Forearm Training Device with Individual Finger Force Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for forearm muscle and tendon assessment and training fail to optimally target the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS), flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), and flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) muscles, lacking quantifiable feedback and effective training methods, particularly for athletes like baseball pitchers, leading to increased risk of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears and performance limitations.
Innovation Solution
A forearm assessment and training device with a main support, finger motion transmission members, finger receivers, and a control module, equipped with sensors to measure forces applied during specific motions, and a software platform for generating reports based on measurement data to provide diagnostic, improvement, and rehabilitation feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing devices are used for forearm muscle assessment and training, then basic muscle strengthening is possible, but they fail to optimally target specific muscles (FDS, FCU, FDP) and lack quantifiable feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments finger motion measurement into individual finger receivers (first, second, third, fourth finger receivers) that can independently measure forces from different fingers. This segmentation enables precise targeting of specific muscles (FDS, FCU, FDP) by isolating finger movements, while the modular design keeps complexity manageable through functional specialization of each receiver component.
Solution Approach 2:
Motion transmission members act as intermediaries between finger receivers and the main support structure, transmitting and amplifying subtle finger movements into measurable forces. These intermediaries enable precise measurement of individual finger forces without requiring direct complex sensor integration at each finger point, thus improving measurement precision while managing device complexity.
2Reliability
If muscles are strengthened through training, then UCL tear risk is reduced, but existing devices lack effective training methods and quantifiable feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The control module processes force measurements from individual finger receivers and provides real-time feedback on finger strength and coordination. This feedback enables athletes to track their training progress quantitatively, ensuring proper form and intensity, and verifying muscle strengthening effectiveness. The feedback loop prevents information loss by continuously monitoring and reporting training status, thereby improving reliability of the training program.
3Measurement precision
If the device measures forces from individual fingers and wrist, then precise muscle targeting is achieved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The main support structure serves multiple functions: it anchors all finger receivers, houses the control module for processing measurements, provides a reference frame for force measurements, and supports the motion transmission members. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each measurement function, thereby achieving precise individual finger force measurement without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 device enables precise targeting and measurement of forces applied by individual fingers and the wrist, providing quantifiable feedback for improved muscle training, reducing the risk of UCL tears and enhancing pitch command and throwing velocity by strengthening key muscles.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to measure a force applied to at least one of the finger motion transmission members
Data Source
AI summary
A forearm assessment and training device has a main support, a plurality of finger motion transmission members, a plurality of finger receivers, and a control module. Each of the finger motion transmission members has a member body with a first end and a second end. The first end of the member body of each of the finger motion transmission members is connected to the main support. Each of the finger receivers is connected to the member body of one of the finger motion transmission members. Each of the finger receivers has a finger aperture. The control module is connected to the main support. The control module includes a control module processor, a control module memory, and a sensor. The sensor is configured to measure a force applied to at least one of the finger motion transmission members.