Handheld Frailty Assessment Device Integrating Force and Inertial Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current assessment tools for patient frailty are limited by their feasibility, requiring time, physical space, and multiple pieces of medical equipment, and lack automated tools that can measure multiple variables simultaneously, making it difficult to perform comprehensive assessments efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a housing, force sensor, inertial sensor, and user interface device that collects and reports data on patient frailty, including grip strength and mobility metrics, using a combination of sensors and a mobile device for data collection and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional assessment tools are used to evaluate patient frailty, then comprehensive assessment can be achieved, but the process requires extensive time, physical space, and multiple pieces of medical equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple assessment functions into a single handheld device that integrates force sensing, inertial measurement, and user interface capabilities. This unified device can measure grip strength, gait speed, and other mobility metrics without requiring separate medical equipment, directly resolving the contradiction between comprehensive assessment and equipment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld assessment device performs multiple frailty assessment functions within a single unit, including measuring grip strength via force sensors, tracking mobility via inertial sensors, and providing user interface for data collection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices and extensive physical space, improving productivity while reducing device complexity
2Speed
If manual assessment methods are used, then flexibility in assessment can be maintained, but the speed of information collection and processing is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables patients to perform self-assessment by holding the handheld unit and naturally performing movements such as gripping or walking. The embedded sensors automatically capture the data without requiring external equipment or manual measurement procedures, achieving both high speed and meaningful automation while maintaining assessment flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with electronic sensors and digital processing. Force sensors and inertial measurement units automatically detect and record physical parameters, eliminating the need for manual timing, visual estimation, or physical space requirements, thereby increasing information collection speed while implementing automation
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 apparatus enables efficient and comprehensive assessment of patient frailty by simplifying data collection and analysis, reducing the need for extensive resources and equipment, and providing continuous, calibrated measurements of multiple variables.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus includes a force sensor at least partially disposed within the handle
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus further includes an inertial sensor at least partially disposed within the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for assessing user frailty is disclosed. In embodiments, the apparatus includes a housing that defines (or is defined by) a body and a handle coupled to the body. The apparatus includes a force sensor at least partially disposed within the handle. The apparatus further includes an inertial sensor at least partially disposed within the housing. The apparatus may further include a user interface device disposed within a cavity of the body. The user interface device may be coupled to the force sensor and the inertial sensor via one or more signal paths. In embodiments, the user interface device includes a controller with a touchscreen coupled to the controller.