Force Transducer with Electronic Feedback for Neuropathy Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing monofilament testing devices for diabetic peripheral neuropathy are prone to variability due to differences in fibre length, diameter, and material properties, leading to inconsistent force application and reduced accuracy over time.

Innovation Solution

A force transducer with a handle connected to a probe, a biasing element, and a detector that uses an actuator to apply a predetermined force, improving reproducibility and reducing subjectivity in force application, and allowing for automated testing and self-monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If monofilament devices are used for neuropathy testing, then the testing can be performed with simple equipment, but the force application becomes inconsistent and accuracy deteriorates over time due to variability in fibre length, diameter, and material properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of testing deviceVSAvoidforce application consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the passive mechanical monofilament system with an active electronic force transducer system that uses a load cell, actuator, and control circuitry to precisely control and measure the applied force, eliminating dependence on monofilament physical properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental operating parameters from passive monofilament buckling to active electronic force control, using electrical signals to control the actuator and electronic sensors to measure force, thereby achieving precise and repeatable force application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If monofilament devices are used, then the device structure remains simple, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to humidity changes and material degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidforce application consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the humidity-sensitive polyamide monofilament with an electronic force transducer system using a load cell and actuator, which are not susceptible to humidity degradation and provide stable, reliable force application over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The force transducer system automatically compensates for variations through electronic feedback control, where the detector measures actual force and the actuator adjusts to maintain the predetermined force, eliminating the need for manual calibration or replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If manual monofilament testing is performed, then the testing process is quick and simple, but subjectivity increases due to variability in clinician application technique

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting speedVSAvoidforce application accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements electronic feedback control where the detector continuously monitors the force applied and provides feedback to the control system, which adjusts the actuator to maintain the predetermined force, eliminating clinician subjectivity while preserving testing speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual clinician force application with an automated electronic actuator system that precisely controls force magnitude, eliminating variability in human technique while maintaining efficient testing throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 force transducer ensures consistent and accurate application of a predetermined force, enhancing the reliability of diabetic neuropathy testing and enabling patients to regularly monitor their sensory neuropathy.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing element arranged with respect to the handle, in force transmitting communication with the probe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a detector operable to detect a degree of force applied between the probe and the handle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce measurement: Force

Data Source

PatentUS8961428B2Force transducer, medical instrument, and machine implemented method

Publication Date: 2015.02.24 SPRUCE MICHELLE C

AI summary

A force transducer comprises a handle operably connected to a probe having an elongate tip. The force transducer includes a biasing element arranged with respect to the handle, in force transmitting communication with the probe, and a detector operable to detect a degree of force applied between the probe and the handle. The force transducer further includes an actuator operable to exert a force on the biasing element in dependence upon the degree of force detected by the detector so as to cause a predetermined force to be transmitted from the handle to the probe.