Device for measuring skinfold thickness

摘要

The object of the present invention is a device for measuring skinfold thickness digitally instrumented for reading the thickness of skin folds and possessing wireless data communication capability with a remote station (for example, a personal computer) in which is installed a software application integrating a database.;The developed device utilizes working principles distinct from those available in the market, in particular uses a constant force actuator (11) integrated in the device handle (12A), whose primary function is to impose a constant contact pressure between the end tip faces (1A and 1B) and the skinfold under measurement. Another characteristic is related to the increase of the opening limit of the end tips (1A and 1B) by using a large center distance for the jaws pivot axes, jointly with a cam for compensating the change in the force arm length, the constant force actuator and the orientation mechanism of the clamping faces of the end tips, whereby the application of a constant pressure throughout the whole measuring range is accomplished.

主权项

1. A device for measuring the thickness of skin folds that comprises:
a device housing (12B) with an extension for handling (12A); a structure with two jaws (3A and 3B) with hinged end tips (1A and 1B) mechanically oriented and one lever (16) a constant force actuator mechanism (11); and a cam (4) with a profile that compensates the variation of a force arm length in the jaws (3A and 3B) and which provides the transmission of the force generated by the said constant force actuator (11), wherein said constant force actuator mechanism (11) includes: one crescent shaped saddle (11A) which supports at least one constant force elastic element (11D), two drums (11C1, 11C2), two bearings (11B1, 11B2), two rotation axes (11E1, 11E2).