Goniometer Level Member Alignment Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Goniometers used to measure joint range of motion often provide inaccurate results due to variations in patient positioning and alignment errors, especially when determining vertical or horizontal orientations without adequate reference frames.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a level member with bubble levels into the goniometer to ensure accurate alignment by indicating horizontal and vertical orientations, allowing for consistent and reliable measurements of joint range of motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a goniometer is used to measure joint range of motion, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to alignment errors and lack of reference frames

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A level member is introduced as an intermediary component between the goniometer arms and the measurement process. This level member provides horizontal and vertical reference indicators that mediate the alignment process, enabling accurate positioning without requiring the healthcare provider to judge orientation by sight alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The level member provides preliminary alignment guidance before the actual measurement is taken. By establishing horizontal and vertical references in advance, the system prepares the measurement setup properly, ensuring that subsequent measurements are based on accurate reference frames rather than subjective visual estimation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If alignment is performed by sight without reference frames, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The level member acts as an intermediary reference system that bridges the gap between simple visual alignment and precise measurement. It provides clear horizontal and vertical indicators that guide the healthcare provider's alignment process, making precise alignment as straightforward as visual alignment while eliminating the accuracy problems of pure sight-based methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The level member utilizes visual indicators (such as bubble positions or colored markings) that change or shift to indicate alignment status. These visual cues provide immediate feedback to the healthcare provider about whether the arms are properly aligned horizontally or vertically, making precise alignment intuitive and easy to achieve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 level member with bubble levels enhances the accuracy of goniometer readings by providing a clear reference for healthcare providers to align the device correctly, reducing measurement errors and improving the reliability of tracking joint motion over time.

Implementation Method 1

a level member is carried by one of the first arm and second arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBubble level: Spirit Level

Data Source

PatentUS8282579B2Goniometer for measuring flexibility and associated method
Publication Date: 2012.10.09 DMB ENTERPRISES
  • US8282579B2 patent drawing
  • US8282579B2 patent drawing
  • US8282579B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A goniometer for use in measuring the range of motion of a patient is provided. The goniometer includes a first arm and a second arm that are pivotally attached. A scale is present and is used in determining the angular orientation between the first arm and the second arm. Also, a level member is included and is carried by one of the first arm and second arm. An associated method is also provided.