Handheld Neuropathy Diagnostic Device with Wireless Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuropathy-detecting devices are bulky, expensive, and require external computing for analysis, making them non-portable and inaccessible for individual use, with existing tests being incomplete and prone to errors, particularly in diagnosing diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Innovation Solution
A portable handheld diagnostic device that performs a combination of tactile, vibration, thermal threshold tests, and skin temperature measurements with a wireless feedback mechanism, controlled by a smartphone app, allowing for easy operation and instant result sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing neuropathy-detecting devices are used, then individual tests (tactile, vibration, or thermal) can be performed, but the devices are bulky, expensive, and require external computing devices, making them non-portable and inaccessible for individual use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple test functions (tactile threshold, vibration threshold, thermal threshold, and skin temperature measurement) into a single handheld device. The device integrates all necessary sensors, actuators, and processing units, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment and external computing devices. This merging enables the device to be portable and accessible for individual use while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device is designed to perform multiple neuropathy assessment functions simultaneously - tactile threshold testing, vibration threshold testing, thermal threshold testing, and skin temperature measurement. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized instruments, improving portability and accessibility while reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual monofilament testing is used, then tactile threshold can be screened, but the test is manual, subjective, and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monofilament testing with an automated strain-load cell based tactile threshold testing mechanism. The device automatically applies controlled force through a monofilament and measures the threshold objectively using a load cell sensor, eliminating subjectivity and operator error while maintaining the simplicity of the monofilament approach. The automated system provides precise, quantifiable measurements.
3Reliability
If existing devices perform individual tests separately, then each test can be conducted with dedicated equipment, but the overall diagnosis is incomplete and requires multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates four distinct neuropathy assessment tests (tactile threshold, vibration threshold, thermal threshold, and skin temperature measurement) into a single handheld device. This consolidation provides complete neuropathy diagnosis functionality in one instrument, improving diagnostic reliability while reducing the number of separate devices needed from four to one.
4Measurement precision
If traditional vibration threshold testing with two probes is used, then vibration perception can be tested, but the results are not comprehensive and accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical vibration probes with an electromagnetic vibration actuator that can be integrated into the handheld device. This allows for controlled, quantifiable vibration delivery with precise amplitude modulation, improving measurement accuracy. The automated control system simplifies operation by eliminating the need for manual probe handling and calibration.
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 accurate, quick, and economical neuropathy diagnosis, enabling self-monitoring and reducing operator interpretation errors, while being suitable for various conditions beyond diabetic peripheral neuropathy and applicable for both human and veterinary use.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration motor, a spring and a damper
Implementation Method 2
The tactile threshold test module includes a small piece of monofilament mounted on the surface of a strain-load cell
Implementation Method 3
The temperature threshold test surface includes two Peltier units
Implementation Method 4
an infrared temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The various embodiments herein disclose a method and a system with a portable handheld diagnostic device for detecting and/or monitoring the prognosis of nerve impairment or diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The system provides a multi-parameter diabetic neuropathy-screening device to perform a combination of tactile threshold test, vibration threshold test, thermal threshold test and contactless skin-temperature measurement. The present invention provides a smartphone application that helps a user to operate/control the device, store and share the results. The smartphone application interacts with the hardware modules in the device and guides the user to perform the various tests. Further, the neuropathy diagnostic system provides a wireless feedback button that enables the subject to respond to various sensations during the course of the test.