Kirigami Sensor Substrates for 3D Deformation and Joint Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable sensors and AR/VR techniques for tracking joint motion are inadequate, often uncomfortable, lack integration with sophisticated tracking, and fail to provide comprehensive health monitoring, leading to improper positioning and delayed recovery from injuries.
Innovation Solution
A kirigami-based sensor device with a flexible substrate and embedded sensors that conform to three-dimensional surfaces, capable of tracking deformation and displacement, integrating strain sensors and other physiological data, and supporting real-time data processing for augmented/virtual reality applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If goniometers are used to measure range of motion, then measurement capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates and measurement precision worsens for complex joint motions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical goniometers with an optical tracking system using cameras and markers. This substitution allows for non-contact measurement of joint motion, eliminating the need for physical application of goniometers while providing more comprehensive tracking of complex multi-axis joint movements through optical detection of marker positions in three-dimensional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical markers that create visual copies or representations of joint positions and movements. These markers serve as surrogate indicators that can be detected by cameras, allowing the system to measure and track joint motion indirectly through the markers' positions rather than directly measuring the joints themselves.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras with precise positioning are used for optical tracking, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases and ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical markers that create visual copies or representations of joint positions and movements. These markers serve as surrogate indicators that can be detected by cameras, allowing the system to measure and track joint motion indirectly through the markers' positions rather than directly measuring the joints themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical goniometers with an optical tracking system using cameras and markers. This substitution allows for non-contact measurement of joint motion, eliminating the need for physical application of goniometers while providing more comprehensive tracking of complex multi-axis joint movements through optical detection of marker positions in three-dimensional space.
3Reliability
If rigid braces are used to provide structural support, then reliability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to discomfort and limited functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical goniometers with an optical tracking system using cameras and markers. This substitution allows for non-contact measurement of joint motion, eliminating the need for physical application of goniometers while providing more comprehensive tracking of complex multi-axis joint movements through optical detection of marker positions in three-dimensional space.
4Ease of operation
If conductive textiles with stretching fibers are used for sensing, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to unidirectional sensing and interface failure with rigid components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical goniometers with an optical tracking system using cameras and markers. This substitution allows for non-contact measurement of joint motion, eliminating the need for physical application of goniometers while providing more comprehensive tracking of complex multi-axis joint movements through optical detection of marker positions in three-dimensional space.
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 kirigami-based sensor device provides accurate, comfortable, and comprehensive tracking of joint motion and health parameters, facilitating effective rehabilitation and performance monitoring while being adaptable to various surfaces and environments.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible substrate having a plurality of cuts through the substrate to define a kirigami structure... Deformation of the substrate deforms each respective substrate section
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of sensor structures supported by the substrate, each sensor structure of the plurality of sensor structures being disposed at a respective substrate section... each sensor structure is configured to provide an indication of the respective extent of the deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device includes a substrate having a plurality of cuts through the substrate to define a set of substrate sections, the substrate being flexible, and a plurality of sensor structures supported by the substrate, each sensor structure of the plurality of sensor structures being disposed at a respective substrate section of the set of substrate sections. Deformation of the substrate deforms each respective substrate section of the set of substrate sections such that each respective substrate section is deformed to a respective extent. Each sensor structure of the plurality of sensor structures is configured to provide an indication of the respective extent of the deformation.