Wearable Goniometer With Magnetic Pedometer for Consistent Joint Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing goniometers for measuring joint angles during physical therapy suffer from inaccuracies due to inconsistent attachment by different clinicians, affecting reproducibility and accuracy of measurements.

Innovation Solution

A wearable device comprising a goniometer with removably attached pedometer, using a center hub and rotatable arms, adhesive coupling, and magnetic alignment, along with an alignment device for precise joint center marking, to ensure consistent and accurate angle measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a standard goniometer is used with manual attachment by clinicians, then the device can measure joint angles, but the accuracy and reproducibility of measurements are compromised due to inconsistent attachment locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint angle measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reproducibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The goniometer device automatically positions itself at the correct measurement location through adhesive attachment to the patient's limb, eliminating the need for clinician judgment in placement. The device serves itself by using the adhesive to secure at the precise anatomical location without requiring manual adjustment or clinician expertise in positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical attachment process performed by clinicians is replaced with an adhesive bonding system. The adhesive provides consistent, reliable attachment that is not dependent on human dexterity or experience, thereby improving both measurement accuracy and reproducibility across different clinicians and sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If different clinicians attach the goniometer device, then multiple measurements can be taken, but the accuracy varies based on clinician experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device independently ensures proper positioning through its adhesive attachment mechanism, making the measurement process independent of clinician skill level. Each clinician simply needs to apply the adhesive according to the standardized location markers, and the device's self-positioning capability maintains consistent accuracy regardless of who performs the attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment method is changed from manual mechanical fixation to adhesive bonding with standardized location markers. This parameter change in the attachment mechanism ensures that measurement accuracy remains constant across different clinicians, as the adhesive provides uniform attachment strength and positioning at the predetermined anatomical locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the goniometer uses adhesive attachment to improve consistency, then measurement reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment consistencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive attachment system is merged with the goniometer's location marker system into a single integrated attachment mechanism. The adhesive is positioned at predetermined locations on the device that correspond to anatomical landmarks, combining the attachment function with the positioning function to improve reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive is pre-positioned on the goniometer device at predetermined locations during manufacturing. This preliminary placement of the adhesive at the correct positions eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms during use, as the adhesive is already in the correct position to ensure consistent and reliable attachment at the intended anatomical locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 provides precise and reproducible joint angle measurements with an accuracy up to a hundredth of a degree, improving patient monitoring and therapy effectiveness by reducing variability in attachment and alignment.

Implementation Method 1

a first layer having a top and a bottom, wherein the bottom comprises an adhesive material configured to couple the device to the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

The body may be configured to be removably attached to a peripheral device by a magnetic coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20250359777A1Wearable device for coupling to a user, and measuring and monitoring user activity

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 ROM TECH INC

AI summary

A system for monitoring a joint of a user includes: a goniometer device for measuring an angle of the joint, and a pedometer removably attached to the goniometer device and configured to count a number of steps taken by the user. The goniometer device includes: a center hub, a first arm attached to the center hub, and a second arm attached to the center hub. A pedometer device for detecting steps taken by a user includes: a body and a circuit board including one or more sensors for detecting motion. The body is configured to be removably attached to a peripheral device by a magnetic coupling.