Hydraulic Orthopaedic Exoskeleton With Remote Joint Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopaedic devices are heavy, bulky, non-bespoke, expensive, and inaccessible to most individuals, failing to adapt to user disabilities and body shapes, and are not designed for everyday use.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, ergonomic orthopaedic device with a hydraulic actuation system that offsets the power unit from the joint, using exoskeletons and pressurized-fluid-guiding hydraulic lines to distribute mass and volume comfortably, and is customizable for individual needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders are used in orthopaedic devices, then actuation function is achieved, but the device becomes heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic actuation system using a hydraulic cylinder coupled to a piston within a closed circuit. The hydraulic fluid transmits force from the actuator through hydraulic lines to the exoskeleton components, enabling powerful actuation while maintaining a compact and lightweight structure compared to traditional pneumatic or electric motors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hydraulic fluid as an intermediary medium to transmit mechanical energy. The hydraulic cylinder and fluid circuit act as intermediaries between the power source and the exoskeleton, allowing efficient force transmission with reduced mechanical complexity and weight
2Adaptability or versatility
If orthopaedic devices are customized for individual users, then adaptability to disability and body shape is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the orthopaedic device into modular segments including upper exoskeleton, lower exoskeleton, actuator assembly, and control unit. This segmentation allows customization of individual components (particularly the exoskeleton portions) to fit different user anatomies while maintaining standardized actuation mechanisms, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements in the exoskeleton design, allowing the structure to adapt dynamically to different user body shapes and disabilities. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through adjustable connection points and configurable component arrangements, enabling a single standardized platform to serve multiple user needs
3Power
If the emitting actuator is positioned close to the joint, then mechanical efficiency is improved, but the device becomes less discreet and more bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the emitting actuator from the immediate joint area and positions it in a remote location on the user's body. The hydraulic fluid transmission system carries the actuation force from this remote position back to the joint, allowing the actuator to be concealed in less visible areas while maintaining mechanical efficiency through the hydraulic fluid circuit
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
The device provides improved stability, comfort, and natural movement by distributing mass and volume ergonomically, making it accessible and suitable for various pathologies and ages, while being discreet and affordable.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first hydraulic cylinder, referred to as first receiving cylinder, coupled to said receiving transmission device so as to be able to rotate said pivot-connection member
Implementation Method 2
at least one pressurized-fluid-guiding hydraulic line designed to allow a hydraulic transmission of movement from said emitting actuator to said receiving actuator
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopaedic device includes an upper exoskeleton (2, 4) and a lower exoskeleton (6), and a receiving actuator having a pivot-connection member (10). The exoskeleton is hinged with respect to one another via the pivot-connection member. A receiving transmission device (30) is designed to be able to transmit a movement to the pivot-connection member. At least a first hydraulic cylinder (20) is coupled to the receiving transmission device so as to be able to rotate said pivot-connection member. An emitting actuator has at least a first hydraulic emitting cylinder (51, 55), an emitting transmission device (60), and a motor device (70) coupled to the emitting transmission device. At least one pressurized-fluid-guiding line (42, 45) is designed to allow a hydraulic transmission of movement from the first emitting cylinder to the receiving actuator.