Dynamic Orthosis Joint with Rotating Housing Switching Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dynamic orthotic joints are limited to either extension or flexion directions, requiring separate orthoses for treating both deficits, which is cumbersome and costly for patients.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic orthotic joint with a rotating housing and a clutch disk mechanism that allows easy switching between extension and flexion modes without tools, redirecting the spring force between rail arms, enabling treatment of both deficits with a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dynamic orthosis is designed to work in only one direction (extension or flexion), then the device structure can be simple and reliable, but it requires separate orthoses for treating both extension and flexion deficits, increasing device complexity and treatment cost
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic joint is designed with a rotating housing and clutch disk mechanism that allows a single device to function in both extension and flexion directions. The spring force transmission device can be switched between two operating states by rotating the housing, enabling one orthosis to replace what would traditionally require two separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthotic joint incorporates a dynamic switching mechanism where the housing can rotate between two angular positions, and the clutch disk can engage with different elements (first or second rail arm). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical device to adapt its function between extension and flexion modes without requiring physical replacement or complex assembly changes.
2Reliability
If separate orthoses are provided for extension and flexion deficits, then each orthosis can be optimized for its specific direction, but the patient must change orthoses which increases time expenditure and treatment cost
Solution Approach 1:
A single orthotic joint provides both extension and flexion capabilities through its switching mechanism, eliminating the need for patients to change between separate orthoses. The device maintains direction-specific performance optimization while enabling instant mode switching through the rotating housing and clutch disk engagement system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spring position is made easily removable and repositionable, then the orthotic joint can treat both extension and flexion deficits with one device, but the switching mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism uses a rotating housing connected to a clutch disk that can engage with either the first or second rail arm. This dynamic engagement system allows the spring force to be redirected to different rail arms without requiring complete disassembly or complex repositioning mechanisms, achieving adaptability through controlled rotational movement and selective engagement.
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 simple and quick switching between extension and flexion modes without removing the joint, reducing treatment costs and hassle, as only one orthotic joint is needed, allowing for efficient management of stretching and bending deficits.
Implementation Method 1
A force-generating device in the form of a spring is arranged in the area of the joint section, which forces the rail arms either in the direction of extension or in the direction of flexion. A prestressing force in the direction of extension or flexion is thus applied to the rail arms by means of the spring
Implementation Method 2
The housing is mounted so that it can rotate relative to the two rail arms. The spring force transmission device which is operatively connected to the second spring end has a clutch disk which can be rotated about a pivot axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A dynamic orthotic joint comprises a first rail arm (1) and a second rail arm (2) which are articulated together in a joint section (3). The joint section (3) includes a housing (6) and a spring (22) for generating a spring force that pushes the rail arms (1, 2) in the extension or flexion direction. The orthotic joint also includes a switching mechanism for changing between a first operating state, in which the spring force pushes the rail arms (1, 2) in the extension direction, and a second operating state, in which the spring force pushes the rail arms (1, 2) in the flexion direction.