Sensorized Bead-Wire Toy for Pediatric Dexterity Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand function tests in children are inadequate as they fail to provide a sensitive, objective, and time-efficient assessment of hand dexterity, particularly in detecting subtle deficiencies and changes post-clinical treatment, due to their reliance on time-based measures that do not account for the forces exerted on objects and are often unsuitable for children with short attention spans or varying cognitive and physical abilities.
Innovation Solution
A hand function testing device featuring a base with rigid wires and moving beads, equipped with force sensing elements to measure dynamic forces and time-based performance, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of precision force control and adaptation to different difficulty levels, with configurations varying in wire shape and bead positioning to accommodate diverse abilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional time-based dexterity tests are used, then the test can be administered quickly, but the test fails to provide objective quantification of force control quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional observational and time-based assessment methods with force sensing elements that directly measure digital forces. This substitution transforms subjective qualitative assessments into objective quantitative force measurements, enabling precise measurement of force control quality while maintaining efficient test administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces force sensing elements as intermediaries between the child's digits and the test object. These sensors act as mediators that capture force information without requiring complex test procedures or extensive practitioner expertise, thereby providing objective force measurements efficiently.
2Ease of operation
If conventional qualitative assessment tests are used, then the test is easy to administer, but the test fails to quantify the quality of manual performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces qualitative observational assessment with quantitative force sensing technology. The force sensing elements automatically capture and measure digital forces, eliminating the need for subjective practitioner interpretation while providing precise objective data on manual performance quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensing elements perform self-measurement of digital forces during natural interaction with the test object. The system automatically captures force data without requiring additional practitioner intervention or complex scoring procedures, thereby maintaining ease of administration while enabling precise quantification.
3Measurement precision
If laboratory-based force measurement tests are used, then force control can be quantified, but the test requires extensive instructions and practice time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified version of laboratory-based force measurement that captures essential force control information through a familiar toy-like interface. The bead-wire-bell configuration replicates key measurement functions in a child-friendly format that requires minimal instruction, eliminating the need for extensive practice while maintaining force quantification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the complexity parameters of force measurement tests by using simple geometric shapes (beads and wires) and familiar interactions (ringing bells) instead of complex laboratory apparatus. This parameter change reduces the cognitive and motor learning requirements while preserving the ability to quantify force control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dexterity tests are used, then the test can be administered to children, but the test lacks sensitivity to detect subtle deficiencies and changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces insensitive observational and time-based measures with force sensing technology that directly measures digital forces. This substitution provides sensitive detection of subtle force control deficiencies and changes in pediatric populations while maintaining applicability to children through the use of engaging toy-like materials.
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 device provides a sensitive and objective assessment of hand function, capable of detecting deviations from age norms, with high interrater reliability and engagement for children, offering a more informative and efficient evaluation of hand dexterity compared to conventional tests.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force sensing element for measuring a force input to the moving bead while the moving bead is moved within the working region of the rigid wire
Data Source
AI summary
A hand function testing device includes a base having a number of rigid wires protruding from a surface thereof, each rigid wire having a stationary bead affixed at a predetermined position along the rigid wire, a moving bead movably mounted on the rigid wire and movable along a working region of the rigid wire defined between a base-end of the rigid wire and the stationary bead, the moving bead being mounted on the rigid wire via reception of the rigid wire through a lumen in the moving bead, and at least one force sensing element for measuring a force input to the moving bead. A method of testing hand function includes using the hand function testing device to measure a force input to a moving bead as the moving bead is moved within a working region on the rigid wire.