Nine-Segment Body Composition Measuring Device for Edema Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current body composition measuring devices lack the precision to accurately detect and diagnose edema, a condition characterized by slow fluid accumulation in tissues, due to their inability to effectively segment the body for detailed impedance value measurements.
Innovation Solution
A body composition measuring device with hand and foot electrode parts, arm and leg electrode parts, and a processing unit that divides the body into nine segments to measure impedance values, applying electric current through different combinations of electrodes and using a pressure regulator and adsorption plates to maintain contact and detect edema.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional body composition measuring devices are used, then the overall body composition can be measured, but the precision to detect edema in specific segments is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the body into nine segments (upper left arm, lower left arm, upper right arm, lower right arm, trunk, upper left leg, lower left leg, upper right leg, lower right leg) and places electrodes in specific locations on each segment. This segmentation allows independent measurement of impedance values for each segment, enabling precise detection of edema in specific body parts while maintaining overall device functionality.
2Measurement precision
If more electrodes are added to measure impedance values of multiple segments, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a multi-functional electrode system where electrodes placed at specific locations can measure impedance values for multiple segments by varying the current flow paths. The same set of electrodes in specific positions enables measurement of different body segments through different current combinations, reducing the total number of electrodes needed while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
3Reliability
If electrodes are attached to body parts to measure impedance, then body composition can be analyzed, but the contact stability and measurement reliability may be affected by body movement or improper attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adhesive electrodes with flexible contact surfaces that can conform to body contours and maintain stable contact during movement. The adhesive mechanism provides reliable electrical contact while being easy to apply and remove, ensuring consistent measurement reliability without complex attachment procedures.
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 precise measurement of body composition for detailed parts and accurate prediction and diagnosis of edema by dividing the body into nine segments and measuring impedance values, improving detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
measure an impedance value of a segment between the pair by using the electric current and the voltage
Implementation Method 2
at least some of the arm electrode parts and the leg electrode parts may include an adsorption plate adsorbing to an attachment part
Implementation Method 3
a pressure regulator configured to lower air pressure in a space between the adsorption plate, which adsorbs to the attachment part, and the attachment part
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a body composition measuring device using nine segments and an operation method thereof. The disclosed body composition measuring device comprises: both hand electrode parts and both foot electrode parts, each of which has a plurality of electrodes; two arm electrode parts attached to elbow joint regions of both arms, respectively; two leg electrode parts attached to knee joint regions of both legs, respectively; and a processing unit for causing electric current to flow through different combinations of the both hand electrode parts, the both foot electrode parts, the arm electrode parts, and the leg electrode parts at the time of measurement so as to measure impedance values of a measurement object, and then analyzing the body composition of the measurement object.