Force Sensor Carriage for Hand Movement Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for training motion sequences in paralyzed hands and fingers lack precise therapy monitoring and feedback, making it difficult to assess treatment progress and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a force sensor connected to the carriage guide with a flexible counter bearing, along with a displacement transducer, to accurately record and correlate reaction forces and movements, allowing for precise monitoring and adaptive therapy adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a force sensor is connected to the carriage guide to measure reaction forces, then measurement precision is improved, but residual frictional forces in the counter bearing falsify the measurement results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful frictional force from the measurement system by using a flexible counter bearing that decouples the friction from the force sensor measurement path. The flexible bearing allows the carriage guide to move independently, separating the measurement function from the friction-generating support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible counter bearing acts as an intermediary element between the carriage guide and the fixed support. It mediates the interaction by providing support while minimizing frictional interference with the force sensor measurements through its flexible, low-friction characteristics.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the carriage guide is rigidly supported at both ends, then structural stability is improved, but the force sensor cannot accurately detect finger forces due to force distribution ambiguity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the rigid support system into a dynamic one by introducing a flexible counter bearing. This allows the support structure to adapt its stiffness characteristics, providing stability where needed while maintaining measurement accuracy by allowing controlled movement that eliminates force distribution ambiguity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple carriage guides are pivotably arranged to support various therapeutic measures, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the carriage guides with pivotable arrangements that can accommodate multiple therapeutic measures. The same basic guide structure serves different therapeutic purposes through adjustable pivot positions and orientations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each therapy type.
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 precise measurement and feedback on muscle contractions and relaxations, improving therapy monitoring and efficiency by compensating for residual frictional forces and providing detailed angular position analysis for effective muscle power conversion.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor is provided for recording the forces acting on the carriage
Implementation Method 2
the other end of the carriage guide opposite the point of application of the force sensor on the carriage guide being designed as a flexible counter bearing
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a device for practising sequences of movements for hands and fingers. Said device comprises at least one carriage (3) that can be driven to perform an oscillating movement. An element for attaching a finger is pivotally hinged, and a force sensor (7) is provided for recording the forces affecting the carriage (3).