In-Situ Plantar Tissue Testing Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing the mechanical properties of plantar soft tissue are limited, as they often involve ex vivo samples or indirect, invasive methods that do not accurately reflect in vivo conditions, and lack the ability to continuously and periodically measure viscoelastic properties.
Innovation Solution
A multi-dimensional broad-spectrum clinical in-situ testing equipment that includes a testing table with vertical reciprocating, shear, and torque stress-strain testing units, equipped with detection probes and sensors to apply and measure various types of stresses and strains on the plantar soft tissue in a continuous and periodic manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ex vivo specimen testing is used to measure mechanical properties, then testing can be performed with controlled loads, but the biochemical state and mechanical properties do not accurately reflect in vivo conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical testing machines with a portable testing device that can be directly applied to the foot in clinical settings. The detection probe with force sensor and displacement sensor substitutes the complex mechanical loading system, enabling direct in vivo measurement of plantar soft tissue mechanical properties while maintaining the accuracy needed for scientific analysis.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If imaging methods are used for non-invasive in vivo measurement, then radiation hazards are avoided, but the data are discrete and difficult to process mathematically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous dynamic measurement through periodic loading and unloading cycles. The detection probe continuously records force-displacement data during foot movement, providing continuous mechanical property data that can be mathematically processed to calculate viscoelastic parameters, eliminating the discrete data limitation of imaging methods.
3Measurement precision
If single-pulse indentation tests are performed to obtain force-displacement curves, then in vivo measurement is achieved, but the results differ significantly from dynamic periodic stress-strain relationships required for viscoelastic analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic loading and unloading cycles through the detection probe that applies repeated compressive forces to the plantar soft tissue during foot movement. This periodic action generates dynamic stress-strain curves that capture the viscoelastic behavior of the tissue, enabling calculation of storage modulus and loss modulus similar to traditional DMA analysis but in an in vivo setting.
4Adaptability or versatility
If actuating mechanisms are mounted on motion modules to select different testing points, then versatility is improved, but the precision and stability of the equipment are affected and the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the foot sole into multiple predefined testing regions (heel, midfoot, forefoot) with specific detection points. The detection probe can be positioned at these segmented locations, providing versatility for testing different plantar areas while maintaining precision by eliminating complex motion modules and actuating mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a multi-dimensional broad-spectrum clinical in-situ testing equipment designed to evaluate the material properties of plantar soft tissue. The equipment comprises the following features: 1. A testing table with a designated area corresponding to the sole of the foot; 2. A vertical reciprocating stress-strain testing unit mounted on the testing table, for applying vertical tensile and compressive stresses to the plantar and measuring the stress-strain responses; 3. A shear stress-strain testing unit, mounted on the testing table, for applying shear stresses to the plantar and measuring the stress-strain responses; 4. A torque stress-strain detection unit, positioned on the testing stage, for applying torque to the plantar and measuring the stress-strain responses; 5. A lifting mechanism that facilitates the vertical movement of the three testing units. In conclusion, the device is capable of multi-dimensional detection of the mechanical properties of plantar and features a compact structure and easy portability.