Amputee Orthosis with Dynamic Drive for Joint Range of Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Injured or post-surgical joints often experience reduced range of motion due to scar tissue formation, muscle contracture, and tissue adhesions, which existing orthoses may not effectively address, especially in cases of amputations where traditional ROM orthoses are not specifically designed for such conditions.
Innovation Solution
An orthosis comprising a proximal cuff, a residual-limb cuff with a liner, and a dynamic force mechanism that applies selective movement to increase range of motion in amputated limbs, utilizing principles of stress relaxation and creep to gradually stretch and elongate tissues, suitable for various joints like the knee, elbow, and ankle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ROM orthoses are used for amputated limbs, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot effectively address scar tissue formation and tissue adhesions specific to amputation cases
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis is divided into distinct functional segments: a proximal cuff for attachment to the intact limb, a residual limb cuff with liner for the amputated portion, and a drive mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to address specific treatment needs while maintaining overall system effectiveness for amputation-specific conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A residual limb liner is introduced as an intermediary component between the orthosis and the amputated limb. This liner provides specialized contact and distribution of forces specifically suited for the sensitive residual limb tissue, addressing the unique requirements of amputation cases without complicating the overall orthosis structure.
2Productivity
If static splinting or serial casting is used, then the device structure is simple, but the treatment time is extended and tissue relaxation is gradual
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis employs a drive mechanism that enables dynamic adjustment of the residual limb cuff position, allowing progressive incrementing of stretch forces. This dynamic capability accelerates tissue relaxation and range of motion improvement compared to static methods, while the controlled progression maintains treatment safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment protocol involves periodic cycles of stretching and holding, where the orthosis applies stretch forces, maintains them for specified durations to allow tissue relaxation, then increments to new positions. This periodic action pattern optimizes both treatment efficiency and tissue adaptation.
3Manufacturing precision
If incremental stretch positioning is applied, then tissue elongation is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions the residual limb cuff, applies stretch forces, and enables incremental adjustments. This multi-functionality achieves precise positioning capability without requiring separate complex positioning mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The orthosis effectively increases range of motion in both extension and flexion by applying dynamic or static loads, facilitating tissue elongation and preventing relaxation, thereby improving joint mobility in amputated limbs.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing principles of stress relaxation and creep to gradually stretch and elongate tissues
Implementation Method 2
utilizing principles of stress relaxation and creep to gradually stretch and elongate tissues
Data Source
AI summary
An orthosis is suitable for treating a joint of a subject that includes an amputated limb. The orthosis may be suitable for treating hinge joints (e.g., knee joint, elbow joint, and ankle joint) or ellipsoidal joints (e.g., wrist joint, finger joints, and toe joints) of the body. The orthosis includes a residual-limb cuff for coupling a residual limb to the orthosis. The residual-limb cuff includes a residual-limb liner. The residual-limb liner includes a liner body configured to surround the residual limb.