Intrinsic Foot Muscle Strength Measurement Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of a reliable and practical method to quantify the strength of intrinsic foot muscles, which is crucial for assessing muscle weakness and determining the effectiveness of strengthening exercises, particularly in conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and other foot pathologies.

Innovation Solution

A device and method involving a planar member with a force sensor and a foot-engaging member that moves along the surface, connected by a tension bearing element, allowing for the measurement of peak force applied by the toes while keeping the heel stationary, providing a quantitative assessment of intrinsic foot muscle strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If diverse methods are used to measure intrinsic muscle properties, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement reliability and agreement are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidmeasurement agreement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from qualitative or indirect assessments to direct quantitative force measurement in Newtons. The force sensor directly measures the pull force generated by intrinsic foot muscles during toe movement, providing a standardized numerical value that enables reliable comparison across different subjects and testing sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces diverse manual or indirect measurement methods with a standardized mechanical force sensing system. The force sensor, tension bearing element, and foot-engaging member create a consistent mechanical measurement system that objectively quantifies muscle strength, eliminating variability associated with different assessment techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If no practical measurement device is used, then exercise prescription is improved, but strength quantification is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise prescriptionVSAvoidstrength quantification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables patients to self-test their intrinsic foot muscle strength by simply positioning their foot on the platform and moving their toes. The system automatically measures and records the force, providing immediate feedback without requiring clinical intervention, thus making strength quantification as easy as exercise prescription.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The force sensor acts as an intermediary that objectively bridges the gap between patient effort and clinical assessment. It translates the mechanical action of toe movement into quantifiable force data, providing precise measurement while maintaining ease of patient participation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If intrinsic muscle strength cannot be quantified, then rehabilitation monitoring is improved, but progress assessment is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverehabilitation monitoringVSAvoidprogress assessment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device provides immediate numerical feedback on intrinsic foot muscle strength through the force sensor measurements. This quantitative feedback allows patients and clinicians to track progress over time, adjust rehabilitation protocols based on objective data, and monitor recovery or deterioration in muscle function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 a valid and reliable measurement of foot muscle strength, useful for screening, rehabilitation, and research, allowing for baseline comparison and monitoring of muscle strengthening progress.

Implementation Method 1

a force sensor fixed with respect to the substantially planar member, where the force sensor resists movement between the first position and the second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce sensing: Force

Data Source

PatentUS9839389B2Foot-strength test device and methods for use

Publication Date: 2017.12.12 ROSALIND FRANKLIN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND SCIENCE

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a device for testing the strength of a human foot. The device includes a substantially planar member having a top surface and a bottom surface. The device also includes a foot-engaging member moveable along the top surface substantially planar member from a first position to a second position. In addition, the device includes a force sensor fixed with respect to the substantially planar member, where the force sensor resists movement between the first position and the second position. Further, the device includes a tension bearing element connecting the foot-engaging member to the force sensor.