Orthopedic technical system

Abstract

The invention relates to an orthopaedic technical system with - a basic component (10) that can be defined for a user, and - an additional component (20) which is designed as a joint unit with an upper joint part (22) and a lower joint part (24), - the additional component (20) can be detachably attached to the base component (10), wherein - the additional component (20) is positively fixed to the basic component (10) via at least one interface (21).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an orthotic system comprising a base component that can be attached to a user and an additional component designed as a joint unit with an upper and a lower joint part, wherein the additional component can be detachably attached to the base component. The orthotic system thus has two components, at least the base component of which is preferably attached directly to the user's body. The base component can be designed as a single piece or as a multi-part component. In a multi-part embodiment, the base component has an upper and a lower part that can be attached separately to a limb or to a limb component. The upper part is attached, for example, to a proximal part of a limb, such as the thigh, while the lower part is attached to the distal part of a limb, such as the lower leg.Appropriate fastening devices are provided on the upper and lower parts. Instead of the thigh and lower leg, for upper extremities the upper and lower parts of the base component can also be attached to the upper arm and forearm, the forearm and hand, or the shoulder and upper arm. For the lower extremity, the lower part is attached, for example, to a foot under the upper part on a lower leg. Attachment to the pelvis and thigh is also possible. In a one-piece design, the base component is attached to a limb or limb component, such as a lower leg, a thigh, or the like. The additional component has an articulated upper and lower part, which are attached to the user's body via the base component and are movable relative to each other.

[0002] In a design of the basic component as a prosthesis with an upper part and a lower part, the upper part is in particular an articulated upper part or a component arranged proximally to it, for example a prosthetic socket, while the lower part is articulated to the upper part.

[0003] Orthopedic devices fitted to patients must be adapted to the individual user or are designed to adapt to the user. They can be used on the upper and lower extremities to provide joint support. Depending on the user's needs, they can support the hip, knee, ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow, or wrist joint, or a combination of several joints.

[0004] US Patent 2011 / 0009788A1 discloses an orthotic device with a detachably attached actuator. The orthotic device comprises a frame with a first section within a second section, which are pivotally mounted to one another about a pivot axis. The frame is designed to incorporate at least one detachably attachable actuator. The actuator is attached to the upper or lower section of the frame and enables or assists relative movement between the two sections. The actuator includes an electric motor and a belt drive and is connected to the upper or lower section by bolts.

[0005] From IT 10 2022 000 114 65 A1, a device for mobilizing body parts is known, in which a first splint can be fixed to a thigh and a second splint to a lower leg. The two splints are pivotally mounted relative to each other about a pivot axis. A removable actuator, comprising a motor and optionally a gearbox, is attached to the upper part. The motor controls and executes the movement of the thigh splint relative to the lower leg splint.

[0006] US 2020 / 006 9505 A1 describes a detachable drive unit for a knee brace that is hooked onto a thigh and then folded from the side to the lower leg and fixed there.

[0007] WO 2019 / 106144A1 concerns an orthosis, an orthotic system, and a method for adjusting an orthosis, comprising an upper and a lower part that are pivotably coupled and mounted to each other via a first joint mechanism about a pivot axis. The upper and lower parts each have features for receiving a body part or limb. A second joint mechanism, which is pivotable coaxially with the first joint mechanism, is attached to the upper and lower parts.

[0008] EP 1 410 774 A1 relates to a prosthesis with an upper part for supporting a body part above a joint and a second part for supporting a body part distal to the joint, which are connected to each other via a joint. The joint is equipped with connecting elements to allow the attachment of a detachable motor unit for controlling the joint.

[0009] DE 10 2018 126 324 A1 relates to an orthotic joint with two components that are pivotally mounted to each other about a pivot axis. A damper influences the pivoting movement of the first component relative to the second component. An actuator for pivoting the first component relative to the second component is detachably arranged on a medial or lateral side.

[0010] WO 2023 / 200 815 A1 concerns an exoskeleton for supporting the torso with two components each on the torso and leg, which are movably mounted relative to each other and are driven by an actuator coupled via a Bowden cable.

[0011] WO 2014 / 109799 A1 describes a textile exoskeleton with drive units positioned away from the moving limb. The kinetic energy of the drive units is transferred via cables to the desired point of action, thereby moving the corresponding joint of the user. Multiple joints can also be involved.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to improve the adaptability of orthopaedic components to the respective user and any changing circumstances.

[0013] This problem is solved by an orthopaedic system with the features of the main claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0014] The orthopaedic system with a base component, which in one embodiment has an upper part and a lower part, wherein the upper part is attached to the lower part and pivotably mounted thereon, and an additional component, which is designed as a joint unit with an upper joint part and a lower joint part, wherein the upper joint part is pivotably mounted to the lower joint part about a pivot axis in one embodiment, wherein the additional component can be detachably attached to the base component, is characterized in that the additional component is positively locked to the base component via at least one interface.

[0015] The positive-locking connection of the additional component to the base component makes it possible to transfer forces and moments from the components of the base component—in the case of a multi-part design, from the upper and lower parts—to the additional component. If the additional component is designed as a joint unit with a fixed connection between the upper and lower joint parts via at least one pivot axis due to the bearing arrangement of the upper and lower joint parts, improved alignment of the individual components is achieved, resulting in further stabilization.If the base component has a joint connection, particularly a sufficiently stable joint connection between the upper and lower parts, then an additional component can also be implemented that consists only of a jointed upper and lower part without an integrated joint connection, since in this case the joint connection of the base component can be used. Conversely, if the base component lacks a joint connection or has an unstable one, this can be implemented or stabilized via the additional component.

[0016] Furthermore, the additional component can be fixed to the base component as a joint unit via a fixing device. The at least one fixing device, which can be designed as a snap-fit ​​connection, clamping connection, slide, locking pin, and / or magnetic lock, holds the respective components together in a positive-locking manner and prevents unintentional relative displacement of the components. Alternatively or additionally to a positive-locking fixation, a magnetic lock is provided in one embodiment and arranged in the connection area between the additional component and the base component, so that in addition to a positive-locking fastening, a magnetic lock is present that secures the positive-locking fastening, whereby the magnetic lock can be present in addition to a positive-locking snap-fit ​​connection.In one embodiment, this magnetic lock can also be implemented with an electromagnet, allowing it to be locked or unlocked by energizing the electromagnet. Preferably, the electromagnet can be used to superimpose or compensate for the field of a permanent magnet. The field of the permanent magnet can then provide a holding force even when no current is applied.

[0017] Advantageously, the fixing device has an indicator that shows the correct fixing of the additional component. This indicator can be a visual display, for example color coding, text, symbols or light, haptic feedback, acoustic feedback, a sensor for electronic monitoring of the fixing status, or a combination of several or all of the above elements.

[0018] Additional functionalities can be implemented via the removable add-on component according to the invention, thus enabling a modular design of the orthotic system. Motorized drive units are of particular interest here, and these can also be implemented as distributed systems. In these distributed systems, the motion generation unit and the motion delivery unit, which essentially corresponds to the add-on component, are spatially separated from each other and connected via a motion transmission device, for example, a Bowden cable or fluid lines. Due to this spatial separation, the motion generation unit can be attached to a different part of the user's body and can be mounted and dismounted independently of the add-on component. If necessary, the motion generation unit can be secured to the user's body using an additional fastening element.The motion generation device can be, for example, a pump or an electromechanical drive. In the case of a pump, the motion transmission device is a fluid line; in the case of an electromechanical drive, it is a Bowden cable, a pushrod, a multi-link kinematic system, or a gearbox.

[0019] In one embodiment of motion transmission via a Bowden cable, the lower joint part consists only of an anchoring component for the Bowden cable tendon, while the guide tube or sheath of the Bowden cable is anchored to the upper joint part.

[0020] In one embodiment, the additional component is fixed to the base component by means of at least one groove and rail guide. The groove and rail guide allows for easy connection of the additional component to the base component. For this purpose, the corresponding groove and rail elements are arranged or formed on the upper and lower parts, or on the jointed upper and lower parts. The respective components, which are opposite each other and are to be connected, are then connected to each other via the groove and rail elements of the groove and rail guide. This is achieved by sliding the respective corresponding components into one another, thereby creating a force-transmitting coupling between the individual components. For the sake of simplicity, the term "rail guide" will be used in the following text when referring to the groove and rail guide.The rail element can be designed as a guide groove or a rail and is referred to as a rail element in the following text to encompass both configurations. The rail guidance is secured by the locking connection, ensuring that at least two translational degrees of freedom are locked at either the upper or lower part. For example, if the additional component is attached laterally to an orthotic knee joint, the rail guidance locks one translational degree of freedom along the longitudinal axis of the pivot axis as well as translational movement in the anterior-posterior direction. Optionally, some movement along a rail guidance in the proximal-distal direction may be permitted to compensate for play. It is also fundamentally possible to lock all translational degrees of freedom within a single rail guidance.At least one part of the joint unit can be completely locked, with all three translational degrees of freedom locked in the locked end position.

[0021] In one embodiment, at least one rail guide is designed as a linear guide, the linear guide extending in particular along the longitudinal extent of the corresponding component of the base component or the additional component. On the other component of the joint unit, for example the upper joint part, the rail guide can be designed as a curved guide, the curved guide being in particular concentric to the pivot axis of the joint unit or tapering spirally towards the pivot axis, so that the joint unit is located, at least at the endpoint of the curved track where locking occurs, in a position where the pivot axis of the joint unit coincides with the pivot axis of the base component or the natural joint. In one embodiment, the linear guide has one translational degree of freedom, which can be additionally locked in the locked position.The cam profile initially has only one locked translational degree of freedom, perpendicular to the displacement plane, so that the additional component cannot be moved laterally or medially from the base component along the longitudinal extent of the pivot axis. In a preferred embodiment, the cam profile is provided with a locking mechanism, so that displacement along the cam track can be prevented, particularly in an end position. This allows the additional component to be secured by a single locking mechanism, since the coupling of the components via the joint axis automatically prevents the translational movement of the counterpart.

[0022] In one embodiment, the rail guide comprises a rail element and a sliding piece that interlock positively and enable a sliding movement. The rail guide can be attached to the base component or the auxiliary component, and the corresponding sliding piece is formed on or attached to the corresponding counterpart. In particular, the rail guide is arranged on or formed on the auxiliary component, while the sliding piece is preferably interchangeably attached to the base component. In an alternative embodiment, the rail guide, in particular the rail element, is arranged on or attached to the base component, while the sliding piece is arranged on or formed on the auxiliary component.

[0023] With an interchangeable design of the sliding piece and / or the rail element, it is possible to retrofit the base component with the corresponding component, allowing for simple upgrades by attaching the appropriate parts. This enables the additional component to be fixed to the base component. The interchangeability of the sliding piece and / or the rail element also allows for the individual selection and adaptation of the components to the respective base component and / or additional component, for example, to incorporate different sizes or functional elements in or on the additional component.

[0024] In one embodiment, the locking connection features a locking element that, in a locking position, positively secures the additional component to the base component. The locking element can be spring-loaded in the locking position, for example, as a spring-loaded slide, particularly in a spherical or wedge shape, as a tactile element, or as another type of locking element. The locking element is displaced against the preload force, particularly by inserting, for example, the sliding piece into the rail element or guide element, and is moved into a locking recess or into the locking position after the sliding piece reaches its end position.

[0025] In one embodiment, the additional component, acting as a motion generation device, comprises an active drive, a resistance device, a storage device, a gearbox, and / or an energy storage device, thus enhancing the functionality of the base component. The active drives can be implemented as electric motor drives, fluid drives (particularly hydraulic or pneumatic pumps), or artificial muscles (particularly pneumatic muscles). Hydraulic dampers, magnetorheological dampers, or friction-based brakes can be used as resistance devices. Preferably, the motion generation device is controlled by a computer to allow the motion behavior to be adapted to the user's needs.

[0026] The additional component can also be designed as a locking element or lockable joint to prevent relative movement of the upper and lower parts of the base component, if necessary releasably.

[0027] The base component is designed as a prosthesis or orthosis, wherein, in a multi-part design, the upper and lower parts of the base component are pivotally mounted to one another about a defined pivot axis. Alternatively, the upper and lower parts are mounted to one another about an undefined pivot axis, for example, via a textile connection, a fastening using an elastomer element, or another type of fastening. It is also possible, in principle, for the upper and lower parts of the base component to be designed as separate components that are only joined to one another by the additional component and are pivotally mounted to one another via the pivot axis of the joint unit by means of the additional component. In an alternative embodiment, the base component is designed as a single piece.In such a case, the missing second part, for example the upper part, is added as part of the supplementary component. In this case, only a rail guide or element, or a guide groove and a sliding piece, are required. Such an embodiment is particularly interesting when combining a base component with a drive unit or a controlled joint unit.

[0028] In one embodiment, the system is designed such that the additional component can be attached to the base component without tools. For this purpose, the necessary components, assemblies, or elements for securing them to each other can be arranged, formed, or fastened on both the base component and the additional component, so that, for example, a positive-locking connection between the opposing components is common. The connecting elements are then placed on top of each other or slid into one another and secured by integrated sliders or other locking elements, allowing for a permanent and repeatedly releasable attachment of the additional component to the base component without further tools or additional components such as pins or screws.

[0029] The invention also relates to an additional component for an orthotic system as described above, wherein the additional component is designed as a joint unit with an upper joint part and a lower joint part and has at least one interface for positive locking to or with a base component. When the additional component is mounted, its pivot axis forms a corresponding pivot axis between the upper and lower parts of the base component. The additional component thus defines the pivot axis of the upper and lower parts. All embodiments and variants of the additional component, as described above and below, are part of the invention.

[0030] All embodiments, individually or in combination, are part of the invention, provided that a combination is not technically mutually exclusive.

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 - a schematic representation of an orthosis; Fig. 2 - Variants of a two-part basic component in individual representation; Fig. 3 - a system consisting of a base component and an attached additional component; Fig. 4 - an assembly sequence of the additional component on the base component; Fig. 5 - a detailed representation of a first rest connection; Fig. 6 - a variant of the Fig. 5; Fig. 7 - Examples of system setups; Fig. 8 - Examples of embodiments with a separate drive; Fig. 9 - an example of how to fasten the additional component; Fig. 9 - a basic component with components of a rail guide; Fig. 10 - a sectional view of a locking mechanism; Fig. 11 - a version as a prosthetic system; as well as Fig. 12 - one version as an extended lower leg prosthesis.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary overview of an orthotic system in the form of a leg orthosis with a base component 10, comprising a lower part 14 fixed to the lower leg, and an additional component 20 with an upper joint 22 and a lower joint 24. The upper part 12 is fixed to the thigh and is either part of a multi-part base component 10 or fixedly connected to the upper joint 22, thus becoming part of the additional component 20. In this example, the lower joint 24 of the additional component 20 is fixed to the lower part 14 of the base component 10 via a positive-locking interface 21. It can be secured there by a fixing device 27.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows, in perspective views, a two-part base component 10 of an orthotic system in the form of an orthotic joint with an upper part 12 and a lower part 14, which in the illustrated embodiment are pivotally mounted to one another about a pivot axis 15. The upper part 12 and the lower part 14 can be fixed to a thigh or a lower leg, respectively, by means of structural components or fastening devices (not shown). The pivot axis 15 is a fixed axis relative to the upper part 12 and the lower part 14. An orthotic rail is arranged on the upper part 12 in the proximal direction, and an orthotic rail extending distally is arranged on the lower part 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the base component 10 is part of an orthosis, for example, a knee orthosis, and is positioned laterally next to the natural knee joint.The base component 10 is attached to the limb by means of fastening devices (not shown) such as straps, shells, struts, or the like. The base component 10 of the illustrated embodiment is attached laterally to a leg and has, on the side facing away from the leg, a component of an interface 21 for the positive locking attachment of the additional component (not shown), which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as sliding pieces 32, 34. Both sliding pieces 32, 34 are reversibly attached to the base component 10, thus allowing the system to be retrofitted. The proximal sliding piece 32 is attached to the upper part 12 by two screws, which can simultaneously be used to attach the orthotic splint to the upper part 12.

[0034] In the left-hand illustration, the proximal sliding piece 32 has a mushroom-like structure and a cylindrical shaft to which a head with a larger diameter is attached. The second sliding piece 34 on the lower part 14 is also fastened to the lower part 14 by two screws and can likewise serve to attach the distal orthotic splint to the lower part 14. The distal sliding piece 34 is equipped with a dovetail guide cross-section and is designed as an elongated component that is oriented essentially parallel to the distal orthotic splint.

[0035] The illustration on the right shows a variant with different geometries of the sliding pieces 32, 34, in which contact surfaces 420 or recesses 440 are also provided for fixing mechanisms not shown.

[0036] Of course, it is also possible to change the position of the sliding pieces 32, 34 or to provide identical sliding pieces on both the upper part 12 and the lower part 14.

[0037] The illustrated embodiment has the advantage of easy assembly of the additional component 20, as described in the Fig. 4 is shown.

[0038] In the Fig. 3 is an orthopaedic technical system with a basic component 10, as described in the Fig. Figure 2 shows the base component 10 in its assembled state, and an additional component 20 in its assembled state. The additional component 20 is arranged laterally on the base component 10. The additional component 20 is designed as a joint unit and has an upper joint part 22 and a lower joint part 24, which pivot about a fixed pivot axis 25, which is located in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the two components are pivotably mounted to one another. The upper joint part 22 has a groove or rail guide 223 on its inner side, facing the base component 10. This guide is designed as a curved groove whose cross-section corresponds to the longitudinal cross-section of the sliding piece 32. The curved guide 223 on the upper joint part 22 has a curvature that is essentially circular or oriented towards or away from the pivot axis 15. This ensures that when the sliding piece 32 is inserted into the curved guide 223 and moves along the curved guide rail 223, the base component 10 is aligned relative to the additional component 20.The cam guide 223 has an insertion opening and a closed end against which the sliding piece 23, in its inserted state, is positioned and secured there by a fixing device (not shown), such as a snap-fit ​​connection, a clamping connection, and / or a magnetic lock. Due to the cross-sectional design of both the cam guide 223 and the sliding piece 32, the upper joint part 23 is prevented from detaching from the upper part 12 in the lateral direction, i.e., along the longitudinal extent of the pivot axis 15. The snap-fit ​​connection blocks the other two translational degrees of freedom in this rail guide or guide groove.

[0039] The lower part 14 with the sliding piece 34 is inserted into and held in a linear guide within the articulated lower part 24. The linear guide, which will be explained in more detail later, may have an end stop; optionally, the end stop may be elastically designed to allow slight relative movement between the lower part 14 and the articulated lower part 24. If necessary, the sliding piece 34 can be secured in its end position with a fixing device. The alignment of the rail guides or guide grooves is generally arranged and designed such that, in the final assembled state of the additional component 20 on the base component 10, the pivot axes 15, 25 are coaxially aligned with each other, resulting in no or only minimal relative displacements due to the pivoting movement between the two components 10, 20.

[0040] In the Fig. Figure 4 shows three phases of the assembly of the additional component 20 onto the base component 10. The upper illustration shows the initial position, and the lower illustration shows the fully assembled position. The upper illustration shows that the upper joint part 22 has a curved rail guide 223 in the form of a guide groove, and the lower joint part 24 has a linear guide 243. The illustration shows the insertion opening 224, which is an extension of the guide groove 223 and facilitates assembly. Both guides 223 and 243 have cross-sections that correspond to the cross-sections of the sliding pieces 32 and 34, which are reversibly attached to the upper part 12 and the lower part 14. The additional component 20 is designed as a joint unit and has a pivot axis 25 about which the two components of the additional component 20 are pivotably mounted relative to each other.To mount the additional component 20 to the base component 10, the proximal sliding piece 34 is moved along the linear rail guide 243 in the form of a guide groove, as indicated by the arrow in the upper illustration. The upper part 12 is pivoted about the pivot axis 15 such that the proximal sliding piece 34 does not obstruct the insertion movement. After insertion, the proximal sliding piece 34 blocks two translational degrees of freedom and three rotational degrees of freedom; movement is only possible along the insertion direction and in the opposite direction. The linear guide groove 243 also has an end stop, which is advantageously positioned so that the pivot axis 25 of the additional component 20 coincides with the pivot axis 15 of the base component 10.If required, the lower part 14 can be fixed to the articulated lower part 24 in this position using a fixing device (not shown), whereby the fixing or securing does not have to take place at the end stop. It only needs to be ensured that the sliding piece 34 cannot slide out of the linear rail guide 243 or guide groove.

[0041] In the middle representation of the Fig. Figure 4 shows the state in which the distal sliding piece 34 is inserted into the distal guide groove or the rail element 243, such that the two pivot axes 15, 25 are oriented coaxially to each other. The guide groove 243 also has an enlarged insertion opening 224 to facilitate assembly. In this position, the proximal sliding piece 32 is opposite the insertion opening of the proximal guide element 223 on the upper joint part 22 and can be inserted. This is done by a relative pivoting of the upper part 12 to the upper joint part 22, indicated by an arrow, until the proximal sliding piece 34 reaches the end stop or the desired position.

[0042] This relative tilt is also shown in the lower representation of the Fig. 4 is represented as an arrow. The position in the lower representation of the Fig. Figure 4 depicts the situation in the final position. When the guide element 223 forms a concentric path around the pivot axis 25 on the upper joint part 22, the additional component 20 does not shift relative to the base component 10. Depending on the design, the curvature of the cam track can lead away from or towards the pivot axis 25, causing the distal sliding piece 34 to shift in or against the insertion direction. In the final assembled state, the proximal sliding piece 32 is fixed in the guide element 223, for example, by means of a fixing device (not shown), which can be designed as a snap-fit ​​connection, a clamping connection, and / or a magnetic lock, thus ensuring secure fixation of the additional component 20 to the base component 10. In principle, a locking mechanism at this point is sufficient to guarantee fixation of the additional component 20 relative to the base component 10.

[0043] In the Fig. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a fixing device 47 in the form of a snap-fit ​​connection between the lower part 14 and the distal sliding piece 34. The distal sliding piece 34 is inserted into the linear rail guide 243 in the form of a guide groove, and a snap-fit ​​element 44 in the form of a slide loaded with a spring 46 projects into the rail guide 243. Fig. Figure 5 shows the sliding piece 34 already in the locked position. A chamfer is formed at the distal end of the sliding piece 34, on which a correspondingly oriented contact chamfer of the locking element 44 rests. The locking element 44 is spring-loaded in the distal direction and locks movement of the sliding piece 34 in the distal direction, i.e., to the left. To release the connection of the lower joint part from the lower part 14, the locking element 44 is moved linearly, as indicated by the arrow, so that it no longer protrudes into the cross-section of the guide groove 243, allowing the sliding piece 34 to be removed. Advantageously, the direction of movement of the locking element 44 is not parallel to the guide groove 243.

[0044] The Fig. Figure 6 shows embodiments of the fixing device 27. The left illustration provides an overview and shows a perspective view of the additional component 20 from the user-facing side. The right illustration shows a sectional view to visualize the fixing devices 27, each with the fixing devices 27 in the locked position. The arrows indicate the unlocking direction. The upper section shows an embodiment of the fixing device 27 for locking the proximal sliding piece 32 in the cam guide or the curved rail element 223. The locking element 42 is pivotally mounted on the upper joint part 22 and locks in the locked position, which is shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 6, a positive-locking displacement towards the insertion opening is achieved. For this purpose, the locking element 42 is pivoted into the rail guide 223 about a pivot axis 45 and, if necessary, engaged there. Additionally, a magnetic locking mechanism, clamping, and / or a spring load can be present in the locking position to prevent the sliding piece 32 from being pushed out of the rail guide 223. A spring-loaded locking element 42 can advantageously be designed by appropriate shaping so that it engages automatically, as with a door lock. Advantageously, the pivot axis 45 does not coincide with one of the pivot axes 15 or 25. The lower section shows an embodiment of the fixing device 27 for locking the distal sliding piece 34 in the linear guide groove 243, which is mostly concealed in this illustration.The sliding piece 34 can be fixed by shifting the locking element 44 relative to the joint base 24. Advantageously, the locking elements 44 and 45 are spring-loaded to ensure secure fixation of the sliding pieces 32 and 34. The wedge-shaped design of the sliding pieces 32 and 34 and the locking elements 44 and 45 allows for easy insertion and automatic locking, similar to a door lock.

[0045] In the Fig. Figure 7 shows two variants of an orthotic system for the lower extremity. In the left illustration, the additional component 20, indicated by a lined hatching, is placed on a base component 10, indicated by dotted hatching, in the form of a full-leg orthosis (Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis KAFO) with an upper part 12 and a lower part 14, which may optionally be connected by a joint (not shown). The additional component 20 consists of an upper joint part 22 and a lower joint part 24. Optionally, the additional component 20 is designed as a distributed system with a motion generation device 50 and a motion transmission device 51, as indicated by dashed lines. In this illustration, the motion generation device 50 is connected by a fastening element 53, as shown in Fig. As described in section 8, it is fixed to the user's torso, but it can also be attached to another location, e.g., the upper or lower leg.

[0046] The additional component 20 is fixed to the base component 10 via positive-locking interfaces 21 according to the preceding descriptions and is fixed via fixing devices 27, whereby in this case the fixing device 27 on the lower part 14 is optional, as indicated by the dashed line.

[0047] In the right-hand representation of the Fig. Figure 7 shows the additional component 20, depicted with a lined hatching, placed on a base component 10, indicated by dotted hatching, in the form of a lower leg orthosis (ankle-foot orthosis AFO), which consists only of a lower part 14. The AFO can be either a single piece or, as in the Fig. Figure 7 shows a two-part design with an ankle joint. The lower joint part 24 is fixed to the lower part 14 via a positive-locking interface 21 and a fixing device 27. The upper joint part 22 is fused with the upper part 12 of the base component 10 to form a functional unit, as indicated by the dashed box. Again, the additional component 20 can optionally be designed as a distributed system, as indicated by the dashed components 50, 51, 53.

[0048] In the Fig. Figure 8 shows two further embodiments of the orthotic system, also in the form of a knee orthosis with a conventional thigh splint as the upper part 12 and a lower leg splint as the lower part 14, which are articulated together. The additional component 20, with the articulated upper part 22 and the articulated lower part 24, is positively fixed laterally to the two-part base component 10. The pivot axis 25 corresponds to the pivot axis of the base component 10 and essentially to the natural knee joint axis. A motion generation device 50 serves to move the orthotic system and is connected to the additional component 20 via a motion transmission device 51, in which the movement is converted as a joint movement about the pivot axis 25, thereby enabling the lower part 14 to be driven relative to the upper part 12 via the joint device 20.Depending on the form of energy supplied by the motion generation device 50, the motion transmission device 51 can be designed as a Bowden cable, pulley, pushrod, gearbox, or fluid line. In the left illustration, the motion generation device 50 is mounted directly on the upper part 12 of the base component 10. Alternatively, it could also be mounted on the lower part 14. In the right illustration, the motion generation device 50 is attached to the user's torso via a fastening element 53. The fastening element 53 can be designed as a vest, strap combination, belt, corset, or torso orthosis.

[0049] In the Fig. Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a sliding piece 34, which can be fixed to a joint part (not shown) on a lower part 14 via a fixing device 27 (not shown), e.g., in the form of a locking and clamping device. This differs from the illustration in the Fig. 2. The proximal sliding piece 34 is not designed as an element with a trapezoidal cross-section, but has an essentially rectangular base body from which a projection extends parallel to the top surface in an anterior or posterior direction. On the side opposite the projection, a recess 37 is incorporated within the sliding piece 34, into which a clamping lever can engage, as shown in the Fig. Figure 10 is shown. Joint components 22 and 24 are not shown in this illustration.

[0050] Fig. Figure 10 shows a sectional view of a fixing device in the form of a locking and clamping device. A clamping lever 47, which is pivotably mounted on a part of an additional component 24, has a clamping surface formed eccentrically to the pivot axis and a shoulder that engages in the recess 37 within the sliding piece 34 to lock the translational degree of freedom along the longitudinal extent of the pivot axis perpendicular to the main surface or surface of the upper part 12. Via the eccentric clamping surface, which rests on the sliding piece 34 below the recess 37, the sliding piece 34 is fixed in a corresponding rail guide or guide groove in the joint upper part 22 and is locked and simultaneously clamped there. This clamping effect can be enhanced by a correspondingly wedge-shaped design of the sliding piece 34 and the corresponding geometry of the guide groove 243.Alternatively, the recess 37 can be omitted to clamp the sliding piece 34 directly. However, this eliminates the additional safety provided by the positive locking connection formed by the recess 37.

[0051] In the Fig. Figure 11 shows a variant of an orthotic system as an extension of a leg prosthesis. The additional component 20, depicted with a lined hatching, is mounted on a base component 10, indicated by dotted hatching, in the form of a leg prosthesis with an upper part 12 as a prosthetic socket and a lower part 14 as a below-knee prosthesis with a prosthetic knee joint. The additional component 20 consists of an upper joint part 22 and a lower joint part 24. Optionally, the additional component 20 can be designed as a distributed system with a motion generation device 50 and a motion transmission device 51, as indicated by dashed lines. In this illustration, the motion generation device 50 is connected by a fastening element 53, as shown in Fig. As described in section 8, the motion generation device 50 is fixed to the user's torso. However, it can also be attached to another location, e.g., the upper or lower leg, or be directly integrated into the additional component 20. The additional component 20 is fixed to the base component 10 via positive-locking interfaces 21 as described above and secured by fixing devices 27, whereby in this case the fixing device 27 on the lower part 14 is optional, as indicated by the dashed lines.

[0052] Fig. Figure 12 shows a variant of an orthotic system as an extension of a below-knee prosthesis with a prosthetic foot. The additional component 20, depicted with a lined hatching, is mounted on a base component 10, indicated by dotted hatching, in the form of a below-knee prosthesis with a lower part 14. The additional component 20 consists of an upper joint part 22 and a lower joint part 24. Optionally, the additional component 20 can be designed as a distributed system with a motion generation device 50 and a motion transmission device 51, as indicated by dashed lines. In this illustration, the motion generation device 50 is connected by a fastening element 53, as shown in Fig. As described in section 8, the motion generation device 50 is attached to the user's torso. However, it can also be attached to another location, e.g., the upper or lower leg, or be directly integrated into the additional component 20. The additional component 20 is attached to the lower part 14 of the base component 10 via a positive-locking interface 21 as described above and secured by a fixing device 27. Similar to the illustration on the left. Fig. In this variant, the upper joint part 22 is fused with the upper part 12 of the base component 10 to form a functional unit, as indicated by the dashed box. This allows the additional component 20 to be fixed to the user's thigh. Again, the additional component 20 can optionally be designed as a distributed system, as indicated by the dashed components. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2011 / 0 009 788 A1

[0004] IT 10 2022 000 114 65 A1

[0005] US 2020 / 006 9505 A1

[0006] WO 2019 / 106 144 A1

[0007] EP 1 410 774 A1

[0008] DE 10 2018 126 324 A1

[0009] WO 2023 / 200 815 A1

[0010] WO 2014 / 109 799 A1

[0011]

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