Portable Joint Accessory Movement Quantification Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing joint accessory movement in clinical settings are unreliable and subjective, lacking objective quantification and recording capabilities, and existing devices are often cumbersome, anxiety-inducing for patients, and limited in their ability to fully assess joint conditions.
Innovation Solution
A portable quantification apparatus comprising a reference unit, movement unit, sliding unit, displacement sensor, inertial measurement unit, and processing unit, which measures relative displacement between two adjacent bones using force sensors and optical encoders, allowing for objective assessment and adjustment of force application to improve accuracy and patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual assessment by therapists is used, then the assessment can be performed with simple equipment, but the reliability and objectivity of the assessment deteriorates due to subjective force application and lack of recording capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical assessment system with an automated measurement system that uses optical encoders to detect probe displacement, force sensors to measure applied forces, and microprocessors to calculate joint accessory movement. This substitution eliminates subjective therapist variation and provides objective, recordable data while maintaining clinical relevance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated calculation and recording of assessment results. The microprocessor automatically computes joint accessory movement values based on sensor data, eliminates the need for therapist expertise in manual measurement techniques, and provides permanent digital records that can be stored and reviewed without requiring skilled operators for each measurement.
2Device complexity
If devices with one probe are used to measure displacement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because cannot eliminate effects from other parts of the spine, bed depression, and breath undulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into separate functional modules: a reference probe fixed to one bone, a movement probe fixed to the other bone, force sensors at each probe, and optical encoders to measure relative displacement. This segmentation allows independent measurement of forces and displacements at both probes, enabling calculation of true joint accessory movement while compensating for external factors like bed depression and breath undulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical encoders as intermediary measurement devices that non-contactedly measure the displacement of probes relative to each other. These encoders act as mediators between the mechanical probes and the computational system, providing precise relative position data that can be used to calculate joint movement while filtering out unwanted motions from external factors.
3Reliability
If motor-driven devices are used to apply force, then the force application can be standardized, but the device becomes big and heavy and may cause patient anxiety and muscle contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated calculation and recording of assessment results. The microprocessor automatically computes joint accessory movement values based on sensor data, eliminates the need for therapist expertise in manual measurement techniques, and provides permanent digital records that can be stored and reviewed without requiring skilled operators for each measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from motor-driven force application to manual force application with real-time sensing. Instead of using motors to apply standardized forces (which creates bulk and patient anxiety), the system allows manual force application while using force sensors and optical encoders to detect and record the actual forces and displacements, achieving standardization through data collection rather than mechanical 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 objective and precise quantification of joint accessory movement, enhancing the reliability of assessments and treatments, improving communication among therapists, and providing a portable solution for clinical use that can accurately record and analyze treatment effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The displacement sensor has an optical encoder and an optical scale
Implementation Method 2
The first force sensor and the second force sensor sense a first force and a second force applied to the reference unit and the movement unit respectively
Implementation Method 3
the inertial measurement unit is configured to detect a tilt angle of the first probe and the second probe
Data Source
AI summary
A portable quantification apparatus for assessing joint accessory movement is disclosed in the present invention. The apparatus includes a reference unit, a movement unit, a sliding unit and a displacement sensor. The reference unit has a first probe and a first force sensor. The movement unit has a second probe and a second force sensor. The sliding unit is disposed between the reference unit and the movement unit which allows the movement unit to slide alongside with the reference unit. When a patient is under a test, the first probe is against one of two adjacent bones of a joint, while the second probe is against the other adjacent bone. The first force sensor and the second force sensor sense a first force and a second force applying to the reference unit and the movement unit respectively. The displacement sensor measures a relative movement of the movement unit over the reference unit.