Handgrip Pressure Sensor System for Neuromotor Disorder Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing neuromotor disorders are costly and lack the ability to provide a quantitative assessment, making it difficult for physicians to accurately gauge the type and severity of the disorder, especially in its early stages.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing pressure sensors attached to a handgrip device connected to a med node that generates data, which is then analyzed by a handheld device to determine the presence of neuromotor disorders through measurements of pressure exerted, including static and dynamic force, and additional sensors like galvanic skin response, flex sensors, and temperature sensors, using analysis techniques such as frequency matching, cross-correlation, and variance measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional diagnostic methods are used by physicians, then the diagnostic process can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement precision and ability to quantitatively assess neuromotor disorders is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: multiple pressure sensors distributed across the handgrip device, a med node for data collection, and an analysis unit for processing. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, improving measurement precision while keeping individual components relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The med node acts as an intermediary between the pressure sensors and the analysis unit, collecting and preprocessing data from multiple sensors before transmission. This intermediary layer enables complex quantitative assessment without requiring the analysis unit to directly handle raw sensor data, managing system complexity effectively.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors and analysis techniques are used, then the diagnostic accuracy and reliability improve, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pressure sensors are integrated into a single handgrip device, and multiple analysis techniques (frequency matching, cross-correlation, variance measures) are combined in the analysis unit. This merging approach achieves reliable diagnostic assessment through comprehensive data analysis while presenting a unified, manageable system interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The handgrip device with integrated pressure sensors serves multiple functions: measuring static force, dynamic force, and various motor control parameters. The analysis unit performs multiple analysis techniques to assess different aspects of neuromotor function, achieving high diagnostic reliability through multi-functionality.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive sensor data collection is implemented, then the information completeness for diagnosis improves, but the loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The med node performs preliminary data collection and preprocessing from multiple pressure sensors before data is transmitted to the analysis unit. This preliminary action ensures information completeness is captured at the source, reducing the processing burden and time required at the analysis stage.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual diagnostic assessment by physicians is replaced with automated data collection and analysis systems. The electronic sensors and computational analysis rapidly process comprehensive motor control data, providing complete diagnostic information much faster than traditional manual assessment methods.
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
Enables a quantitative and accurate assessment of neuromotor disorders, providing a reliable method for diagnosing and monitoring motor control abilities, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing healthcare costs by providing objective data for patient care.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pressure sensors to the body for measuring pressure exerted
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for quantitative assessment of neuromotor disorders using sensors and analyzing the data collected from the sensors to determine if a patient suffers any neuromotor disorders. In one embodiment, the present invention is a system for assessing neuromotor disorders in a body including a plurality of pressure sensors adapted for attachment to the body and measuring pressure, a med node connected to the plurality of pressure sensors for generating data corresponding to the plurality of pressure sensors, and an analysis unit connected to the med node for analyzing the data generated by the med node to determine the existence of a neuromotor disorder in the body.