Limb Movement Evaluation via Mechanical Impedance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rehabilitation methods for impaired limbs are inadequate as they rely on subjective evaluation, require extensive manpower and medical resources, and lack devices that can objectively quantify limb movement functions and adjust rehabilitation intensity based on real-time variations.
Innovation Solution
A limb movement function evaluating system comprising a limb fixing device, a guiding device, an actuator, an impedance detector, and a movement function analyzer that measures mechanical impedances to provide accurate limb movement function curves and rehabilitation status analysis, allowing for objective evaluation and adjustable rehabilitation intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensors (torsion meters, velocity sensors) are installed on convalescents' limbs to measure limb movement functions, then measurement capability is provided, but significant errors and difficulty in usage occur due to load effect of sensors or difficulty in fixing sensors on limbs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the driving device with motor and transmission mechanism) that indirectly measures limb movement parameters through mechanical impedance detection, rather than directly attaching sensors to the limb. This intermediary approach avoids the load effect and fixation difficulties of direct sensor attachment while still enabling accurate measurement of limb movement functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical sensors (torsion meters, velocity sensors) with an electrical drive system that uses motor control and current detection to infer limb movement parameters. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical sensors on the limb, avoiding their associated measurement errors and fixation problems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conventional rehabilitation devices are used to guide limb movement for rehabilitation, then various movement paths can be provided, but device complexity increases and objective real-time evaluation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single rehabilitation device that integrates multiple functions: it can guide limb movement along various predefined paths (circular, linear, elliptical), provide electrical stimulation, detect mechanical impedance, and objectively evaluate rehabilitation progress. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining versatility in rehabilitation approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate functions (movement guidance, electrical stimulation, impedance detection, and evaluation) into a single integrated system. The driving mechanism, stimulation electrodes, sensor, and control unit are merged into one cohesive device that performs all rehabilitation functions simultaneously, reducing complexity while enhancing adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional rehabilitation devices guide limb movement, then rehabilitation training is provided, but the devices fail to evaluate real-time variations of limb functions objectively and adjust intensity of rehabilitation training according to convalescent's rehabilitation status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where the mechanical impedance sensor continuously detects real-time variations in limb mechanical properties during rehabilitation training. This information is fed back to the control unit, which automatically adjusts the driving parameters (speed, torque, movement path) to optimize rehabilitation intensity based on the patient's current status, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
4Ease of operation
If Ashworth Scale is used to evaluate limb or nervous system impairment, then evaluation is simple, but the method is neither objective nor accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective manual assessment of the Ashworth Scale with an objective mechanical measurement system. The mechanical impedance sensor quantitatively measures limb stiffness and resistance to movement, providing numerical data that objectively reflects impairment level. This substitution maintains ease of operation while dramatically improving measurement precision and objectivity.
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 system accurately quantifies limb movement functions and provides multiple rehabilitation options, reducing the burden on patients and healthcare resources by offering objective, real-time evaluation and adjustable rehabilitation intensity, enhancing the efficacy of convalescent therapy.
Implementation Method 1
The impedance detector linking the driver is used to measure mechanical impedances corresponding to reactions of a driven limb
Data Source
AI summary
A limb movement function evaluating method and the implantation system are provided. The aforementioned system includes a limb fixing device, limb guiding device, driver, actuator, impedance detector, and movement function analyzer. The limb fixing device is used to fix the first end of the user limb. The driver is used to guide the second end of the user limb through the actuator so as to make the second end moving relatively to the first end. The impedance detector is further connected to the driver so as to measure mechanical impedance where the movement of the user limb responses to the driving point of the driver. Finally, the limb movement analyzer compares the measured mechanical impedance and the movement path of the user limb so as to form a limb movement function curve. Therefore, the medical staff can make accurate rehabilitation evaluation according to the limb movement function curve.