Portable Isometric Neck Strength Measurement for Reliable Clinical Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional neck strength assessment devices are impractical for clinical settings due to their high cost and non-portability, and portable systems lack standardization and reliability, leading to inconsistent data.

Innovation Solution

A portable isometric neck strength assessment system comprising a tension measurement device, anchor line, and head strap, which generates and wirelessly transmits neck strength measurements, enabling reliable and consistent data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fixed-frame dynamometry is used for neck strength assessment, then measurement reliability is improved, but portability and cost-effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed-frame dynamometry system is segmented into portable components: a headgear assembly, a force sensing assembly, and a data processing unit. This allows the measurement functionality to be separated from the fixed frame structure, enabling portability while maintaining measurement reliability through standardized sensor components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A force sensing assembly acts as an intermediary between the user's neck and the measurement system. This intermediary component standardizes the force transmission path, ensuring reliable measurements while allowing the system to be detached and transported as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional fixed-frame dynamometry is used for neck strength assessment, then measurement reliability is improved, but device cost deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses affordable force sensing components and electronic sensors that can be mass-produced at lower cost compared to traditional dynamometry systems. While individual sensor components may have limited durability, their low replacement cost and ease of integration maintain overall system reliability without requiring expensive construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical linkages and complex mechanical force transmission mechanisms are replaced with electronic force sensors and digital signal processing. This substitution dramatically reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining or improving measurement reliability through electronic calibration and data processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If portable hand-held systems are used for neck strength assessment, then portability is improved, but measurement reliability and standardization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The force sensing assembly is designed as a universal interface that can be used across different assessment scenarios and user populations. Standardized mounting protocols and calibration procedures ensure that the same measurement principles apply regardless of the specific clinical setting or user group, maintaining reliability while preserving portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automated calibration routines that adjust measurement parameters based on individual user characteristics and testing conditions. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures standardized, reliable measurements across different portable usage scenarios without requiring complex manual calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system provides reliable and portable neck strength assessments, achieving over 90% effectiveness in four planes of motion, supporting rehabilitation and risk mitigation protocols.

Implementation Method 1

A tension measurement can then be generated in response to the input

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS12478306B2Portable isometric neck assessment system and method

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 THE UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA AT WILMINGTON

AI summary

A portable isometric neck assessment system and method is provided, comprising an isometric neck strength device comprising a measurement component, an anchor line for connecting the isometric neck strength device to a stationary object, and a tension line for connecting the isometric neck strength device to a head strap. Based on an isometric neck movement of a user, the system can generate and record a strength measurement associated with the isometric neck movement of the user, and further wirelessly transmit the strength measurement to an application or storage system.