Neurologic Vibratory Sense Evaluation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vibratory sense evaluation methods using tuning forks lack standardization in striking force and application force, leading to inconsistent results due to variability among practitioners.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vibration article with a controlled vibration element and force sensor, connected to a control module that regulates vibration amplitude and frequency, ensuring consistent application and measurement of vibrations, allowing patients to indicate sensation onset and cessation precisely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a tuning fork is used for vibratory sense evaluation, then the test can be performed with simple equipment, but the results vary due to inconsistent striking force and application force among practitioners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical striking and application of a tuning fork with an automated mechanical vibration delivery system. A motor-driven vibration element applies controlled vibrations to the patient's body through a force sensor, eliminating the variability introduced by different practitioners' striking and application forces while maintaining equipment simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls and standardizes the vibration parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration) through an automated system. The vibration element delivers consistent vibrations at predetermined amplitudes and frequencies, removing the dependence on practitioner technique and ensuring reproducible measurement conditions across different evaluations.
2Illumination intensity
If greater force is used to strike the tuning fork, then higher vibration amplitudes are generated that are easier to detect, but the sense duration becomes longer and results become skewed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements precise control over vibration amplitude and duration parameters. The system can deliver vibrations at standardized amplitudes regardless of the force applied by the practitioner, and can control the duration of vibration delivery. This ensures that higher amplitudes do not artificially extend the sense duration, as the system stops delivering vibrations after a predetermined time interval.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a force sensor that provides feedback on the vibration characteristics. The sensor monitors the vibration amplitude and duration, and this information is used to adjust and standardize the vibration delivery. The feedback mechanism ensures that variations in initial strike force do not result in skewed measurements, as the system compensates to maintain consistent vibration parameters throughout the test.
3Ease of operation
If greater force is used to apply the tuning fork to the patient's body, then vibrations are easier to detect and sense duration increases, but this creates variability in results among practitioners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual application of the tuning fork with an automated vibration delivery mechanism. The system applies vibrations through a controlled mechanical interface that ensures consistent contact force and positioning, eliminating the variability introduced by different practitioners' application techniques while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent standardizes the application parameters including contact force, vibration amplitude, and duration. The system delivers vibrations at predetermined forces and amplitudes regardless of practitioner variation, ensuring that easier detection does not come at the cost of result consistency. The standardized parameters ensure reliable and reproducible evaluation results across different practitioners and sessions.
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
This system provides more accurate and consistent neurologic vibratory sense evaluations by controlling vibration parameters, reducing variability among practitioners and enabling precise timing and amplitude measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration element configured to apply vibrations to a patient's body
Implementation Method 2
with a force sensor
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system for neurologic vibratory sense evaluation includes a vibration article configured to attach to a body part of a patient under evaluation, the vibration article comprising a vibration element configured to vibrate against the body part, a control module configured to control an amplitude of vibrations generated by the vibration element, and a patient input device configured to enable a patient to start and stop an evaluation session, wherein starting the session in a first mode of operation causes the vibration element to initially vibrate at a relatively high amplitude that gradually decreases and wherein starting the session in a second mode of operation causes the vibration element to initially vibrate at a relatively low amplitude that gradually increases.