Remote Force Application With Feedback for Precise Body Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack effective means for remotely controlling the application of forces to specific parts of the human body for healthcare purposes, such as muscle contraction and relaxation, without precise positioning and force adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A force application apparatus comprising sensors to detect applied forces, a control system to adjust and apply forces based on detected data, and a positioning mechanism to accurately position mechanical arms or actuators on the body, integrated with scanning and temperature sensing for real-time feedback and adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If remote control of force application is implemented, then accessibility to healthcare is improved, but precision in force application and positioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote accessibilityVSAvoidforce application precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback loops where sensors detect the actual force applied to the patient's body and this information is transmitted back to the control system. The control system then adjusts the actuators to achieve the desired force application, resolving the contradiction by enabling precise remote control through continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate components including sensors, transmitters, receivers, and control systems that act as mediators between the operator and the force application mechanism. These intermediaries enable precise remote control by translating operator intent into accurate force application despite the physical distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors and control systems are added for precise force application, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs components to perform multiple functions. For example, the control system not only receives sensor data but also processes it, generates control signals, and adjusts actuators. The sensors both detect force and provide feedback for control. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, managing complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If real-time feedback systems are implemented, then treatment efficacy is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment efficacyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic sampling of force data rather than continuous monitoring. The control system receives and processes sensor data at specific intervals, which reduces energy consumption compared to continuous real-time processing while still maintaining effective treatment through regular feedback and adjustment cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4681618A1A force application apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 LILLIPUT UK LTD
  • EP4681618A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4681618A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4681618A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A force application apparatus comprising receiving means configured to receive data comprising position and force data; force application means configured to apply a force to at least one part of a human body; and control means configured to control the force application means to apply force to at least one part of a human body based on the received position and force data.