Scoliometer with Encoder Rollers for Spinal Curvature Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting scoliosis and kyphosis are inaccurate and reproducible, requiring significant training and manual data entry, and do not effectively characterize spinal deformities, especially in early stages, leading to potential need for more aggressive treatments.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device with an inclinometer, secured within a supporting structure featuring rollers with encoders and additional sensors, allows for accurate measurement of spinal deformities by tracking deviations from a reference plane, providing data for preliminary diagnosis and user feedback on proper device use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a scoliometer is used to measure spinal curvature, then measurement capability is provided, but the device requires considerable training and manual data entry, reducing ease of operation and reproducibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal curvature measurementVSAvoiddevice operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical scoliometer system with an electronic sensor-based system. The supporting structure incorporates electronic sensors that automatically detect and record spinal curvature measurements, eliminating the need for manual reading and entry of data. This substitution of mechanical measurement with electronic sensing directly improves ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs self-measurement and self-recording functions. The supporting structure with integrated sensors automatically captures measurement data without requiring operator intervention for data entry or interpretation. The system serves itself by autonomously completing the measurement workflow, reducing training requirements and improving reproducibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If mobile devices with accelerometers are used for measurement, then ease of operation improves, but lack of proper use verification reduces measurement precision and reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice operationVSAvoidspinal curvature measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting structure incorporates sensors that provide feedback to verify proper device placement and orientation during measurement. The system monitors whether the mobile device is correctly positioned on the patient's spine and provides real-time feedback to ensure accurate measurements. This feedback mechanism maintains measurement precision while preserving the ease of operation provided by mobile devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting structure pre-configures the mobile device in the correct orientation and position before measurement begins. The device includes pre-programmed measurement protocols and automatic positioning features that ensure proper use before data collection starts. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for operator training while guaranteeing measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If traditional manual measurement methods are used, then device complexity remains low, but productivity and early detection capability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement systemVSAvoiddetection speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting structure integrates multiple functions into a single device: it provides structural support for the mobile device, incorporates sensors for automatic measurement, includes encoders for tracking device position, and enables data recording and analysis. This multi-functionality increases productivity and early detection capability while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through integration rather than multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the mobile device, supporting structure, sensors, and encoders into an integrated measurement system. By merging these components, the system achieves high productivity through automated measurements and early detection capabilities, while the complexity is managed through the unified design rather than separate complex subsystems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If automated measurement devices are implemented, then productivity and accuracy improve, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting structure acts as an intermediary between the simple mobile device and the complex measurement tasks. It provides the necessary sensors, encoders, and structural framework to enable automated measurement, while keeping the mobile device itself simple and inexpensive. This intermediary approach allows high productivity and accuracy without requiring the entire system to be complex and expensive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides inexpensive, accurate, and reproducible methods for early detection of spinal deformities, enabling less invasive treatments and supporting telemedicine applications with wide adoption potential.

Implementation Method 1

The lower portion can include at least one, but preferably two or more rollers or wheels, with an encoder (e.g., optical, mechanical, and/or magnetic encoder) that provides data related to their rotation, thereby providing a measure of distance travelled

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEncoder:

Implementation Method 2

these devices typically include accelerometers that can provide accurate tilt or incline measurements and allow it to act as an inclinometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInclinometer:

Data Source

PatentUS11096623B2Systems and methods for evaluation of scoliosis and kyphosis

Publication Date: 2021.08.24 AVALON SPINECARE HK LTD

AI summary

Devices, systems, and methods for characterizing a condition of spinal deformities are contemplated. Mobile devices that incorporate inclinometers or accelerometers are held securely in a supporting structure. Supporting structures can include features that secure the mobile device in an upper portion and a lower portion that includes at least one roller, and a centrally placed notch dimensioned to permit the assembled device to span the width of a typical human spinal column. The roller includes an encoder that provides a measure of distance travelled as the device rolls. The support device can include additional features, such as additional sensors that are accessible by the mobile device, a centrally placed guide that can be used to keep the assembled device in alignment during use, and supplementary battery power for the mobile device.