Optical Joint Flexure Sensing via Tissue Light Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring joint angles in data gloves and harsh environments are prone to mechanical wear and failure due to the use of delicate thin films and sensors, which are susceptible to wear and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
The use of light transmission through living tissue to determine joint flexure by placing a light emitter and sensor on either side of a joint, utilizing optical fibers to send and receive light, allowing for robust and reliable measurement of joint angles without the need for electromechanical components that can fail under mechanical stress or in harsh conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thin films and compressible fibers/sensors are used to measure joint angles, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to mechanical wear and susceptibility to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensors (thin films and compressible fibers) with an optical system consisting of light emitters, optical fibers, and light detectors. The optical system measures joint angle changes by detecting variations in light transmission intensity through tissue, thereby eliminating mechanical wear and improving reliability while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as intermediaries to transmit light between the light emitter and light detector. The optical fibers enable the transmission of light signals through the tissue without direct mechanical contact between the sensing components and the joint, reducing mechanical stress and wear on the sensing elements.
2Measurement precision
If electromechanical components are used in data gloves, then joint angle measurement is achieved, but device complexity increases and susceptibility to wear in harsh environments occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electromechanical components with a simpler optical system. The light emitter, optical fibers, and light detector configuration eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages, motors, and electrical connectors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining joint angle measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sensing function from complex electromechanical components and isolates it into a dedicated optical module. By separating the light emitter and light detector into distinct components connected via optical fibers, the system simplifies the overall device architecture and reduces inter-component complexity.
3Measurement precision
If light emitters and sensors are placed close to the joint for accurate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but susceptibility to mechanical wear and environmental factors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical fibers as intermediaries to connect the light emitter and light detector to the joint measurement site. The optical fibers act as flexible conduits that can transmit light signals over longer distances without direct mechanical contact at the joint, thereby reducing mechanical wear and environmental exposure while maintaining measurement precision through the optical transmission path.
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 method provides a robust and reliable means to determine joint flexure, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and enabling operation in harsh environments by using optical fibers to transmit light, which are less susceptible to wear and can be housed in sealed containers away from the joint, improving performance and durability.
Implementation Method 1
Light from the light source is introduced into the living tissue. The light sensing device is configured to sense the light exiting the living tissue.
Implementation Method 2
utilizing optical fibers to send and receive light
Implementation Method 3
A light emitter can be placed on top of the finger on one side of the joint and can send light into the finger at a 45 degree angle towards the joint.
Implementation Method 4
A light sensor can be placed on the top of the finger on the other side of the joint, the light sensor configured so that it receives light coming from a 45 degree angle towards the joint.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods of using light transmission thought living tissue, such as a finger, to detect the flexure of a joint. Light is introduced into the tissue at one point, passes through the tissue, and exits the tissue at a second point where a sensor receives the light as it exits the tissue. Transmission of light through living tissue such as a finger can be affected by movement of the finger. As the finger flexes and, for example, the joints of the finger change angle, the characteristics of the light exiting the tissue, such as the intensity of the light, can change. These changes in characteristics can be used as an indirect means of determining the flexure of the joint.