Ankle Orthosis with Adjustable Rotation Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthoses for ankle joint correction immobilize the joint for extended periods, leading to stiffening and joint pain, and are not designed to exercise both the upper and lower ankle joints effectively due to their different axes of rotation.
Innovation Solution
An orthosis with upper and lower components that allow the ankle joint to be brought into a corrected position, featuring orthotic joints with adjustable axes of rotation that align with the natural axes of the upper and lower ankle joints, enabling mobility and exercise of both joints while preventing stiffening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the ankle joint is immobilized for extended period to allow ligaments and muscles to adapt to corrected joint position, then the correction stability is improved, but the joint stiffness increases and treatment duration is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis employs a dynamic joint design that transitions from immobilization to controlled movement. The joint includes a movable element that allows gradual restoration of ankle joint mobility while maintaining correction stability, enabling the patient to perform exercises without compromising the corrected position.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis allows adjustment of movement parameters through its joint mechanism. The range of motion and resistance can be modified to adapt to the patient's recovery progress, starting with limited movement and gradually increasing mobility as tissues adapt to the corrected position.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the ankle joint is immobilized for extended period to allow ligaments and muscles to adapt to corrected joint position, then the correction stability is improved, but the joint pain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic joint mechanism allows controlled movement that prevents stiffness-related pain while maintaining correction stability. The gradual introduction of motion reduces tissue stress and prevents the pain associated with prolonged immobilization.
3Ease of operation
If orthoses are designed to exercise the upper ankle joint, then the upper ankle joint mobility is improved, but the lower ankle joint cannot be exercised due to different axes of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis is designed with a universal joint system that can accommodate both upper and lower ankle joint exercises. The joint mechanism incorporates adjustable elements that adapt to different rotation axes, allowing the same device to effectively exercise both joints despite their anatomical differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis allows modification of joint parameters including rotation axis orientation and range of motion. This enables the device to adapt to the different anatomical requirements of the upper and lower ankle joints, providing effective exercise for both joints with a single orthotic system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an orthosis for exercising a human ankle joint having an upper and a lower ankle joint in a corrected position, comprising a foot part for receiving a foot, a lower leg part for receiving a lower leg, wherein the foot part and the lower leg part are aligned to each other in such a way that the ankle joint can be brought into a corrected position, and at least one first orthosis joint characterized in that the first orthosis joint enables a rotation of the foot part relative to the lower leg part about a first axis of rotation, wherein the first axis of rotation corresponds to an axis of rotation of the lower ankle joint in the corrected position of the ankle joint.