Joint Damping Orthosis With Velocity-Dependent Motion Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for stabilizing body movements across joints fail to provide adequate protection against injuries by not accounting for angular velocity and acceleration, leading to potential damage when the joint angle exceeds a limit, and they either restrict movement excessively or offer no protection before reaching the limit angle.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first part attached to a body part, a second part pivotable relative to the first, a damping element, and a tensile-resistant connecting element with a spacer element that maintains the connecting element at a distance from the pivot point, allowing for velocity- or acceleration-dependent damping to increase resistance force, thereby minimizing injury risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid splints or orthoses are used to completely block movement beyond a limit angle, then joint stability is improved, but movement restriction becomes excessive and causes more injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic damping element that provides velocity-dependent resistance. The damping element allows movement within a physiological range but automatically increases resistance force when abnormal velocity or acceleration occurs, creating a dynamic protection mechanism that adapts to movement characteristics rather than imposing fixed restrictions
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element changes its mechanical properties based on movement parameters. By using velocity-dependent damping, the system modifies its stiffness and resistance characteristics in real-time based on the speed and acceleration of joint movement, allowing normal motion while restricting abnormal motion patterns
2Reliability
If devices block movement completely at a limit angle, then joint protection is improved, but stress on the joint structure increases due to abrupt halt
Solution Approach 1:
The damping element acts as a cushioning mechanism that progressively resists abnormal movement rather than abruptly blocking it. By providing velocity-dependent damping force, the system dissipates energy gradually during the movement sequence, preventing sudden stops and reducing impact stresses on the joint structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of movement velocity into a beneficial damping force. The velocity-dependent damping element uses the speed of movement itself to generate protective resistance, transforming the kinetic energy that could cause injury into the damping force that prevents injury
3Ease of operation
If devices offer no protection before reaching the limit angle, then movement freedom is improved, but injury risk increases during abnormal movements
Solution Approach 1:
The damping element provides real-time feedback based on movement velocity and acceleration. When abnormal movement patterns are detected through increased velocity or acceleration, the damping element automatically increases resistance force, creating a closed-loop protection system that responds to actual movement characteristics
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 effectively dampens abnormal joint movements by increasing resistance force in response to increased speed or acceleration, reducing the risk of injury while allowing normal movements with minimal interference.
Implementation Method 1
a velocity- or acceleration-dependent damping element, wherein, for example, dorsiflexion via the wrist causes a pull-out body to be withdrawn from a receptacle filled with the dilatant fluid
Implementation Method 2
a velocity- or acceleration-dependent damping element
Implementation Method 3
a velocity-dependent or acceleration-dependent adaptive restraint is provided by means of a dilatant fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for damping a body movement via a joint, comprising: a first part (2) for attachment to a first body part; a second part (3) which can pivot relative to the first part (2) and is intended for attachment to a second body part which is situated on the other side of the joint from the first body part; a damping element (4) which is fastened to the second part (3); and a connection element that has tensile rigidity, the connection element extending from the first part (2) to the second part (3), and the tensilely rigid connection element being attached to the first part (2) and fastened to the second part (3) via the damping element (4). At least one spacing element (6) is situated between the first part (2) and the second part (3), the spacing element (6) being designed such that, when the first part (2) pivots relative to the second part (3), the spacing element (6) holds the connection element spaced from a centre of revolution (7) of the pivot movement.