Smart Shirt Lumbar Spine Sensor Placement and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lumbar spine motion analysis devices are limited by the lack of anatomical and clinical knowledge, inaccurate sensor positioning, and insufficient reflection of sacrolumbar spine motion, leading to ineffective prevention and treatment of lumbar spine pain.
Innovation Solution
A smart shirt system incorporating two attitude heading reference system (AHRS) sensors positioned on the thoracic and sacral portions, with a control unit that analyzes lumbar spine motion and adjusts the stiffness of a belt using an electrical adhesive clutch to provide feedback and assist lumbar spine stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to monitor spine posture, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function by using a single tri-axial accelerometer to measure lumbar spine motion, rather than using multiple sensors. The accelerometer captures acceleration data along three axes (x, y, z) which is then processed to derive posture and motion information, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor systems with an electrical accelerometer-based system. By using digital sensors and electronic processing to analyze acceleration data and calculate posture angles, the system achieves precise measurement with lower power consumption compared to traditional mechanical inclination sensors or multiple physical sensors.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a single sensor is used to measure posture, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to capture relative motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using acceleration data from the accelerometer to calculate velocity and position through integration over time. This dynamic processing allows a single sensor to capture relative motion and posture changes by analyzing the temporal changes in acceleration, thereby achieving precise relative motion measurement without requiring multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial measurement (using multiple sensors at different positions) to temporal measurement (using a single sensor over time). By sampling acceleration data at multiple time points and integrating the data, the system derives posture and motion information in the time dimension, allowing a single sensor to provide comprehensive motion analysis.
3Device complexity
If sensors are positioned without anatomical knowledge, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by incorporating anatomical positioning guidance directly into the device. The smart shirt includes markers or guides that automatically indicate where to place the accelerometer on the lower back, eliminating the need for users to have anatomical knowledge. This ensures precise sensor positioning while keeping the device simple to use.
4Stability of the object's composition
If strong support intensity is applied for long period, then lumbar spine stability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to muscle atrophy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by providing intermittent support through the smart shirt rather than continuous strong support. The system monitors posture in real-time and provides corrective feedback or support only when poor posture is detected, allowing muscles to remain active during proper posture periods. This periodic intervention maintains lumbar stability while preventing muscle atrophy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the accelerometer to continuously monitor lumbar spine posture and providing real-time feedback to the user through haptic vibration or visual alerts when poor posture is detected. This feedback loop enables users to self-correct their posture, maintaining lumbar stability through active user engagement rather than passive strong support, thereby preventing muscle atrophy.
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
This system enables accurate analysis of lumbar spine health, enhances rehabilitation treatment, reduces measurement errors, and increases usability by providing quantitative indices for clinically important motions while preventing muscle atrophy through adjustable support.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical adhesive clutch including a pair of clutch plates provided on the belt and generating an attractive force attached to each other by an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
Smart shirts for assisting lumbar spine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a clothing body worn by a user; a sensor unit that includes a first sensor and a second sensor provided on a rear surface of the clothing body and disposed in a thoracic portion and a sacral portion, respectively, to measure a motion of the lumbar spine; a control unit that analyzes an operation state of the lumbar spine based on a measurement value of the sensor unit; and a band portion that is worn on the clothing body and surrounds the waist.