Objective
The objective of the proposal is the development of a device for measuring the movements of the cranial-sacral system. In this connection, this device will make it possible to determine all necessary qualitative and quantitative data concerning the cranial-sacral system in order to put the cranial osteopathy on a broad scientific basis. Additionally this device will support the osteopath by making exact and secure diagnosis. Because of the characteristics of these movements and the intended use of the device, it has to meet many great technical demands. This is in particular, regarding the accuracy of measurement, the ergonomics and hygiene. Therefore, new micro sensors and new mechanical micro components have to be developed, which are also the main tasks of the intended project. Besides this, the components for indicating the measured results and the control system have to be developed as well. Finally, all components will put together to a prototype, which will be available for clinical tests.
Objectives:
The aim of the intended project is the development of a device for measuring of the rhythmic movements of the cranial-sacral system via the movements of the bones of the skulls and the jaw. Hereby the research focuses on the development of suitable micro sensors for this device.
On one hand, the accuracy of these micro sensors must be extremely high in the range below 1 mm; on the other hand, these sensors have to meet many specific demands regarding the ergonomics, the hygiene and size of the components.
Additionally these sensors have to be very flexible in their geometry in order to adjust them to the "palpating points" of the patient. The developed device should be small for use at and in the human being. It should be able to measure the small movements of the systems in all dimensions and works touch less.
Work description:
The intended project requires an interdisciplinary approach, which centres on the fields of Microsystems and medical technologies. Hereby the research focuses on the development of suitable micro sensors for the measurement of the cranial rhythm via the movements of the bones of the skull and the jaw.
The junction of the device and the successful development are mainly determined by these micro sensors.
Within the project, the co-operation of medical doctors, osteopaths, engineers and technicians is of great importance.
The work in the project is thus both the technical development of micro sensors and the simultaneously executed training and evaluation with regard to the meaningful use within the osteopathy.
Therefore the consortium consists out of supplementing SMEs mainly from the medical branch and technical experts from the RTD side as well as a educating centre for osteopathy.
Milestones:
App. At Mid Term the development is nearly finished and the first experiences of the prototyping are available. By this the consortium decide about necessary adjustments in order to minimise the risk of senseless designs and to reduce unnecessary later expenditures for their realisation.
The items for the assessment are:
- time for reception and presentation the rhythm 2 1/2 - 3minutes;
- detection of frequencies between 0,025 - 0,01Hz;
- detection of amplitudes +/- 1mm to 1/- 0,01mm.
Fields of science
Not validated
Not validated
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringcontrol systems
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- natural sciencesmathematicspure mathematicsgeometry
- social sciencespsychologyergonomics
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
EAW - Exploratory awardsCoordinator
7521 RB ENSCHEDE
Netherlands