Knee Orthosis Arcuate Path Joint Force Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing range-of-motion orthoses are limited in effectively treating flexion and extension contractures by applying torque oppositely to the contraction, which can lead to excessive distractive or compressive forces on joints, limiting the range of motion and not accommodating individual joint anatomy and genetics.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable orthosis with first and second arm members connected via a drive assembly, allowing for controlled movement along an arcuate path, which decreases the angle as the joint is flexed and increases it as extended, using cuffs to secure and slide along the arm members to manage forces, and can be manually or automatically actuated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If torque is applied oppositely to the contraction to treat contractures, then the range of motion can be increased, but excessive distractive or compressive forces are generated on the joint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system consisting of an orthotic device with multiple arms and extension members that mediate between the applied torque and the joint. This intermediary mechanism distributes and controls the forces transmitted to the joint, preventing excessive distractive or compressive forces while still achieving range of motion improvement through controlled tissue stretching.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthotic device incorporates adjustable parameters including the angle of extension members, the position of arm members, and the degree of torque application. By dynamically changing these parameters during operation, the system can optimize the balance between achieving range of motion improvement and preventing excessive forces on the joint, adapting to the patient's specific anatomy and treatment progress.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed orthosis design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot accommodate individual joint anatomy and genetics
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic device employs dynamic, adjustable components rather than fixed structures. The extension members can be positioned at different angles, the arm members can be adjusted to different lengths and positions, and the overall configuration can be modified to match individual patient anatomy. This dynamic design maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving high adaptability to individual joint characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthotic device is divided into multiple independent segments including separate arm members, extension members, and connection joints. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using standard processes while enabling flexible assembly and configuration to accommodate individual patient anatomy. The modular segmented design simplifies manufacturing while maximizing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions. The orthosis includes a first arm member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member extending therefrom. A second arm member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom. A third arm member including a third extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom is interposed between the first and second arm members. The third extension member is slidably connected to the first arm member and the second extension member is operatively connected to the third arm members, such that the second arm members travel along an arcuate path defined by the second extension member when the second arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first and third arm members. Furthermore, the position of the third arm member can be securedly adjusted relative the first arm member.