Standing Posture Measuring Device with Laser Rulers and Weight Scales
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring shoulder inclination, pelvic tilt in both frontal and sagittal planes, leg length discrepancy, and weight bearing differences are either invasive, time-consuming, require extensive training, or are not suitable for all body types, lacking a minimally invasive, global static postural analysis in one static standing position.
Innovation Solution
A standing posture measuring device with a base, vertical side poles, weight scales, adjustable bars for shoulder and pelvic inclination instruments, and laser rulers for leg length measurement, allowing for simultaneous measurement of shoulder inclination, pelvic tilt, leg length discrepancy, and weight bearing differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiographic method is used for measuring pelvic tilt, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to harmful radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radiographic method with a mechanical measurement system using a caliper-based inclinometer (PALM) that measures pelvic tilt through direct physical contact with anatomical landmarks. This substitution eliminates harmful radiation exposure while providing accurate measurement of pelvic tilt angles through mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a caliper-based inclinometer as an intermediary measuring device that bridges the gap between the patient's anatomy and the measurement system. The device uses contact points at the iliac crests and ASIS to mechanically determine pelvic tilt angles without requiring radiation exposure.
2Measurement precision
If trigonometric method is used for measuring pelvic tilt, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases as it takes up to 20 minutes to obtain angles for both sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming trigonometric calculation method with a direct mechanical measurement system. The caliper-based inclinometer provides immediate readout of pelvic tilt angles through physical measurement, eliminating the need for complex trigonometric calculations and reducing measurement time from up to 20 minutes to a fraction of that time.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device performs self-measurement by directly contacting anatomical landmarks and providing automatic readout. The system requires minimal operator intervention and automatically calculates the pelvic tilt angles based on the physical measurements taken, streamlining the process and reducing time loss.
3Ease of operation
If PALM is mounted around therapist's neck, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to changing posture of the therapist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into separate components: the caliper-based inclinometer is held in one hand for measurement, while the other hand positions the contact points on the patient's anatomy. This segmentation allows the therapist to maintain a stable posture and prevents the measurement device from moving with the therapist's body movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a stable reference frame through the use of contact points at fixed anatomical landmarks (iliac crests and ASIS). These landmarks serve as intermediaries that provide a stable basis for measurement, isolating the measurement system from the therapist's body movements and maintaining measurement precision.
4Ease of operation
If wearable measuring tool surrounding upper body is used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as it is not suitable for all body types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the measurement system to be universally applicable to all body types by using anatomical landmarks (acromion processes, iliac crests, ASIS) that are present in all humans regardless of body shape or size. The caliper-based inclinometer and adjustable positioning system can accommodate various body types, making the device universally suitable for all patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable and movable components in the measurement system, including adjustable contact points and repositionable measurement devices. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to different body types and configurations, maintaining both ease of operation and broad adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A standing posture measuring device provides a comprehensive objective analysis of the standing posture of a patient by measuring shoulder inclination, pelvic tilt in both frontal and sagittal planes, leg length discrepancy, and the difference in weight bearing of each leg. The device includes a base with two vertical side poles extending upward therefrom. The poles include electronic rulers for measuring leg lengths, while the base includes a weight scale for each foot for measuring a difference in weight bearing. The poles also support a shoulder inclination instrument and a pelvic inclination instrument that measures both lateral pelvic tilt and the angle of pelvis tilt in the sagittal plane.