Automated TUG Test Chair with Force Threshold Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests lack standardized equipment for accurate and reliable measurement of mobility, which can lead to inconsistent results due to variations in chair height and force application, affecting the assessment of physical performance in older adults.
Innovation Solution
A chair equipped with a seat portion, base portion, support element, force sensor, timer, and processor that allows for adjustable seat height and automatic timing based on force thresholds, ensuring standardized performance testing by initiating and ceasing the timer accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual timing with a stop-watch is used, then the test can be administered, but measurement precision and reliability are reduced due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual stop-watch timing system with an automated electronic timing system. Force sensors detect when the patient rises from and returns to the chair, automatically triggering the timer through a processor. This eliminates human reaction time errors and provides precise, objective measurement of the TUG test duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing system is self-activating through force threshold detection. When the force sensor detects that the patient has risen from the chair (force exceeds threshold), the timer automatically starts. When the patient returns to the chair (force drops below threshold), the timer automatically stops. This eliminates the need for manual intervention and ensures consistent timing execution.
2Reliability
If standardized chair height is not enforced, then the test is easier to administer, but measurement reliability decreases due to variations in chair height affecting performance
Solution Approach 1:
The chair incorporates an adjustable height mechanism that allows the seat portion to be positioned at standardized heights. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures that the chair meets standardized requirements for different patient populations while maintaining ease of setup through a simple adjustment procedure rather than requiring multiple fixed-height chairs.
3Extent of automation
If force threshold detection is implemented, then automated timing can be achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor serves multiple functions: it detects when the patient rises from the chair to start timing, detects when the patient returns to stop timing, and can potentially provide feedback on patient effort and technique. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the sensor while maximizing its utility throughout the testing process.
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 solution enables precise and consistent measurement of mobility by standardizing the TUG test, providing accurate time intervals and reducing human error, thus improving the reliability of physical performance assessments in older adults.
Implementation Method 1
A force sensor can be operatively coupled to one of the seat portion, the base portion, and the support element. The force sensor can be configured to produce an output signal indicative of the force applied to the force sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A chair enabling standardized performance testing under Timed Up and Go procedures. The chair has a seat portion, a base portion, a support element, a force sensor, a timer, and a processor. The processor initiates timing of the standardized performance test in response to receiving an output signal corresponding to a force value less than or equal to a minimum threshold force. The processor ceases timing of the standardized performance test in response to receiving an output signal corresponding to a force greater than or equal to a maximum threshold force. The processor determines a time interval of the standardized performance test based upon the output of the timer.