Portable Connected IMU for Objective Elbow Pronation and Supination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical tools lack the ability to objectively quantify rapid alternating movements (RAM) of the elbow for pronation and supination, particularly for diagnosing neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease and cerebellar disorders, and existing devices interfere with measurements due to patient interaction, making results subjective and impractical for routine use outside research settings.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with an IMU and blocking mechanisms for elbow pronation and supination movements, allowing quantification of movement frequency and acceleration profiles over two amplitudes, and a connected system for data processing and visualization to distinguish between healthy and parkinsonian movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a device is used to measure pronation and supination movements, then movement quantification is possible, but the patient's finger pressure to hold the device interferes with measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical holding system with a magnetic field-based attachment system. The device uses a magnet to attach to the patient's finger, eliminating the need for mechanical gripping structures that require finger pressure. This substitution of mechanical attachment with magnetic attachment resolves the contradiction by enabling accurate measurement without requiring the patient to exert finger pressure to hold the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element between the device and the patient's finger. This magnetic intermediary enables attachment without direct mechanical contact or pressure application, allowing the device to be held securely while eliminating the interference caused by finger muscle tension on the measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If cumbersome machinery is used to measure dysdiadochokinesia, then precise measurements are obtained, but the equipment is unrealistic for routine clinic practice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into separate functional components: a portable sensing device that attaches to the patient's finger, a magnetic attachment mechanism, and a data processing system. This segmentation allows the core measurement function to be extracted from cumbersome laboratory machinery and implemented in a compact, portable form factor suitable for routine clinical practice while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the laboratory measurement system that captures the essential measurement function without the bulk and complexity of the original equipment. By copying only the critical sensing and attachment functions and implementing them with modern miniaturized components, the system achieves laboratory-grade measurement capability in a portable clinical device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If subjective clinical assessment is used for dysdiadochokinesia, then clinical judgment is applied, but objective quantification is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an objective feedback system that provides quantitative measurement data to complement clinical judgment. The device measures and records movement parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and symmetry of pronation-supination movements, providing objective feedback that enhances clinical assessment while preserving the adaptability of clinical diagnostic reasoning.
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 objective quantification and early diagnosis of neurological disorders by measuring acceleration peaks and comparing movement profiles, guiding clinicians in distinguishing between different disorders and providing feedback for rehabilitation.
Implementation Method 1
an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) able to measure movement data
Data Source
AI summary
A portable device (1) for quantifying movements of pronation and/or supination of a person, and intended to be used when the person has the elbow on a horizontal support, comprising: a solid armature (2) with: means for attaching (4), configured to secure one hand of the person in the device (1); a central pivot element (5) intended to be in contact with the horizontal support, during the angular oscillations of the hand, between two opposed identical “first block angles” relative to a vertical position called “neutral position”, the “first block angles” defining a “small amplitude”, first means for blocking (8) the movement of pronation and the movement of supination of the elbow, at the two “first block angles”; second means for blocking (9) the movement of pronation and the movement of supination, at two identical opposed “second block angles” relative to the neutral position, between the solid armature (2) relative to the horizontal support, the “second block angles” defining a “large amplitude” greater than the “small amplitude”; an IMU (3) able to measure movement data.