Human Locomotion Simulator for Prosthetic Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leg prostheses for amputees face challenges such as increased metabolic energy expenditure, socket pressure, limited locomotion speed, and disruptions in postural balance due to the lack of self-propulsion capabilities and inadequate simulation tools for testing and development, which hinder the creation of prostheses that mimic natural human locomotion.
Innovation Solution
A human locomotion simulator with a base, pelvic structure, hip-thigh mechanism, and motorized components that simulate various gaits by coordinating pelvic displacement and thigh segment pivoting, allowing for controlled testing of prostheses and footwear in realistic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional passive leg prostheses are used, then the device complexity is low, but the energy expenditure by the amputee increases and locomotion performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a mechanical simulator that copies human locomotion mechanics without using biological tissue. The simulator uses mechanical linkages, joints, and actuators to replicate the complex movements of human legs during walking, running, and other gaits, allowing prosthesis testing without human subjects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces biological mechanical systems (human muscles and bones) with an artificial mechanical system. The simulator uses motors, linkages, and mechanical joints to substitute for human muscle activation and skeletal movement, enabling controlled reproduction of locomotion patterns for prosthesis development.
2Device complexity
If conventional leg prostheses without self-propulsion are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the metabolic energy expenditure and socket pressure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The simulator copies natural human locomotion patterns by replicating the timing, magnitude, and coordination of muscle activations and joint movements. This allows designers to study energy-efficient gait patterns and incorporate them into active prosthesis control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes biological muscle activation with an artificial mechanical system that can provide self-propulsion. The simulator demonstrates how mechanical actuators can replace human muscle effort, enabling prostheses to actively propel the user rather than merely responding to user input.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional leg prostheses are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to simulate realistic locomotion conditions for testing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The simulator is designed as a universal testing platform that can evaluate prostheses under multiple locomotion conditions (walking, running, stair climbing, uneven terrain). It serves multiple functions: mechanical loading simulation, gait pattern reproduction, and performance evaluation, replacing the need for separate human clinical trials for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulator copies various terrain conditions and gait patterns that would normally require human subjects to experience. By mechanically reproducing these conditions, it provides versatile testing capabilities while eliminating the need for repeated human clinical trials.
4Measurement precision
If human clinical trials are used for prosthesis development, then measurement precision of real locomotion is improved, but loss of time and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The simulator creates accurate mechanical copies of human locomotion patterns through carefully designed linkages and actuation systems. These copies capture the essential kinematics and kinetics of real gait, providing sufficiently precise data for prosthesis development without requiring human subjects.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulator enables preliminary testing and optimization of prostheses before human clinical trials. By conducting virtual and mechanical tests first, developers can refine designs, reduce iteration cycles, and minimize the time required for subsequent human trials, thereby reducing overall development time.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses locomotion simulator comprising a base having a surface movable along a base axis, a post mounted to the base a pelvic structure and a hip-thigh mechanism wherein coordinated displacement of the pelvic structure and pivoting of the thigh segment assembly simulates patterns of locomotion. The pelvic structure includes a first support movably mounted to the post, the first support allowing a displacement of the pelvic structure along a first pelvic axis generally perpendicular to the base axis and a second support movably mounted to the first support, the second support allowing a displacement of the pelvic structure along a second pelvic axis generally parallel to the base axis. As for the hip-thigh mechanism, it is mounted to the second support and includes a hip joint having a pivot axis generally perpendicular to the displacement of the second support and a thigh segment assembly pivotally so connected to the hip joint as to pivot in a plan defined by the first and second pelvic axes.