Wearable Joint-Angle Goniometer With Self-Aligning Pivot Arms
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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 device with a center hub and pivotally coupled arms, equipped with magnets and sensors, allows for precise alignment and measurement of joint angles, featuring adjustable attachments and a printed circuit board for enhanced accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standard goniometer is used with manual attachment by clinicians, then the device can measure joint angles, but the accuracy and reproducibility of measurements are compromised due to variable attachment locations
Solution Approach 1:
The goniometer device automatically aligns itself to the joint through the alignment mechanism with movable segments that self-adjust to the joint's anatomical landmarks, eliminating the need for clinician-dependent manual alignment and ensuring consistent, reproducible measurements across different users and sessions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment procedures with an automated alignment mechanism that uses movable segments and adjustment features to automatically position the goniometer arms correctly on the joint, reducing human error and variability in attachment location
2Measurement precision
If the goniometer device is manually positioned and attached by different clinicians, then the device can be used for measurement, but the accuracy of repeated measurements is compromised due to clinician experience and variable placement
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment mechanism enables the device to self-position and self-align to the joint without requiring skilled clinician intervention, making the device easy to use while maintaining consistent and accurate attachment locations across different users
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates pre-configured alignment features and movable segments that are prepared in advance to automatically adjust and position themselves correctly on the joint, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures during use
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 accurate joint angle measurements up to a hundredth of a degree, improving reproducibility and reducing variability by ensuring consistent attachment and alignment, thus enhancing the precision of physical therapy monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is disposed in the center hub and configured to detect a rotation of the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring an angle of a joint of a user includes a center hub, a first arm, a second arm, a magnet, and a sensor. The center hub includes a first hub and a second hub. The first arm is configured for attachment to a first limb portion of the user at a first outer end and to the first hub at a first inner end. The second arm is configured for attachment to a second limb portion of the user at a second outer end and to the second hub at a second inner end, wherein the first hub is pivotally coupled to the second hub. The magnet is coupled to the second hub. The sensor is disposed in the center hub and configured to detect a rotation of the magnet.