Bio-Implantable Actuator Structure for Flexible Artificial Joint Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial knee joints limit the degree of freedom of movement and apply excessive load, leading to hyperextension and difficulty in walking for patients with movement disorders post-surgery.
Innovation Solution
A bio-implantable actuator with a tube, power section, linear movement section, and flexible rod that converts rotational to linear motion, coupled with an elastic member to provide movement force and reduce load without limiting joint freedom, using a motor and screw mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional artificial joint is used, then the joint structure is simple, but the degree of freedom of movement is limited and excessive load is applied to the joint
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator components are nested within each other: the power section is disposed inside the tube, the linear movement section is disposed inside the tube and connected to the power section, and the flexible rod has one end disposed inside the tube. This nested configuration allows the complex actuator mechanism to be integrated into a compact structure that can be implanted within the artificial joint without significantly increasing the overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is divided into distinct functional sections: a power section that generates rotational force, a linear movement section that converts rotational movement to linear movement, and a flexible rod that transmits the movement force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide multi-degree of freedom movement.
2Force
If a traditional artificial joint is used, then the device complexity is low, but excessive load is applied to the joint causing hyperextension and difficulty in walking
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible rod acts as an intermediary element that transmits movement force from the actuator to the joint components. The elastic member serves as a mediator that stores and releases energy, cushioning the load transmission between the linear movement section and the flexible rod, thereby reducing peak loads and hyperextension risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member is configured to be compressed or stretched according to movement of the moving member, providing beforehand cushioning by storing energy during movement and releasing it to cushion the load on the joint, preventing excessive forces and hyperextension.
3Power
If an actuator with elastic member is added, then movement force transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is integrated into the existing actuator structure, coupled between the moving member and the first connecting member. This merging approach allows the elastic element to be incorporated without adding separate external components, combining the power transmission function with the existing mechanical structure.
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 actuator transmits movement force and reduces joint load, enhancing mobility and reducing hyperextension risks in artificial joints.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member coupled between the moving member and the first connecting member. The elastic member may be compressed or stretched according to movement of the moving member and may compress or stretch the flexible rod by an elastic force.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a bio-implantable actuator and an artificial joint including the same, and more particularly, to a bio-implantable actuator, which is capable of transmitting a movement force and reducing a load applied to a joint without limiting the degree of freedom of movement of the joint, and an artificial joint including the same. A bio-implantable actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a power section generating a rotational force, a linear movement section that is connected to the power section and converts rotational movement of the power section into linear movement, and a flexible rod connected to the linear movement section. In addition, a bio-implantable actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a tube having one open end and a hollow portion, a linear movement section disposed inside the tube, and a flexible rod having one end disposed inside the tube and connected to the linear movement section and another end protruding to the outside of the tube.