Joint Mobilization Sensor for Accurate Grade Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for quantifying grades of joint mobilization during joint mobilization procedures are inconsistent and often require expensive, non-portable equipment that disrupts clinician-patient contact, leading to variable patient outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising a glove with integrated sensors and a display that provides real-time feedback on joint displacement, allowing clinicians to accurately determine the grade of mobilization by tracking the movement and force applied during joint mobilization procedures without losing contact with the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large expensive equipment is used to measure joint mobility, then measurement precision is improved, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a simple tape measure and manual grading methodology. The clinician uses a standard tape measure to assess joint displacement and determines mobilization grades based on established criteria, eliminating the need for expensive electronic sensors and complex mechanical apparatus while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex equipment down to a simple tape measure. By removing unnecessary electronic components and mechanical complexity, the solution retains the core measurement capability while dramatically improving portability and ease of use
2Device complexity
If manual joint mobilization grading is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual feedback through clearly marked tape measure indicators that show the exact displacement distance. The tape measure includes visual cues and reference marks that provide immediate feedback to the clinician about the measured displacement, enabling accurate grade determination without complex electronic feedback systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes predetermined grade criteria and displacement thresholds before the measurement process. The tape measure is pre-marked with reference points corresponding to different mobilization grades, allowing the clinician to simply compare the measured displacement against these pre-established standards for consistent grading
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional measurement equipment is used, then measurement capability is achieved, but adaptability to different patients and joints deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal tape measure that can be applied to any joint type and patient size. The same simple tool serves multiple functions across different anatomical locations and patient populations, eliminating the need for specialized equipment configurations for different measurement scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical device is configured to communicate a grade of joint displacement to a clinician during a mobilization procedure on a human or animal joint. The device includes two portions that move relative to one another, when both are engaged to a stable and moveable bone at a joint, and movement of one portion to the other is measured and shown on a display.