Flexible Housing Pain Sensor with Threshold Gel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pain measurement devices are inaccurate, prone to convergence in pain intensity evaluation, and lack user-friendliness, making them less effective for precise pain assessment and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A measurement device with a flexible external housing and an internal force sensor system, featuring a flexible membrane that only registers pressure above a predefined threshold, combined with an electronic circuit for data logging and wireless communication, and a readout activation system using magnets to conserve battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a force sensor directly contacts the flexible membrane, then the sensitivity of pain detection is improved, but unintentional registration of pressure occurs during normal device handling
Solution Approach 1:
A gel layer is introduced as an intermediary between the flexible membrane and the force sensor. This gel layer acts as a threshold filter that only transmits forces exceeding a predefined threshold value, thereby preventing false activations during normal handling while maintaining sensitivity for genuine pain-related squeezing actions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and properties of the intermediary material (gel) to create a threshold effect. The gel's viscoelastic properties allow it to deform under significant force (pain indication) while resisting minor deformations from accidental contact, effectively transforming the force transmission characteristic
2Speed
If the electronic circuit remains continuously active, then the response time for pain measurement is improved, but the battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic circuit operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. It remains in low-power sleep mode and activates only when triggered by a threshold-exceeding force event or when a magnet approaches the device, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining rapid response capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for rapid activation by pre-positioning the electronic circuit in a low-power ready state with pre-charged capacitors. When triggered by force or magnetic field, the circuit immediately switches to active mode, providing fast response without requiring continuous operation
3Ease of operation
If simple pain scales are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to convergence and subjective bias
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective mechanical scaling methods (visual analog scales, numerical rating scales) with an objective electronic force sensing system. The force sensor quantitatively measures the actual physical force applied during squeezing, eliminating subjective bias and convergence effects while maintaining simple hand-squeezing operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically measures and records the force magnitude without requiring user interpretation or selection from predefined scales. The system self-calibrates and provides objective numerical feedback, freeing the user from cognitive tasks while improving measurement accuracy
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 provides accurate and reliable pain measurement, reduces unintentional registration, and enhances user convenience with improved sensitivity and portability, while extending battery life through selective circuit activation.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor for detecting and measuring pressure in the first closed volume
Implementation Method 2
a flexible membrane that is placed such that the flexible membrane faces the first closed volume at a first side of the flexible membrane and faces the force sensor at a second, opposite, side of the flexible membrane
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a measurement device (100) for detecting and measuring pain, distress, or other discomfort of a user. The measurement device (100) comprises: i) an external housing (110) having at least partially flexible walls (110w) and being configured for being held and squeezed by a hand (200) of the user, wherein the external housing (110) defines a first closed volume (105), and a force sensor (170) for detecting and measuring pressure in the first closed volume (105). The measurement device (100) further comprises an inner housing (150) located within the external housing (110), wherein the inner housing (150) defines a second closed volume (155), the second closed volume (155) comprising the force sensor (170), wherein the inner housing (150) comprises a flexible membrane (152) that is placed such that the flexible membrane (152) faces the first closed volume (105) at a first side (152s1) of the flexible membrane (152) and faces the force sensor (170) at a second, opposite, side (152s2) of the flexible membrane (152), wherein the flexible membrane (152) is positioned such that there is a gap (152d) between the flexible membrane (152) and the force sensor (170) when no force is applied by the user to the external housing (110). The measurement device in accordance with the invention may be more accurate, more robust, more endurable and more user-friendly.