Flexible Hand Therapy Device with Pressure Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical instruments and methods fail to effectively measure and treat dexterity deficits in patients with neurological insults, such as stroke or spinal cord injuries, as they primarily focus on strength and exhibit bias towards training strength rather than dexterity, and existing devices are not suitable for patients with severe dexterity impairments.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a flexible and non-flexible material combination with a printed circuit board, pressure sensor, wireless transceiver, and power storage unit, capable of measuring grasp force and orientation, and allowing gamified interactions via Bluetooth connectivity, designed for whole hand grasp and pincer grasp training, with optional inertial measurement units and active markers for precise tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current clinical instruments and devices are used to measure hand function, then strength deficits can be measured, but dexterity deficits cannot be effectively measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical assessment tools (like dynamometers that measure force) with sensor-based measurement systems. Pressure sensors, inertial measurement units (IMUs), and optical sensors detect hand movements, grasp patterns, and kinematic data, enabling objective measurement of dexterity rather than just strength. This substitution allows measurement of functional hand performance without requiring the patient to exert force against resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters from force-based (strength) to movement-based (position, orientation, velocity, acceleration). By tracking kinematic parameters through multiple sensors, the system can assess dexterity through motion analysis rather than force production, making it suitable for patients with severe strength deficits who still exhibit movement patterns that reveal dexterity impairments.
2Measurement precision
If existing assessment tools are used, then simple tasks can be evaluated, but functional tasks like grabbing and stabilizing objects cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The assessment system is divided into multiple independent measurement modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of hand function. Pressure sensors measure grasp force and contact pressure distribution, IMUs track hand orientation and movement, optical sensors capture hand position and object interaction, and kinematic sensors monitor joint angles. This segmentation allows complex functional tasks to be broken down into measurable components while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor suite is designed to be multi-functional, capable of measuring various hand function parameters simultaneously during different tasks. The same set of sensors can assess grasp strength, dexterity, range of motion, and coordination across multiple task types (picking objects, stabilizing cups, manipulating tools), making the system universally applicable to diverse functional assessments without requiring separate specialized equipment for each function.
3Reliability
If traditional therapy protocols are used, then therapy can be delivered, but inter-rater variability and lack of homogeneity prevent identification of optimal treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration and automatic data processing without requiring extensive manual intervention from therapists. The sensors automatically detect hand movements and compute kinematic parameters, and the system self-adjusts based on baseline data. This automation reduces variability between different assessors while maintaining comprehensive assessment coverage, as the same algorithmic evaluation is applied consistently across all patients and sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where assessment data is continuously collected, processed, and used to adjust therapy recommendations. The feedback loop includes automated analysis of sensor data, comparison against normative values and patient-specific baselines, and generation of personalized therapy plans. This continuous feedback reduces inter-rater variability by using objective, algorithm-based decision-making rather than subjective clinical judgment, while the automated nature of the process maintains high productivity.
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 objective measurement and training of dexterity deficits, providing a holistic assessment and therapy for dexterous hand function, reducing inter-rater variability and improving therapy efficacy by integrating all dimensions of sensorimotor and cognitive impairments into a gamified activity.
Implementation Method 1
A device for providing dextrous hand function assessment and therapy... a pressure sensor
Implementation Method 2
Further embodiments include one or more inertial measurement units (IMU)
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, methods and systems related to the assessment and therapy of neurological conditions and dexterous hand function in particular. For example, some embodiments can relate to devices comprising a first portion of flexible material and forming a cavity; a second portion non-flexible material; a PCB coupled to the second portion; and wherein a portion of an edge of the first portion is configured to create a semi-hermetic seal with at least a portion of an edge of the second portion and the PCB has connected thereto a pressure sensor, a wireless transceiver, and a power storage unit.