Wearable Stretch Sensor for Body Part Motion Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accurately measuring body part motion and deformation, especially in clinical settings, are prone to inconsistencies and human errors due to the complexity of body part movements and deformations, particularly in dynamic and three-dimensional contexts.
Innovation Solution
The use of wearable stretch sensors that change electrical characteristics with stretching, attached to body parts via tape or sleeves, coupled with inertial measurement units (IMUs) to provide precise data on motion and deformation, allowing for real-time analysis and display of muscle activation and body part motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used for body part motion, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to human error and inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with electronic sensors and automated data processing systems. Wearable sensors equipped with accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers automatically capture motion data, eliminating human error in measurement while providing precise, objective quantification of body part movement patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of physical motion through sensor data acquisition and processing. Instead of direct manual measurement, the system captures motion characteristics through electronic sensors and reconstructs movement patterns digitally, allowing for precise analysis without physical contact or human intervention in the measurement process.
2Measurement precision
If wearable sensors are used for body part motion analysis, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensor components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) into integrated wearable sensor units. By merging these components into a single cohesive system, the patent achieves comprehensive motion capture capabilities while managing device complexity through unified design and coordinated data processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - capturing linear acceleration, angular velocity, and magnetic field data to comprehensively analyze body part motion in three-dimensional space. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate measurement tools, improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for comprehensive motion analysis, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex sensor application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the body into segmented regions, placing specific sensor configurations on relevant body parts. This segmentation allows for targeted measurement of specific motion patterns while simplifying the overall application process, as sensors are placed only where needed rather than requiring comprehensive coverage of the entire body.
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 approach enables accurate and consistent measurement of body part motion, reducing errors associated with traditional manual methods and providing detailed insights into muscle function and body movement patterns, suitable for medical, sports, and therapeutic applications.
Implementation Method 1
A first stretch sensor changes electrical characteristics as the first stretch sensor stretches
Implementation Method 2
The electrical characteristics can include changes in resistance, capacitance, inductance, and/or impedance
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments describe techniques for body part motion analysis. A stretch sensor is attached to a body part. Tape can be applied to the body part, and the stretch sensor can be attached to the tape using connectors, hooks, snaps, or Velcro™. The stretch sensor changes electrical characteristics as it stretches. A sensor coupled to the stretch sensor collects changes in electrical characteristics based on motion of the body part. A communication unit provides information from the sensor to a receiving unit. Motion of the body part is shown on a display. The displayed body part can be an animation and can be displayed in the context of an overall body. The stretch sensor is used for measuring body part motion. An inertial measurement unit provides augmented motion information. The stretch sensor senses muscle activities such as muscle activation and deformation and provides movement angle, force and torque evaluation.