Removable Sensor Module for Lumbar Belt

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lumbar belts with integrated sensors face challenges in precise sensor placement, reproducibility of measurements, and ease of maintenance due to non-removable sensor integration and complex sensor placement.

Innovation Solution

A lumbar belt design featuring a removable sensor module with a first sensor for pressure or elongation measurement and a second sensor for actimetry, integrated into a modular structure that allows for precise positioning and easy maintenance, using conductive threads and wireless data transfer for accurate data interpretation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors are integrated into the belt body, then measurement capability is provided, but sensor placement precision and measurement reproducibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reproducibilityVSAvoidsensor integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is divided into a fixed first sensor integrated into the belt body and a removable second sensor module that can be attached and detached. This segmentation allows the first sensor to provide stable, reproducible measurements while the second sensor module can be easily maintained and replaced, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second sensor is designed with removable attachment capability, allowing it to be dynamically attached or detached from the belt body. This dynamic design enables easy maintenance and replacement of the second sensor without affecting the first sensor, thereby maintaining measurement reproducibility while reducing integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If sensors are made removable, then ease of maintenance is improved, but measurement precision and placement consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance easeVSAvoidmeasurement reproducibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is segmented into a permanently fixed first sensor and a removable second sensor module. The first sensor remains fixed to ensure consistent placement and reproducible measurements, while the second sensor module can be easily removed for maintenance, thus resolving the contradiction between maintenance ease and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A removable attachment mechanism serves as an intermediary between the belt body and the second sensor. This intermediary allows the second sensor to be easily attached and detached for maintenance while maintaining stable positioning during use, thereby preserving measurement precision while improving maintenance ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are integrated into the belt, then monitoring capability is enhanced, but device complexity and difficulty of maintenance increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidsensor integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensors are segmented into two functional groups: a fixed first sensor for continuous monitoring and a removable second sensor module for supplementary measurements. This segmentation enhances monitoring capability while keeping the system manageable by allowing the second sensor to be easily replaced or upgraded without affecting the first sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable second sensor module is designed to be universally attachable and contain multiple types of sensors (pressure, temperature, humidity). This multi-functionality enhances the overall monitoring capability of the belt while maintaining simplicity through modular design, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures reproducible measurements and easy maintenance by allowing precise sensor placement and removable modules, enhancing user monitoring and feedback while maintaining belt functionality.

Implementation Method 1

at least one first sensor capable of measuring the pressure exerted by the belt on a user or the elongation of the belt body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Implementation Method 2

the belt having a wired connection between the output terminal and the module, the wired connection including at least one conductive wire connected to said output terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

the module comprises a transfer unit, the controller being connected to the remote data transfer unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Data Source

PatentEP3975943B1Lumbar belt with sensors
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 THUASNE SA
  • EP3975943B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3975943B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3975943B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a lumbar support belt (110) comprising: - a support belt body (112) intended to surround at least one part of the torso of a user, - at least a first sensor capable of measuring the pressure exerted by the support belt (110) on a user or the elongation of the support belt body (112), and - a module (116) comprising at least a second sensor capable of measuring at least one parameter relating to the actimetry of the user. The module (116) is removably attached at a second location of the support belt body (112).