Magnetic Joint-Angle Wearable for Reproducible Therapy Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing goniometers for measuring joint angles during physical therapy suffer from inaccuracies due to inconsistent attachment by different clinicians, affecting reproducibility and accuracy of measurements.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with a center hub and pivotally coupled arms, equipped with magnets and sensors, allows for precise alignment and measurement of joint angles, featuring interchangeable attachments and a printed circuit board for real-time data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standard goniometer is used for measuring joint angles, then the device can be simple and inexpensive, but the measurement accuracy and reproducibility deteriorate due to inconsistent attachment by different clinicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical goniometer system with a magnetic field-based measurement system. A magnet is embedded in the goniometer arm and a sensor is placed on the patient's body, using magnetic field interaction to detect joint angle changes. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical alignment and attachment mechanisms, improving measurement precision while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the goniometer and the patient's body. Instead of direct mechanical contact and alignment, the magnetic field serves as a mediator to transmit position information. The magnet on the goniometer arm interacts with the sensor through the magnetic field, eliminating the need for precise mechanical attachment and alignment by clinicians.
2Productivity
If multiple clinicians attach the goniometer device, then more measurements can be taken, but the measurement reproducibility worsens due to varying attachment methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the goniometer system to self-align and self-position through magnetic field interaction. The magnet and sensor arrangement automatically establishes the correct measurement geometry without requiring clinician intervention for alignment. This self-service capability ensures consistent attachment and measurement positioning across different clinicians, improving both productivity and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the goniometer uses fixed attachment locations, then the device structure is simplified, but the adaptability to different patients and joints deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed attachment system into a dynamic, flexible magnetic coupling system. The magnet and sensor can be positioned at various locations on the patient's body and will automatically align through magnetic field interaction. This dynamic adaptability allows the same simple device structure to accommodate different joints and patients without increasing complexity.
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 device provides accurate joint angle measurements up to a hundredth of a degree, improving reproducibility and reducing variability compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is disposed in the center hub and configured to detect a rotation of the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring an angle of a joint of a user includes a center hub, a first arm, a second arm, a magnet, and a sensor. The center hub includes a first hub and a second hub. The first arm is configured for attachment to a first limb portion of the user at a first outer end and to the first hub at a first inner end. The second arm is configured for attachment to a second limb portion of the user at a second outer end and to the second hub at a second inner end, wherein the first hub is pivotally coupled to the second hub. The magnet is coupled to the second hub. The sensor is disposed in the center hub and configured to detect a rotation of the magnet.