Movable Force Sensor Layout for Frail Patient Strength Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring force on weak patients require the patient to put the sensor and strap under tension, which is challenging for those who cannot do so due to frailty or conditions like neuromuscular, neurological, or cardiovascular issues.
Innovation Solution
A force measurement device with a movable sensor that attaches to a support via clamping means, eliminating the need for a strap, and includes a wireless remote display for real-time data processing and storage, using a strain gauge or dynamometer with high accuracy and range, and a rechargeable battery for power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed dynamometer device with straps is used to measure force, then the device structure is stable and sensor positioning is fixed, but frail patients cannot put the sensor and strap under tension
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the patient to tension the strap against a fixed sensor, the sensor is made movable and allows the patient's limb to move it freely. The force measurement is obtained from the sensor's displacement rather than from strap tension, inverting the traditional measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed to be movable along the measurement axis rather than fixed. This dynamic positioning allows the sensor to follow the patient's limb movement without requiring strap tension, while still providing accurate force measurements through displacement sensing.
2Ease of operation
If a movable sensor is used to allow free limb movement, then ease of operation for frail patients is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A guide structure acts as an intermediary between the movable sensor and the fixed device housing. This guide constrains the sensor's movement to a single axis while allowing free movement along that axis, providing a simple mechanical solution without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling mechanisms with a simple guide structure and linear movement constraint. The force measurement is obtained through direct sensor displacement rather than through mechanical linkages, reducing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If high accuracy sensor (≤0.5N) with large measurement range (0-900N) is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is designed to cover a universal measurement range from 0 to 900N, allowing it to measure both very weak forces from frail patients and stronger forces from healthier individuals. This multi-range capability eliminates the need for multiple sensors or adjustable ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise sensor parameters (accuracy ≤0.5N, range 0-900N) that are optimized for the target application. These parameter specifications balance measurement precision requirements with device simplicity, selecting a sensor that meets clinical needs without excessive 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
Enables accurate force measurement on frail patients without the need for strap tension, providing real-time data display and storage, suitable for conditions like neuromuscular or cardiovascular issues, with a battery life of about ten hours.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (8), comprising a measuring member (9) arranged to move (relative to the frame of device (1)) along a measuring axis (10) and only along this measuring axis (10), said sensor (8) being arranged to measure a force exerted on the measuring member (9) as a function of the displacement of this measuring member (9)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for measuring a force, comprising: fastening means (2); and a sensor (8), comprising a measuring member (9) arranged to move along a measurement axis (10), said sensor being arranged to measure a force exerted on the measuring member depending on the movement of this measuring member, characterized in that the fastening means are arranged to exert, during a movement of the measuring member along this measurement axis, on a carrier to which they are fastened, an average force borne by the measurement axis.