Hydraulic Orthotic Joint for Dynamic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthotic joints lack the ability for individuals to easily and quickly adapt to changing boundary conditions such as varying slopes and heel heights, requiring complex and often impractical adjustments by specialists.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a hydraulic unit that acts on both functional means of the orthotic joint, allowing for quick and simple adjustments to maintain optimal alignment and stability, including the use of hydraulic cylinders and control valves for manual or automatic adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional adjustment screws are used for adjusting the orthotic joint, then the basic setting can be adjusted, but the adjustment process is complex and requires specialist intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic adjustment mechanism where a hydraulic cylinder with a piston and chamber system enables smooth, controlled movement of the functional device. The hydraulic fluid transmission provides progressive adjustment force, allowing users to easily modify the basic setting of the orthotic joint without complex mechanical assemblies or specialist intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single basic setting is provided for level surfaces, then the orthotic joint can be adjusted for standard conditions, but it cannot adapt to changing boundary conditions such as slopes or different heel heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static basic setting into a dynamic, adjustable parameter. The hydraulic mechanism allows the functional device to be moved to different positions along its course, enabling the orthotic joint to adapt to various boundary conditions including slopes and different footwear. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains ease of operation while significantly improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the basic setting parameter of the orthotic joint by allowing continuous adjustment of the functional device position. By changing the hydraulic fluid volume in the chamber, the basic setting can be varied to compensate for different boundary conditions such as surface gradients and heel heights, providing versatility without complicating the adjustment process.
3Reliability
If the orthotic joint is adjusted for different angles and conditions, then comfort and functionality improve, but the adjustment process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic adjustment system enables rapid modification of the orthotic joint's basic setting. By simply adding or removing hydraulic fluid from the chamber, the functional device can be repositioned along its course quickly and smoothly, significantly reducing adjustment time while ensuring reliable orthopedic function across different conditions.
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 individuals to easily adjust the orthotic joint to changing conditions without specialist intervention, ensuring comfort and functionality across different angles and surfaces, enhancing mobility and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a functional means (18, 19) for forming a dorsal stop (20) and a ventral stop (21) for the foot stirrup (13) or its stop surfaces (14, 15) on the joint part (11), wherein each functional means (18, 19) is assigned a hydraulic unit (24) which acts on both functional means (18, 19)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an orthotic joint (10), in particular an ankle joint for a leg orthosis, comprising a joint part (11) with a rail receptacle (12) and a foot bracket (13) which is pivotably connected to the joint part (11) about an axis A and has a dorsal stop surface (14) and a ventral stop surface (15), wherein a channel (16, 17) is formed on both sides of the axis A on the joint part (11), in which a functional means (18, 19) for forming a dorsal stop (20) and a ventral stop (21) for the foot bracket (13) is located.the stop surfaces (14, 15) of which are arranged on the joint part (11), wherein each functional means (18, 19) is assigned an adjusting element (22, 23) at least for adjusting a basic setting of the orthotic joint (10) with respect to the course of a plumb line of a person wearing the orthotic joint (10), which is characterized in that the adjusting element or elements (22, 23) are designed as a hydraulic unit (24) which is assigned to the joint part (11) and acts on both functional means (18, 19). The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the basic setting of the orthotic joint (10) with respect to the course of a plumb line of a person wearing the orthotic joint (10).