Trunk Area Dimension Measurement Device Using Pivotable Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trunk area dimension measurement devices are large-scale, complex, and costly, making them unsuitable for household use and daily visceral fat mass measurement.
Innovation Solution
A compact trunk area dimension measurement device that includes a support column, a pivotable measurement bar with a distance sensor and angle sensor, and a control unit to measure trunk area width and depth, along with a contact detection unit and optical sensor for accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large-scale measurement devices that surround the trunk area are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device size and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device is segmented into a measurement unit with distance sensors and an angle sensor unit, which can be positioned separately and whose data are integrated computationally to achieve accurate trunk area measurements without requiring a large surrounding structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional surface measurement approach to a three-dimensional spatial measurement approach by using angle sensors to determine the inclination of the measurement bar and distance sensors to measure vertical distances, enabling accurate volume and area calculations from point measurements
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex measurement devices with many operating units are used, then measurement functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement bar serves multiple functions: it supports the distance sensor, acts as a reference for angle measurement, and provides a structural framework for the measurement unit, reducing the need for separate components and lowering manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the distance measurement function and angle measurement function into an integrated measurement system where the measurement bar and sensors work together as a unified device, reducing the number of separate operating units and simplifying manufacturing
3Measurement precision
If X-ray CT is used for visceral fat measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the X-ray imaging system with a mechanical measurement system using distance sensors and angle sensors to measure trunk area dimensions, which are then used in computational models to estimate visceral fat mass without exposing the subject to radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces trunk area dimension measurements as an intermediary parameter that links external physical measurements to internal visceral fat mass estimation through computational algorithms, avoiding direct imaging of internal organs
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 cost-effective, simple, and compact solution for measuring trunk area dimensions, enabling accurate calculation of visceral fat mass without the need for large equipment, reducing radiation exposure, and facilitating household use.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor (103) used as the distance sensor; when measuring the trunk area width and the trunk area depth of the measurement subject, the control unit obtains information on a distance between the optical sensor and the light reflection portion obtained based on information obtained from the optical sensor in a state in which light emitted from the optical sensor is reflected at the light reflection portion and returns to the optical sensor
Implementation Method 2
an angle sensor that is provided at either one of the first support point and the second support point; processes information on an inclination angle of the measurement bar with respect to a vertical direction that is obtained from the angle sensor
Implementation Method 3
a distance sensor that is held by the measurement bar positioned above the trunk area of the measurement subject
Data Source
AI summary
The trunk area dimension measurement device includes a light reflection portion to be placed at a position of a navel of the measurement subject, a contact portion to be placed on a side surface of the measurement subject's trunk area, a support column having a contact detection unit that detects the contact with the contact portion and that extends in the vertical direction, a measurement bar that is supported pivotably about a first support point vertically with respect to the support column and that extends above the measurement subject's trunk area, an optical sensor that is held by the measurement bar positioned above the measurement subject's trunk area and that is held pivotably about a second support point so as to hang down in a gravity direction, and an angle sensor that is provided at either one of the first support point and the second support point.