Ankle Orthosis with Sensor Feedback for Gait Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for supporting plantar flexion in the ankle joint require intensive and lengthy physiotherapy sessions for lasting improvement in gait patterns, limiting the ability to practice and correct gait outside of therapy sessions.
Innovation Solution
A lower leg orthosis system with a foot part, cuff, and spring connected to sensors that detect movement patterns, providing immediate feedback for correction, allowing patients to practice optimized gait patterns independently through data comparison with target data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors and feedback systems are added to the lower leg orthosis, then gait pattern correction capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by equipping the lower leg orthosis with sensors that detect movement patterns and provide real-time information to the user about deviations from target gait patterns. This enables continuous monitoring and correction of gait abnormalities, directly improving gait pattern correction capability through closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical gait correction mechanisms with sensor-based detection and information-based feedback systems. Instead of using purely mechanical means to enforce correct gait patterns, the system uses sensors to monitor movement and provides informational feedback, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving correction effectiveness.
2Reliability
If intensive physiotherapy sessions are conducted, then gait pattern improvement is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service gait training by providing users with immediate feedback about their gait patterns through the sensor system. Users can independently monitor and correct their own gait deviations without requiring constant physiotherapist supervision, allowing them to practice and improve gait patterns during daily activities at home, thereby reducing the need for time-consuming intensive therapy sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous gait pattern practice and correction throughout daily life by providing real-time feedback during normal walking activities. Instead of concentrating correction efforts only during scheduled therapy sessions, the system allows for continuous monitoring and adjustment of gait patterns during everyday movements, making the therapeutic process ongoing and integrated into normal life rather than requiring separate intensive sessions.
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
Enables patients to practice and improve their gait patterns outside of therapy sessions by providing immediate feedback, leading to continuous learning and optimization of movement patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (7) which encircles the lower leg at the back and connects the foot section (1) to the cuff (5)
Implementation Method 2
sensors (11) for detecting a movement pattern are positioned on the lower leg orthosis
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for supporting plantar flexion in the upper ankle joint, comprising a lower leg orthosis (1) with a foot section having a walking sole (3) and a cuff (5) for attaching the lower leg orthosis (1) in the region of the tibial head, wherein the foot section and the cuff (5) are connected to a spring (7) that encloses the lower leg at the posterior aspect. Sensors (11) for detecting a movement pattern are positioned on the lower leg orthosis (7), and the system includes an evaluation unit configured such that data acquired by the sensors (11) for detecting the movement pattern are compared with target data, and in the event of a deviation, information is provided to the wearer of the lower leg orthosis. The invention further relates to a method for supporting a patient while walking with such a system for supporting plantar flexion in the upper ankle joint.