Portable Dynamometer with Segmented Servomotor for Ambidextrous Rehabilitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dynamometry systems are large, heavy, and confined to rehabilitation or physical therapy clinics, limiting the ability to assess and rehabilitate muscle strength outside of these settings.
Innovation Solution
A portable dynamometer system comprising a base, a servomotor or actuator assembly, an embedded control system, and a physical human-machine interface that allows for ambidextrous and repeatable strength measurements, enabling operation on various surfaces and accommodating a wide anthropometric range, with adjustable straps and a distal limb attachment assembly for secure positioning and multiple degrees of freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing dynamometry systems are used, then measurement precision and reliability are maintained, but the systems become large, heavy, and confined to clinic settings
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamometry system is divided into separate functional modules: a base unit containing control electronics and a detachable servomotor assembly. This segmentation allows the system to be disassembled into lighter, more portable components while maintaining measurement capabilities, directly addressing the contradiction between portability and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The servomotor assembly is extracted as a separate, detachable component from the base unit. This extraction enables the system to be configured in different ways - the base can be used minimally, or the servomotor can be attached when full functionality is needed, reducing overall weight and improving portability while maintaining measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing dynamometry systems are used, then measurement reliability is maintained, but the systems are constrained to one location
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into a base unit and detachable servomotor assembly, the patent enables the system to be easily transported and configured in different locations. The modular design reduces the complexity of moving and reconfiguring the entire system, allowing reliable measurements in various settings including homes and clinics.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed to support multiple operational modes (isometric, isokinetic, passive) and can be used with different servomotor assemblies. This universality allows the same base unit to function in multiple locations and settings, enhancing location flexibility without increasing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the physical human-machine interface is made adjustable for large anthropometric range, then adaptability to different users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The physical human-machine interface incorporates adjustable components including movable straps and an adjustable ambidextrous distal limb attachment assembly. These dynamic adjustment mechanisms allow the interface to adapt to different user sizes and body types within a large anthropometric range. The adjustability is integrated into the overall design rather than adding separate complex subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal limb attachment assembly is designed to be ambidextrous and adjustable, serving multiple users with different anatomical dimensions. This universal design approach allows a single interface system to accommodate a large anthropometric range without requiring multiple specialized interfaces, thereby managing complexity while enhancing adaptability.
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 portable and repeatable muscle strength assessment and rehabilitation outside of clinics, accommodating various user sizes and providing exercise and rehabilitation capabilities through isokinetic, passive, and isometric modes, facilitating real-time data collection and display.
Implementation Method 1
a servomotor or actuator assembly, operatively connected to the base and readily detachable therefrom, for measuring positional values and torque values associated with motion of the human joint
Data Source
AI summary
A portable system for dynamometry, exercise, and rehabilitation comprises a base, a detachable servomotor assembly, an embedded control system, and a physical human-machine interface for securing a human limb into a stabilized position for use in a repeatable and ambidextrous manner. In another embodiment, the portable system includes a power source and a user interface subsystem for selecting operative modes and input parameters and for real-time processing, display, and storage of the values collected by the system during operation. In another embodiment, a method for determining strength of an isolated muscle group of a human joint is disclosed. The method includes the steps of mounting and securing a detachable servomotor assembly of a portable dynamometer upon a surface and securing the human joint to be tested into a stable position with an adjustable, ambidextrous distal limb attachment assembly for use of the portable dynamometer in a readily repeatable manner.