Automated Robotic Palpation for Diabetic Neuropathy Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing neuropathy in diabetic patients, such as monofilament testing, are prone to inter-investigation variation due to inconsistent pressure application and limited spatial coverage, making it difficult to accurately detect nerve degradation and compare results over time.
Innovation Solution
An automated system using a robotic device with actuating elements and sensors to systematically apply pressure across a larger array of points on the foot, allowing for precise force control and data recording for consistent and accurate neuropathy assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated robotic device is used to systematically apply pressure, then measurement precision and consistency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of monofilament testing with an automated robotic system. The robotic device uses actuators to precisely control the application of force at multiple foot locations, eliminating human variability in pressure application and enabling systematic, repeatable measurements across numerous test points that would be impractical to test manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates force sensors and position sensors that automatically monitor and record the applied force and location during testing. This self-measuring capability ensures consistent force application and automatic documentation of test parameters, improving measurement precision without requiring additional manual calibration or measurement steps.
2Measurement precision
If more palpation points are tested, then detection accuracy of nerve degradation is improved, but time required for testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device continuously moves between test points on the foot without interruption, systematically applying pressure and recording results at each location. This continuous automated operation allows testing of numerous points (significantly more than the traditional 7-10 points) to be completed efficiently, improving detection accuracy while minimizing additional testing time through uninterrupted systematic coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its testing protocol based on preliminary results, allowing it to concentrate measurements in areas showing signs of neuropathy while efficiently covering the entire foot surface. This dynamic adaptation enables comprehensive testing of multiple points without linearly increasing total testing time, as the system optimizes its path and focus areas in real-time.
3Ease of operation
If manual monofilament testing is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability of test results deteriorates due to inter-investigation variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual monofilament testing with an automated robotic system that precisely controls force application. The robotic actuators apply consistent, predetermined forces at each test point, eliminating the inter-investigator variability inherent in manual testing where different clinicians apply different pressures. This substitution maintains operational simplicity from the user perspective while dramatically improving result reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates force sensors that provide real-time feedback on the applied pressure, ensuring that the predetermined force is accurately delivered at each test point. This feedback mechanism automatically compensates for any variations in actuator performance or positioning, maintaining force consistency across all tests and eliminating the need for manual calibration that would complicate operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention teaches a system for the automated palpation testing of a patient, including the use of a robotic device with a actuating element thereto. The system is useful for testing patients at risk of nerve degradation, such as diabetic sufferers. The system includes a controller for programming the robotic device to administer the test in a particular pattern, and a storage medium for storing the results of the test. The system allows a more accurate determination of the stage of nerve degradation, as well as being more standardized because of the inclusion of automation technology.