Wearable Limb Strength Measurement Device With Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring muscle strength, such as isometric dynamometry systems, are costly and require significant resources, while hand-held dynamometry systems are difficult to use for testing major joints due to stabilization challenges.
Innovation Solution
A wearable limb strength measurement device with pivotally connected members and contact pads that can be locked in position, using a load cell to measure isometric flexion or extension forces, allowing for self-stabilization and easy reconfiguration for different joint measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If isometric dynamometry systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: longitudinal members forming a frame, contact pads for force application, a locking mechanism for position fixation, and a force measurement device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism automatically secures the angular orientation of the longitudinal members relative to each other, eliminating the need for continuous manual stabilization. The device self-stabilizes during measurement, reducing operator involvement and simplifying the measurement process while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If isometric dynamometry systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to space and resource requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device features pivotally connected longitudinal members that can be locked at various angular orientations, allowing the device to adapt to different joint measurements (knee, elbow, wrist, etc.). This dynamic reconfigurability enables a single portable device to replace multiple fixed apparatuses, improving ease of operation and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The force measurement device is designed to measure isometric strength for both flexion and extension by reconfiguring the angular orientation of the longitudinal members. This multi-functionality allows one device to perform multiple measurement tasks, reducing the need for specialized equipment and improving portability.
3Device complexity
If hand-held dynamometry systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to stabilization challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically secures the angular orientation of the longitudinal members relative to each other, eliminating the need for continuous manual stabilization. The device self-stabilizes during measurement, reducing operator involvement and simplifying the measurement process while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the operator and the force measurement process. By automatically securing the device position, it mediates the stabilization challenge, allowing the operator to focus on applying force rather than maintaining device stability.
4Device complexity
If hand-held dynamometry systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to stabilization issues
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically secures the angular orientation of the longitudinal members relative to each other, eliminating the need for continuous manual stabilization. The device self-stabilizes during measurement, reducing operator involvement and simplifying the measurement process while maintaining precision.
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 and reliable measurements of muscle strength, comparable to gold-standard isokinetic dynamometry systems, while being more accessible and easier to use than hand-held systems, with minimal resource requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A load cell or other force measurement sensor integrated with the device measures the force applied to one of the contact pads
Data Source
AI summary
Wearable devices, and methods of use thereof, are provided for the measurement of isometric limb strength. In some embodiments, the device includes pivotally connected members and associated contact pads for contacting portions of a limb, where the members may be locked in position to perform isometric flexion or extension force measurements of the limb about a joint. A load cell or other force measurement sensor integrated with the device measures the force applied to one of the contact pads, either directly or indirectly. In some embodiments, the device can be reconfigured for the measurement of isometric strength for both flexion and extension.