Device and method for detecting muscle depth

Abstract

The hand-held device detects the distance between a muscle and an outer skin layer in a body by impacting the outer surface of the skin and detecting the distance to the muscle from that point of engagement. The device includes a first end including a force sensor configured to detect the force of an impact of the first end to an associated body part. The device further includes a distance sensor provided at the first end configured to detect the distance between a skin outer layer and a muscle; and a main body configured to receive a hand. The detection device includes a controller and processor to detect the impact force and distance between the skin outer layer and muscle at engagement. The device may be used to determine muscle depth and/or location in connection with the prescription and/or administration of anaphylaxis medications by auto injector.

1 . A method for measuring muscle depth in a body, the method comprising:
 providing a force measuring device, the force measuring device comprising:
 a force sensor for detecting force of engagement; 
 a load cell operatively connected to the force sensor such that forces on the sensor are transmitted to the load cell; 
 a rigid portion joined to the force sensor by a flexible portion such that the force sensor is flexibly joined to the relatively rigid portion and is laterally movable with respect to a longitudinal center line of the relatively rigid portion; and 
 a calculation device that quantifies displacement of internal tissues in the body; 
   applying a force with the force sensor against an external body tissue;   detecting a distance between an outer skin layer and muscle layer;   measuring the force applied to the external body tissue;   calculating a displacement of the external body tissue;   calculating depth to muscle (d m ,); and,   transmitting the depth to muscle to a user.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 prescribing needle length of an injection device, comprising:
 comparing the calculated depth to muscle (d m ) to a distance (d s ) corresponding to a value for a pre-selected needle length and, 
 selecting a needle length or injection device. 
   
     
     
         3 . A method for locating an injection location by emergency personal, including the steps of:
 measuring a muscle depth (d m ) on the body using a muscle detection device;   comparing the measured muscle depth (d m ) to a selected distance or range (d s ) related to an auto-injection device or needle length; and,   indicating when (d m ) is equal to, or within the range of the selected distance or range (d s ).