Humanoid Robot Implant Testing for Clinically Relevant Joint Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical testing methods for medical implants are limited in their ability to accurately replicate human motion and assess clinically relevant activities, preventing thorough testing of multiple implants and their effects on multiple joints.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing humanoid robots equipped with sensors and electromechanical systems to mimic human motion and collect data on medical implants, incorporating machine learning models to adjust the robot's phenotype and task performance, allowing for comprehensive testing of implants in clinically relevant environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If simulator based methods are used for mechanical testing, then testing can be performed systematically, but the ability to accurately capture human motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses humanoid robots as physical copies of human anatomy and motion patterns. The robots replicate human skeletal structures, joint ranges of motion, and movement patterns to accurately simulate how implants perform during actual human activities. This copying approach allows systematic testing while maintaining high fidelity to real human motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system transitions from static simulator-based methods to dynamic humanoid robot-based methods. The robots perform dynamic movements including walking, climbing stairs, and other clinically relevant activities, allowing the implant to be tested under varying loads and motion conditions that accurately reflect real-world usage.
2Productivity
If traditional mechanical testing strategies are used, then testing can be performed with systematic constraints, but multiple implants cannot be tested simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The humanoid robot platform serves multiple testing functions simultaneously. A single robot system can test multiple different implants across various joint locations (hip, knee, shoulder) by reconfiguring the robotic limbs. The same robot can perform multiple clinically relevant activities, eliminating the need for separate dedicated testing machines for each implant type or activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system is divided into modular robotic limbs that can be independently configured. Each robotic limb can be equipped with different implant configurations and tested separately, then results are aggregated. This segmentation allows parallel testing of multiple implants while using a single integrated platform.
3Measurement precision
If humanoid robots are used to replicate human motion, then clinically relevant activities can be assessed, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical testing machines with programmable humanoid robots controlled by software. The robot's movements are programmed to replicate human motion patterns, and sensors within the robot collect data on implant performance. This substitution of mechanical systems with programmable robotic systems increases measurement precision while managing complexity through software control.
Solution Approach 2:
The humanoid robot system incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on implant performance during movement. This feedback is used to adjust and refine the testing parameters and to accurately capture data on how the implant performs under various loading conditions. The feedback loop ensures high measurement precision by continuously monitoring and recording implant behavior.
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
Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of implant testing by replicating human motion, enabling simultaneous assessment of multiple joints and improving design optimization through collected data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors configured to gather test data associated with the one or more medical devices during a performance of a programmed task by the humanoid robot
Implementation Method 2
adjust one or more electromechanical systems to conform the humanoid robot to the phenotype determined by the phenotype selection module
Data Source
AI summary
A method for gathering test data for one or more medical devices is disclosed, the method comprising: programming a humanoid robot to perform a task, wherein the one or more medical devices are coupled to the humanoid robot; and receiving test data associated with the one or more medical devices during a performance of the task by the humanoid robot. The humanoid robot may include a phenotype selection module, and the method may include determining a phenotype of the humanoid robot based on the phenotype selection module. The phenotype selection module may include a soft tissue model, and the humanoid robot includes one or more electromechanical systems, that may be actuated to conform the humanoid robot to the phenotype determined by the phenotype selection module.