Walking Aid Step Detection Using Load and Motion Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rehabilitation programs for lower extremity injuries lack effective methods to accurately track patient compliance with prescribed weight-bearing targets when using walking aids like crutches, leading to potential misinterpretation of steps and incomplete recovery monitoring.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device comprising load sensors and motion sensors, connected to a processor, which detects and verifies steps taken with a walking aid by measuring load and movement thresholds, ensuring accurate recording of steps and compliance with rehabilitation programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple step detection methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates leading to false step interpretations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing modalities (load sensors and motion sensors) into a unified step detection system. The processor integrates data from both sensor types to verify steps, merging their complementary strengths to achieve higher accuracy than either sensor could provide alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts detection parameters including load thresholds, duration thresholds, and acceleration thresholds based on patient-specific rehabilitation targets and walking patterns. This adaptive parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain high measurement precision across different rehabilitation phases and patient characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and verification steps are implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verification process is segmented into distinct sequential stages: load detection phase, duration verification phase, and motion confirmation phase. Each stage independently validates specific aspects of step mechanics, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive verification through modular, manageable processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that receives raw data from multiple sensors, applies verification logic, and produces validated step indicators. This intermediary processing layer coordinates between the load sensors and motion sensors, integrating their outputs through defined verification criteria to reduce overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic threshold adjustment is implemented, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic thresholds that automatically adjust based on detected walking patterns, patient weight, and rehabilitation phase. Load thresholds and acceleration thresholds are not fixed but adapt in real-time to changing conditions, allowing the system to maintain optimal performance across diverse rehabilitation scenarios without manual reconfiguration.
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 precise monitoring of patient compliance, reducing false step interpretations and improving rehabilitation efficiency by accurately tracking weight-bearing activities, thus aiding in timely recovery.
Implementation Method 1
at least one load sensor configured to measure a load on the walking aid
Implementation Method 2
the motion sensor comprises an accelerometer and the movement threshold is a minimum acceleration threshold
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a method of detecting a step taken by a patient with a walking aid is disclosed. At least one load sensor detects a transitory positive load upon the walking aid having a maximum load value that exceeds a positive load threshold. A duration of the transitory positive load is measured. A verification is made that the measured duration of the transitory positive load upon falls within a range. The load sensor(s) and a motion sensor further detect an unweighted movement of the walking aid exceeding a movement threshold. A duration of the unweighted movement is measured. A further verification is made that the duration of the unweighted movement of the walking aid exceeds a minimum recovery phase duration threshold. Conditionally upon the detecting, the verifying, the further detecting, and the further verifying, an indicator of the step is stored in a non-transitory memory.