple parameters (amplitude, frequency, velocity, acceleration) simultaneously using the same hardware configuration, reducing overall complexity despite the precision improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the electromagnetic field during finger tapping motion. By detecting changes in magnetic flux, voltage, and current induced in the coils during movement, the system extracts multiple motion parameters from a single measurement setup, achieving high precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If non-contact measurement method is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is reduced due to potential movement artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the participant place their hand flat on a surface before beginning the finger tapping test. This preliminary positioning stabilizes the hand and reduces unwanted movements or artifacts during the tapping motion, ensuring reliable measurements while maintaining the ease of non-contact operation.
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
The device provides objective and reliable measurement of finger dexterity with minimal setup requirements, reducing errors and dependency on external devices, and enables remote monitoring and standardized scoring through wireless communication and automated data processing.
Implementation Method 1
a rotation sensor configured to sense rotation of the rotatable element
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
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Figure 5
AI summary
A device for measuring finger dexterity, comprising a thumb portion configured to be releasably secured to a thumb, a finger portion configured to be releasably secured to an finger, wherein the finger portion and the thumb portion are connected by a flexible connector; a first rotatable element; a rotation sensor configured to sense rotation of the rotatable element, a microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor is in communication with the rotation sensor, and a transmitter configured for wireless communication with a computing device, wherein the rotatable element is configured to rotate when the finger portion and thumb portion move relative to each other, and wherein the microprocessor is configured to generate rotation data in response to rotation of the rotatable element, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit the rotation data to the computing device.