Muscle Activity Measurement Device Orthogonal Sensor Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing muscle activity measurement devices using magnetic sensors face challenges in accurately measuring magnetic field fluctuations due to the orientation of muscle fibers, which affects the sensitivity and accuracy of the measurements.

Innovation Solution

A muscle activity measurement device with a magnetic sensor unit that detects magnetic fields generated by muscle activity, where the sensing direction is orthogonal to the extension direction of muscle fibers, combined with a calculation unit, wireless module, and power supply, and identification means such as a display or container shape to ensure accurate placement and minimize environmental noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the magnetic sensor unit detects magnetic field generated by muscle activity, then muscle activity can be measured without skin contact, but measurement accuracy is insufficient due to improper sensor orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmagnetic field detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing identification information (arrows, markers, or shaped containers) that guides the user to place the measurement device in the correct orientation before measurement begins. The identification information indicates the sensing direction of the magnetic sensor, allowing users to align it perpendicular to muscle fiber extension direction in advance, ensuring accurate measurement from the start.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables self-service measurement by incorporating identification information directly on the device or container that automatically guides proper placement. The visual markers or shaped design allow users to self-correct their placement orientation without requiring external assistance or complex calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the sensing direction is not aligned perpendicular to muscle fibers, then placement is simpler, but measurement sensitivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice placement simplicityVSAvoidmagnetic field sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual identification information (arrows, markers, or differently colored regions) on the device or container to indicate the sensing direction. These visual cues allow users to quickly identify and align the correct orientation through color or pattern recognition, making proper placement intuitive and maintaining high measurement sensitivity without complicating the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 achieves more accurate measurement of muscle activity by ensuring the magnetic sensor unit's sensing direction aligns perpendicularly with muscle fibers, enhancing sensitivity and reducing noise interference, thus improving the overall accuracy of muscle activity detection.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic sensor unit (11) configured to detect a magnetic field generated from a body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3469985B1Muscle activity measurement device and muscle activity measurement method
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 TDK CORP
  • EP3469985B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3469985B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3469985B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a muscle activity measurement device and a muscle activity measurement method which make it possible to measure the muscle activity of an object to be sensed with increased accuracy. The muscle activity measurement device 1 according to the present invention is provided with a magnetic sensor unit 11 which senses a magnetic field generated from a living body, and an identification means which identifies an installed direction of the muscle activity measurement device 1. The identification means includes an indication 24, on a surface of a container 20, which comprises identification information for installing the muscle activity measurement device 1 in such a way that a magnetism sensing direction X of the magnetic sensor unit 11 and the direction in which the muscle fibers of the living body as the object to be sensed extend are substantially orthogonal to each other.