Flexible Circumference Measurement Device for Lymphedema Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for measuring the circumference of body parts, particularly for lymphedema assessment, suffer from measurement errors due to slider displacement during use, which can result in inaccuracies of several centimeters.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a flexible longitudinal element with fixed connection areas and a measuring system in the form of a reel with a connection member that ensures precise positioning and connection to the longitudinal element, allowing for reliable and reproducible circumference measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a slider mechanism is used to measure circumference, then the device can be operated easily, but measurement precision deteriorates due to slider displacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the slider component entirely from the measuring device. Instead of using a slider that moves along a scale, the invention uses a flexible measuring tape with fixed markings that can be directly applied to the body part, eliminating the source of displacement errors while maintaining ease of use through simple wrapping and reading

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical slider mechanism with a flexible tape system that uses elastic material properties. The measuring tape is made of elastic material that can stretch and conform to body contours, then return to its original state for accurate reading, substituting complex mechanical movement with simple elastic deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If measurements are taken at multiple intervals along the body part, then comprehensive assessment is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive assessmentVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measuring task into manageable segments by providing a long flexible tape that can measure multiple body segments in one application. The tape can be positioned to measure different circumferences at various intervals along the limb, allowing comprehensive assessment of multiple areas without requiring separate measurement procedures for each segment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the measuring device accommodates curvatures and protuberances, then adaptability improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to surface irregularities

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible measuring tape made of thin elastic material that can conform to irregular body surfaces including curvatures and protuberances. The flexibility allows the tape to follow the contour of the body part closely, ensuring accurate circumference measurement even on non-cylindrical surfaces, while the thin profile minimizes interference with the underlying anatomy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12285248B2Device for measuring the circumference of an object, in particular a body limb

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 JUST A NEW HEALTH

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for measuring the circumference of an object, in particular a device for measuring the circumference of a body part.