Motor Torque Threshold Spasticity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring lower limb spasticity require expensive sensor equipment, making them costly and inefficient for widespread use, especially for individuals with paraplegia or similar conditions who need continuous assistance with daily activities.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures motor torque signals without additional sensors by using a gait activity machine with a lower limb orthotic device, calculating statistical distribution data to set thresholds for motor torque, and determining spasticity based on these thresholds, allowing for adjustments in operating speed and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor means are used to measure spasticity, then measurement precision is improved, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor serves dual purposes: both assisting gait activity and measuring spasticity through its built-in torque sensor. The motor's own output torque signal is utilized for spasticity detection, eliminating the need for separate measurement sensors and reducing equipment costs while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides gait assistance to the user and simultaneously acts as a measurement device for spasticity detection. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both therapeutic and diagnostic goals without requiring separate equipment
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor's built-in torque sensor is utilized for spasticity measurement, allowing the system to perform self-measurement without requiring additional external sensors. This approach maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing device complexity by eliminating redundant measurement components
3Reliability
If activity work is stopped for rest during cramps, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors motor output torque and compares it against threshold values to detect spasticity in real-time. When spasticity is detected, the system provides immediate feedback by stopping the motor, preventing harmful muscle contractions while allowing activity to resume quickly after the episode, thereby maintaining both reliability and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes threshold values for motor torque in advance based on statistical distribution data. These pre-set thresholds enable the system to detect and respond to spasticity episodes immediately when they occur, allowing for quick interruption and resumption of activity, thus minimizing productivity loss while ensuring safety
Data Source
AI summary
A lower limb spasticity measurement method includes the step of setting the lower limbs of the person in a lower limb orthotic device of a gait activity machine, the step of starting up a motor of the gait activity machine to drive the lower limb orthotic device for lower limb activity, the step of getting a statistical distribution data from the output torque of the motor within a predetermined time and then calculating the statistical distribution data to obtain a threshold, and the step of determining whether the output torque of the motor is greater than the threshold or not, and then stopping motor if the output torque of the motor is greater than the threshold. Thus, the method of the invention can accurately measures spasticity in the lower limbs of a person without the use of sensors, effectively saving the cost of equipment.