Pull-String Limb Circumference Measurement for Lymphedema Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack an easy-to-use device for measuring limb circumference and compliance to detect lymphedema, which is often delayed in cancer patients, and require manual lymph drainage by trained professionals, incurring high labor costs and limiting treatment accessibility.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a pull string module with a surrounding component, a first measurement module to measure limb length, and a second measurement module to determine circumference, using optical motion sensors or angle detectors to continuously and simultaneously measure limb parameters, which can be integrated with a computing device for data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual lymph drainage is performed by trained professionals, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but labor cost increases and treatment accessibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform self-lymphatic drainage using a specially designed device with rollers and compression elements. The device guides the patient's hand movements along the limb to manually stimulate lymph flow, eliminating the need for trained professionals while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical device as an intermediary between the patient and the lymphatic system. The device includes rollers, compression elements, and guiding structures that translate simple hand movements into effective lymphatic drainage, making professional-grade therapy accessible to patients at home.
2Reliability
If lymphedema is detected at late stage, then treatment difficulty increases, but early detection requires continuous monitoring which is not available with existing technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring of limb circumference through a device that can be worn on the limb. The measurement system continuously tracks changes in limb size, allowing for real-time detection of lymphedema development without requiring periodic visits to medical facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex medical imaging and diagnostic equipment with a simple mechanical measurement system. Using encoders and rollers to measure limb circumference transforms a complex medical monitoring task into a simple, continuous, and reliable mechanical measurement process.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement points are taken manually, then measurement thoroughness improves, but measurement time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a roller with an encoder that continuously measures limb circumference as it moves along the limb. This continuous measurement approach captures data at multiple points automatically, providing thorough measurement coverage without requiring manual intervention at each measurement location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement techniques with an automated mechanical system. The roller-based measurement device with encoder automatically records circumference data as it rolls along the limb, eliminating the need for manual measurement and calculation while providing more comprehensive data coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus for measurement of a limb circumference, comprising a pull string module, a first measurement module and a second measurement module. The pull string module comprises a surrounding component, wherein the surrounding component comprises an encircling part disposed around a limb of an individual; the first measurement module is disposed at the pull string module and moves alone the longitudinal axis of the limb and meanwhile measures the length of the limb; and the second measurement module measures the length of the encircling part simultaneously when the first measurement module move alone the limb, so as to determine the correlation between the limb length and the limb circumference. The present invention further provides a device including two or more apparatuses of the present invention to measure the limb compliance and to be used in the treatment of lymphedema.