Wearable Goniometer Alignment for Reproducible Joint Angle Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing goniometers for measuring joint angles during physical therapy suffer from inaccuracies due to variable attachment locations by clinicians, affecting reproducibility and accuracy of measurements.

Innovation Solution

A wearable goniometer system with adhesive attachments and magnetic coupling to limbs proximal to the joint, featuring a center hub and rotatable arms, along with a sensor and alignment device for precise alignment and measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a standard goniometer is used with manual attachment by clinicians, then the device can measure joint angles, but the measurement accuracy and reproducibility deteriorate due to variable attachment locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint angle measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reproducibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The goniometer is divided into separate modular components: a wearable body portion with adhesive straps and a removable measurement portion with arms. This segmentation allows the body portion to remain consistently attached while the measurement portion can be independently positioned and secured, ensuring consistent attachment locations and improving measurement reproducibility across different clinicians and sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The goniometer body portion is pre-configured with adhesive straps that are attached to the patient's body before the measurement session. This preliminary action ensures that the attachment locations are standardized and consistent before the actual measurement takes place, eliminating variability in attachment positioning that would otherwise affect measurement accuracy and reproducibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the goniometer is manually attached and positioned by different clinicians, then the device can be used for measurement, but the accuracy of repeated measurements deteriorates due to clinician experience and positioning variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint angle measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement setup simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The goniometer is designed to be self-aligning through its modular construction and magnetic or mechanical coupling mechanisms. The body portion automatically positions itself on the patient's body through adhesive straps, and the measurement portion self-aligns with the joint center, reducing the skill level required for accurate positioning and making the device easier to operate consistently across different users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary alignment mechanism, such as a magnetic alignment feature or a mechanical alignment pin, is introduced between the body portion and the measurement portion. This intermediary element facilitates accurate positioning and alignment without requiring extensive clinician expertise, thereby improving both measurement accuracy and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the goniometer uses fixed attachment methods, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different patients and joint locations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment location flexibilityVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism transitions from fixed to dynamic, allowing the goniometer to adapt to different patients and joint locations. The adhesive straps can be applied to various body parts, and the modular arms can be configured in different positions, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through the use of standard adhesive and mechanical connection methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances measurement accuracy up to a hundredth of a degree by ensuring consistent attachment and alignment, reducing variability and improving reproducibility of joint angle measurements.

Implementation Method 1

a coupling apparatus configured to be adhesively attached to a limb portion proximal to the joint of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

The first outer end of the first arm may, by a magnetic attachment, be removably attachable to the coupling apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attachment: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20250359776A1Wearable device for coupling to a user, and measuring and monitoring user activity

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 ROM TECH INC

AI summary

A system for measuring an angle of a joint of a user includes a coupling apparatus configured to be adhesively attached to a limb portion proximal to the joint of the user, and a goniometer device. The goniometer device includes: a center hub, a first arm having a first inner end attached to the center hub and a first outer end opposite the first inner end, and a second arm having a second inner end attached to the center hub and a second outer end opposite the second inner end. The first outer end of the first arm is removably attachable to the coupling apparatus by a magnetic attachment.