Adjustable Fixture Assembly for 3D Appendage Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for obtaining accurate three-dimensional measurements of human appendages, such as legs and feet, are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and inconvenient, especially for patients with limited strength or endurance, often resulting in inaccurate digital models due to the inability to dynamically position the appendage for scanning.
Innovation Solution
A fixture assembly that allows for dynamic positioning of a human appendage in three dimensions, enabling simultaneous rotation in coronal, axial, and sagittal planes, with a base, support member, and platform configuration, and optional harness assembly for manual adjustment, to facilitate comprehensive scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional molding methods are used to obtain three-dimensional measurements, then accurate representation of appendage contours can be achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive, time-consuming, and requires the patient to hold the appendage absolutely still
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical molding system (plaster, silicone, resin materials and manual casting processes) with a digital scanning system that uses optical/electromagnetic fields to capture three-dimensional data. The scanner projects patterns or captures images and processes them digitally to create an accurate 3D model of the appendage, eliminating the need for physical molding materials and manual casting operations while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (virtual model) of the appendage through scanning and image processing, rather than creating a physical copy through molding. The digital model stored in memory can be repeatedly accessed, modified, and used for fabrication without requiring repeated physical molding processes, significantly reducing time consumption and labor intensity while maintaining contour accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the patient holds the appendage motionless for traditional molding, then accurate mold capture is possible, but the method is inconvenient for patients with limited strength or endurance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic positioning system with adjustable support members, platforms, and harnesses that can move and adapt to different patient needs. The fixture assembly allows the appendage to be positioned and maintained in optimal scanning configurations without requiring the patient to actively hold the appendage motionless. The system provides active support through mechanical means, freeing the patient from the burden of maintaining position while ensuring accurate scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fixture assembly as an intermediary device between the patient and the scanning process. This intermediary system provides mechanical support and positioning for the appendage, acting as a mediator that bears the burden of positioning and stabilization, thereby improving patient comfort and ease of operation during scanning while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed positioning device is used for scanning, then the appendage can be held in position, but the device cannot dynamically adjust to position the appendage in optimal scanning configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the fixture assembly with multiple movable and adjustable components including support members with adjustable positions, platforms that can be tilted or rotated, and harnesses with variable configurations. These dynamic elements allow the system to adapt to different appendage sizes, shapes, and scanning requirements while maintaining stable positioning during the actual scanning process. The system transitions from static to dynamic control, providing both adaptability during setup and stability during scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the positioning system into multiple independent adjustable segments (support members, platforms, harnesses, locking mechanisms) rather than using a single fixed structure. Each segment can be independently adjusted and positioned to accommodate different scanning configurations. This segmentation provides versatility and adaptability while allowing the assembled system to maintain stable positioning when locked into place for scanning.
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 accurate and efficient capture of three-dimensional data for customized orthotic and prosthetic device fabrication, improving patient comfort and reducing errors in digital modeling.
Implementation Method 1
A ball joint secures a first end of the support member to the based
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is an adjustable fixture assembly for supporting an appendage of a patient, such as a foot and/or leg, in a desirable position to allow for a comprehensive scan of the appendage. The adjustable fixture assembly comprising a base, a support member, and a platform. A ball joint secures a first end of the support member to the based and a second end of the support member is coupled to the platform. The adjustable fixture assembly is configured to support the foot and/or leg of a patient on the platform, which is configured to pivot about three degrees of freedom relative to the base. The adjustable fixture assembly can optionally include a harness assembly for manually manipulating the position and orientation of the platform and a foot support assembly to engage with the heal of the foot to further support the patient's foot and/or leg on the platform.