Manual Reaction Time Device Using Extraction and Disposable Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring reaction time in athletes, especially after sports-related concussions, are costly and not readily available to high schools and younger athletes, limiting the ability to assess neurological disorders and predict return-to-play decisions effectively.

Innovation Solution

A manual neurological testing device that includes a releasable holding member, a stimuli output device, and a measurement device, allowing for the measurement of reaction time through perceivable stimuli such as lights or sounds, providing a cost-effective and portable solution for assessing simple, recognition, and choice reaction times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If computer-based reaction time measurement systems are used, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction time measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex computer-based systems and implements it using simple manual timing mechanisms. The reaction time measurement is achieved through basic stopwatches or timer devices combined with manual signal delivery, eliminating the need for computers, specialized software, and complex electronic infrastructure while maintaining adequate measurement precision for clinical purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, complex computer-based measurement systems with inexpensive, simple timing devices such as stopwatches or handheld timers. These basic timing instruments can be easily obtained and discarded or replaced, eliminating the need for costly computer hardware and software licenses while providing sufficient measurement capability for assessing reaction time in concussion evaluations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If computer-based reaction time measurement systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction time measurement accuracyVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive timing devices such as stopwatches, handheld timers, or even simple digital watches that can be purchased for minimal cost. These basic timing instruments replace expensive computer-based measurement systems, reducing the cost per evaluation from hundreds to dollars while maintaining adequate measurement precision for clinical concussion assessments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the costly components of computer-based systems including computer hardware, specialized software licenses, and electronic infrastructure. By removing these expensive elements and retaining only the essential timing function through simple mechanical or basic electronic devices, the system achieves significant cost reduction while preserving measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If manual reaction time measurement methods are used, then cost is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidreaction time measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the examiner provides immediate verbal or visual confirmation of stimulus delivery and response timing. The timing device displays measured reaction times to the examiner who can then verify the measurement process, correct any timing errors, and ensure accurate recording. This feedback loop compensates for the limitations of manual timing methods and maintains measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements preliminary actions including pre-positioning timing devices, pre-establishing stimulus delivery protocols, and pre-instructing the examinee on response requirements. The examiner prepares all measurement equipment and procedural details in advance, ensuring that when the measurement occurs, everything is ready for accurate timing. This preparation minimizes delays and ensures consistent, reliable measurements despite using simple manual methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8657295B2Device and method for measuring reaction time
Publication Date: 2014.02.25 THE RGT UNIV OF MICHIGAN
  • US8657295B2 patent drawing
  • US8657295B2 patent drawing
  • US8657295B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A manual neurological testing device for measuring a subject's reaction time comprising: a releasable holding member operable to be grasped by the subject; a stimulus device coupled with the releasable holding member, the stimulus device outputting a perceivable stimulus; and a measurement device coupled with the releasable holding member, the measurement device measuring the subject's reaction time for grasping the releasable holding member relative to the perceivable stimulus.