Multimodal Automated Sensory Testing System for Objective Pain Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pain measurement devices are subjective, lack precision, and often fail to detect early-stage sensory impairments, leading to inadequate diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders such as nerve root entrapment or peripheral neuropathy, and are not suitable for objective, standardized, or self-administered assessments.
Innovation Solution
A processor-controlled, multi-modal automated sensory testing (MAST) system that delivers pressure, auditory, and other stimuli, allowing for objective pain measurement through a computer-controlled platform with real-time data analysis and patient feedback, enabling the detection of subtle pain perceptions and changes in pain states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual palpitation is used for pain measurement, then the procedure is simple to perform, but the results are subjective and lack precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical palpitation with an automated mechanical dolorimeter system that applies controlled pressure through a probe. The system uses a motorized drive mechanism to compress a spring-loaded probe against the patient's body, automatically measuring pressure pain threshold without subjective human judgment. This substitution of manual mechanical examination with automated mechanical measurement directly resolves the contradiction by providing objective, precise measurements while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
2Reliability
If simple dolorimeters are used, then the device is easy to operate, but the results have high variability and poor reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback control system where a force sensor continuously monitors the applied pressure and provides real-time feedback to a controller. The controller adjusts the drive mechanism to maintain precise control over the compression force, ensuring consistent and reproducible measurements. This feedback loop eliminates the variability inherent in simple manual devices while the automated control system manages the complexity, allowing the device to remain easy to operate without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces simple manual pressure application with an automated motorized drive system that precisely controls probe compression. This substitution eliminates operator-dependent variability and ensures consistent measurement protocols are followed, improving reliability while the automation handles the complexity of precise mechanical control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-modal automated sensory testing is implemented, then objective and standardized pain assessment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal testing platform that can deliver multiple sensory modalities (mechanical pressure, heat, vibration, electrical stimulation) through a single integrated system. The controller can select and execute different testing protocols, making the device adaptable to various clinical needs. This multi-functionality approach allows comprehensive sensory assessment while consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate devices, managing complexity through integration rather than proliferation of separate systems.
4Measurement precision
If automated control systems are used, then operator variability is eliminated, but the difficulty of operation and calibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibration and self-testing features where the system automatically performs calibration routines using built-in reference standards. The force sensor can be calibrated against known weights or reference forces, and the system includes built-in test protocols to verify proper functioning. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual calibration procedures, maintaining measurement precision while simplifying operation for the end user.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-controlled sensory testing system is disclosed that can be used to further pain research and aid in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of pain syndromes. The system includes actuators to deliver pressure/deformation (strain), auditory, olfactory, and other stimuli to a subject. The system includes software to control the delivery of the stimuli. The system is further operable to receive feedback regarding the stimuli received.