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BIOPAC Hardware | Gonio-Torsio | Page 3 - 9
Updated: 11.21.2013
If a light force is now applied, pushing the two endblocks linearly towards each other, the only way the distance L1 can
decrease in length is if the measuring element buckles.
Buckling is detrimental to the accuracy of the goniometer and torsiometer sensors, so attachment instructions are
provided for the most commonly measured joints (on page 8), to ensure that it does not occur in practice.
There is no u
niversal rule governing which size of sensor is most suitable for a p
articular joint; this depends on the size of
the subject.
In general, the sensor must be capable of reaching across the joint so that the two endblocks can be mounted where the
least movement occurs between the skin and the underlying skeletal structure. In certain circumstances, more than one
size of sensor will be appropriate.
WARNINGS
1. Take care to handle the goniometer and torsiometer sensors as instructed. Mishandling may result in inaccurate
data, reduced equipment life, or even failure.
2. Observe the minimum bend radius value for each goniometer and torsiometer at all times, particularly when
attaching and removing the sensors from the subject. Failure to do this will result in reduced equipment life or
failure.
3. Never remove the goniometer from the subject by pulling on the measurement element and/or protective spring.
Remove the endblocks individually and carefully, making sure not to exceed the minimum permissible bend
radius, particularly where the measuring element enters the endblocks.
4. Take care when mounting goniometers to ensure that the measurement element always forms a “simple” bend
shape. Accuracy will be reduced if an “oxbow” shape occurs in the element.
5. Do not bend the finger goniometer more than ±20° in the Y-Y Plane or reduced equipment life and/or failure may
result.
6. Do not exceed rotations of ± 90° about ZZ. Exceeding the torsiometer range may result in a reduction of the life
of the unit or failure.
7. Disconnect the transducers from the BIOPAC Acquisition Unit before cleaning or disinfecting goniometers and
torsiometers.
MAINTENANCE & SERVICE
No periodic
maintenance is required to ensure the correct functioning of the sensors.
The sensors contain no user serviceable components.
If the sensor fails, it should
be returned to BIOPAC Systems, Inc.
Please request a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number before returning the sensor and include a
description of what has been observed and what instrumentation was in use at the time of sensor failure in the
return package.
Calibration
When using all goniometers and torsiometers, the minimum value of bend radius must be observed at all times,
particularly when attaching and removing the sensors from the subject. Failure to do this will result in reduced unit life
or failure.
The sensors have been designed to be as light as possible and the operating force to be a minimum. This permits free
movement of the joint without influence by the sensors. The sensors measure the angle subtended between the
endblocks. Use the software calibration features (under Setup Channels) to calibrate any of the BIOPAC series
goniometers.
Each goniometer requires a DA100C amplifier, BN-GONIO or MP3X/45 analog input per rotational axis. Accordingly, the
twin axis goniometers will need two DA100C amplifiers, one BN-GONIO or two MP3X/45 analog channels to
simultaneously measure both rotational axes. The recommended excitation voltage is +5 VDC.
1. Place goniometer with care to verify that limb/joint/torso attachment will not result in over stretch at the limits
of limb/joint/torso movement.
2. Put body in the first position, which brackets one end of range of movement. Press CAL 1.
3. Put body in the second position, which brackets The other end of range of movement. Press CAL 2.
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