Diagonal Force Sensor Platform for Postural Stability Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring postural stability are either costly, inaccurate, or unable to provide quantitative data, limiting their effectiveness in detecting minor deviations and preventing injuries.
Innovation Solution
A force measurement platform with a surface plate, base plate, and diagonally arranged force sensors, supported by a secondary force sensor, connected to a data acquisition and processing unit, and a computing device for data visualization and analysis, allowing for the calculation of center of pressure and sway parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If visual observation method is used, then no equipment is required, but quantitative data cannot be gathered and minor postural deviations are undetectable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual observation method with an electronic force measurement system. Force sensors embedded in the platform detect ground reaction forces and convert them into electrical signals, enabling quantitative measurement of postural stability through center of pressure calculations, thereby resolving the contradiction between equipment simplicity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces force sensors as an intermediary between the patient's body and the measurement system. These sensors act as a mediator that converts mechanical forces into measurable electrical signals, allowing quantitative detection of postural deviations without requiring complex equipment while maintaining high measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If plumb line together with postural grid is used, then postural abnormalities can be evaluated, but cost is high and detection accuracy is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plumb line and postural grid system with an electronic force measurement platform. The force sensors provide automated, objective measurement of ground reaction forces, eliminating the subjectivity and inaccuracy of manual plumb line methods while reducing costs through the use of standard sensor technology rather than specialized expensive equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The force measurement platform performs self-measurement and self-processing of postural data through embedded sensors and processing units, eliminating the need for manual plumb line operations and reducing dependency on expensive specialized equipment. The system automatically calculates center of pressure and provides quantitative feedback.
3Measurement precision
If force plate is used to measure ground reaction force, then quantitative data is gathered, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force measurement function into multiple independent force sensors arranged in specific patterns. Each sensor measures a specific component of ground reaction force, and the results are combined through processing to calculate center of pressure. This segmentation allows quantitative measurement while distributing complexity across multiple simple sensor units rather than requiring a single complex system.
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
The platform provides accurate, cost-effective monitoring of postural stability, enabling early detection of balance abnormalities and reducing the risk of injuries by quantifying ground reaction forces and center of pressure dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
A force plate is designed and developed to measure the changes in voltage which is proportional to the force applied. This is achieved by using one of two types of sensors to measure the ground reaction force (GRF) including load cells and piezoelectric sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
A force measurement platform is described. The force measurement platform includes a force measurement assembly comprising surface plate having first side and second side opposite to first side, and base plate having first side and second side opposite to the first side. The force measurement platform includes plurality of force sensors, where the force sensors are mutually diagonally arranged in four quadrants of the force measurement assembly with each quadrant containing at least one force sensor. The force measurement platform includes an optional secondary force sensor located in a geometric center of the force measurement assembly. The force measurement platform includes a data acquisition and processing unit comprising a plurality of signal conditioners and a microcontroller, and a computing device, where the computing device has a communications interface coupled to the data acquisition and processing unit, and where the force measurement platform removably retains the computing device.