Anatomical Angle Measurement Using Laser Alignment and Inertial Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing goniometers face challenges such as inaccurate measurements due to short aligning arms and analogue scales, requiring both hands for operation, bulkiness, and variability in readings between users, leading to unreliable and time-consuming measurements.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus using solid-state lasers for alignment, a combination of accelerometers and magnetometers for sensing orientation, and a microprocessor for processing, along with a liquid-crystal display for accurate angle measurement, allowing single-handed operation and improved reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the arms of the goniometer are extended to reach all anatomical landmarks, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the device becomes bulkier and more vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical arms with optical elements (lasers) that project alignment lines. This substitution eliminates the need for long physical arms while maintaining alignment accuracy, as the laser lines can extend indefinitely without adding bulk or fragility to the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the alignment function through laser projection. Instead of using physical arms to define alignment lines, the system projects laser lines that replicate the alignment function, allowing measurements to be taken without the constraints of physical arm length.
2Device complexity
If traditional goniometers are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but inter-therapist and intra-therapist reliability are poor due to significant reading variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the analogue scale reading mechanism with electronic sensors and digital processing. This substitution eliminates the subjective interpretation required by users when reading analogue scales, thereby improving measurement reliability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated digital readouts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors that automatically detect and display alignment information, providing objective feedback that eliminates variability between different users. The digital system processes and displays measurements consistently, ensuring high inter- and intra-therapist reliability.
3Ease of operation
If both hands are required to operate the goniometer, then measurement function is complete, but operational efficiency is reduced and assistance to patient is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the device to be operable with one hand, allowing the other hand to assist the patient or record measurements. The self-aligning features and automated sensing capabilities reduce the operational burden, enabling single-handed operation while maintaining complete measurement functionality.
4Device complexity
If analogue scales are used for angle measurement, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement accuracy is reduced due to interpretation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the analogue scale with a digital display system that uses electronic sensors to automatically detect and display angle measurements. This substitution eliminates the need for user interpretation of scale readings, thereby improving measurement precision while presenting results in a clear, easy-to-read digital format.
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 provides accurate, reliable, and efficient measurement of anatomical angles with reduced user variability and faster measurement times, enabling precise and consistent readings across different users and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer for sensing the orientation of the axis
Implementation Method 2
a magnetometer for sensing the orientation of the axis
Implementation Method 3
a combination of accelerometers and magnetometers for sensing orientation, and a microprocessor for processing, along with a liquid-crystal display for accurate angle measurement
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (20) for automatically measuring an anatomical angle of a body, the apparatus (20) comprising aligning means (23) for aligning an axis (22) of the apparatus (20) with anatomical landmarks of the body, sensing means (30) for sensing an orientation of the axis (22) while the axis is aligned with the landmarks, and processing means (40) for processing the sensed orientation. The sensing means (30) comprises a magnetometer (32) and an accelerometer (31), and the aligning means comprises a pair of lasers.