Multi-DoF Hip Orthotic Support Structure for Full Range of Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hip-aligned devices, such as exoskeletons and orthoses, restrict user mobility due to large mechanical arrangements or the sacrifice of natural hip movements, particularly in the frontal and horizontal planes, leading to cumbersome or mobility-limiting solutions.
Innovation Solution
A compact, multi-Degree of Freedom (DoF) support structure that aligns with a single biomechanical plane, incorporating a support belt and multi-DoF mechanisms allowing full range of motion, including frontal, transverse, and sagittal plane rotational DoFs, with an off-axis sagittal plane translational DoF mechanism to prevent misalignment and mechanical constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hip-aligned devices like exoskeletons and orthoses are used to provide structural and mechanical assistance, then force transmission across the hip joint is enabled, but user hip mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the hip joint support into three independent rotational DoF mechanisms (frontal plane, transverse plane, sagittal plane) that can move independently. This segmentation allows force transmission in the sagittal plane while preserving mobility in the frontal and horizontal planes, resolving the contradiction between force transmission and user mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds multiple degrees of freedom by incorporating rotational mechanisms in three different planes (frontal, transverse, sagittal) rather than constraining motion to a single plane. This dimensional expansion enables force transmission while maintaining full range of motion in all biomechanical planes.
2Force
If large mechanical arrangements are used to maintain alignment with hip axes, then force transmission is maintained, but the device becomes heavy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The support belt uses a zero-rigidity material that can transmit forces while allowing motion. This flexible material replaces heavy rigid mechanical structures, enabling force transmission without the weight and bulk of traditional mechanical arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the rigidity parameter of the support belt to zero, transforming it from a rigid force-transmission element to a flexible element that can transmit forces while accommodating motion. This parameter change eliminates the need for heavy mechanical structures.
3Device complexity
If off-axis degrees of freedom are avoided to prevent mechanical constraints, then device simplicity is maintained, but natural hip mobility in frontal and horizontal planes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments motion control into three independent rotational DoF mechanisms, each handling a specific plane (frontal, transverse, sagittal). This segmentation allows off-axis motion in frontal and horizontal planes while maintaining simplicity through modular, independent mechanisms rather than complex coupled systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A compact, multi-Degree of Freedom (DoF) support structure located within a single biomechanical plane, for supporting an orthotic device allowing for a user's full range of motion in all biomechanical plans, The support structure comprises a support belt configured to be secured around the user's body and a multi-DoF motion element that includes a frontal plane rotational DoF mechanism, a transverse plane rotational DoF mechanism and a sagittal plane rotational DoF mechanism, allowing the multi-Degree of Freedom (DoF) support structure to support the orthotic device while allowing for the user's full range of motion in all biomechanical plans.