Flexible Limb Circumference Measurement Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring the circumference of bodily limbs, such as those with telescopic rulers, face challenges in precision due to rigidity, which makes it difficult to conform to curvatures and protuberances, leading to inaccuracies and an inability to be compact and portable.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flexible slider and straps that maintain perpendicularity, allowing precise and reproducible measurements by using a flexible first longitudinal graduated measuring element and a slider with a constant section, and detachable straps for easy handling and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid telescopic ruler is used for measurement, then structural stability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to conform to curvatures and protuberances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid telescopic ruler with a flexible measuring element that can conform to the curvature of body parts. The flexible tape measure with graduated markings allows the device to adapt to anatomical contours while maintaining measurement accuracy, directly resolving the contradiction between structural stability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dynamic, flexible measuring element that can change its shape to match the body part being measured. Unlike the static rigid ruler, the flexible tape can dynamically adapt to various curvatures and protuberances, ensuring consistent contact and accurate measurements across different anatomical locations.
2Ease of manufacture
If a rigid telescopic ruler is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in positioning on curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tape measure is manufactured as a simple, continuous flexible element with graduated markings, eliminating the complex assembly of rigid segments. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while dramatically improving ease of operation, as the flexible tape can be easily positioned and conform to any body part curvature without requiring precise alignment of rigid components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a telescopic ruler with multiple segments is used, then adaptability to different limb sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tape measure provides adaptability to different limb sizes through its inherent flexibility and extendability, eliminating the need for multiple rigid segments of varying lengths. This single, simple flexible element can accommodate any circumference measurement, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining full adaptability.
4Measurement precision
If a flexible measuring element is used, then measurement precision on curved surfaces is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tape measure achieves measurement precision by conforming to curved surfaces, while its inherent flexibility provides a degree of structural stability through tension and contact pressure. The graduated markings on the flexible element remain readable and stable during measurement, resolving the apparent contradiction between flexibility and structural stability.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
The application relates to a device (1) for the iterative measurement of the circumference of an object, in particular a limb, comprising: a first longitudinal graduated measuring element (2) having a first longitudinal direction, arranged to be placed alongside said object, in particular alongside said limb and defining a slide, a distal strap (3) and a proximal strap (4) each located in a plane substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal direction, and a slider (5) engaging with said slide, linked to a second longitudinal graduated measuring element, said slider having a hole for the slide to pass through and being positioned between said distal strap and said proximal strap.