Posture Measuring Device for Forward Head Posture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring forward head posture in clinical settings are often subjective and inaccurate, with common tools like flexible rulers and digital photography not frequently used due to inconsistency and inaccuracy, despite their potential for accurate measurement.
Innovation Solution
A posture measuring device comprising a first elongated member, a second elongated member rigidly attached at a right-angle, and a moveable third elongated member that can be slidably positioned to measure the displacement of the skull from the vertical axis, providing a numerical measurement of forward head posture through a scale on the moveable member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flexible rulers or digital photography are used to measure forward head posture, then the measurement can be obtained quickly, but the measurement accuracy and consistency deteriorate due to subjectivity and inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual estimation and imprecise mechanical tools (flexible rulers, digital photography) with an objective digital imaging system. The system uses a camera to capture images and automatically calculates forward head posture measurements through image processing algorithms, eliminating human subjectivity while maintaining quick measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the patient's head and neck posture through photography, then analyzes this copy computationally to determine forward head posture. This allows repeated measurements from the same image without requiring multiple physical measurements, improving both efficiency and consistency.
2Measurement precision
If radiographs or computer tomography are used to measure forward head posture, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the device and procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple, inexpensive digital camera instead of expensive and complex radiographic or CT imaging equipment. The camera captures sufficient data for forward head posture measurement without requiring the sophisticated hardware and radiation-based systems of medical imaging devices, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining adequate measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for forward head posture measurement (two-dimensional positional relationships of anatomical landmarks) from the imaging process, rather than using full radiographic or CT systems that provide comprehensive but unnecessarily complex data. This simplifies the measurement approach while maintaining accuracy for the specific purpose.
3Ease of operation
If subjective descriptions are used to document forward head posture, then the documentation process is simple and quick, but the reliability and accuracy deteriorate due to inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human judgment and description with an automated computational system that objectively measures forward head posture from images. The system automatically identifies anatomical landmarks, calculates measurements, and generates consistent results, eliminating inter-rater and intra-rater variability inherent in subjective documentation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides objective visual and numerical feedback about forward head posture measurements, allowing patients and clinicians to see precise quantified results rather than relying on subjective descriptions. This feedback mechanism improves reliability by providing consistent, measurable data that can be tracked over time.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are embodiments of a posture measuring device for determining the forward head posture of a patient. Forward head posture (FHP) is the anterior positioning of the cervical spine that is caused by sleeping with the head elevated, extended use of computers and cellphones, lack of developed back muscle strength and lack of nutrients such as calcium. This deformation is associated with headaches, neck pain, thoracic spine pain and symptoms of pain, parastesia or numbness in the upper extremities. The device of the disclosure provides a numerical measurement of the displacement of the skull from the vertical as defined by a datum between the two most posterior points of a patient's spine.