Modular Orthosis Joint With Interchangeable Functional Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthosis joints are designed specifically for their intended use and are difficult to tailor individually to the user's needs or therapeutic progress.
Innovation Solution
An orthosis joint with a base body that includes a receptacle for a proximal component and a bearing point for a distal component, featuring releasably secured receiving elements for interchangeable functional elements such as springs, dampers, sensors, or limit stops, allowing easy adaptation to individual requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If orthosis joints are designed specifically for their intended use with fixed functional elements, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to individual user needs and therapeutic progress is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis joint is divided into modular components: a base body and interchangeable functional elements (spring elements, dampers, sensors, limit stops). Each functional element can be independently selected and attached to the base body via receiving elements, allowing customization without redesigning the entire device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The base body is designed with universal receiving elements that can accommodate multiple types of functional elements. This universal interface allows a single base body to support various functional elements (springs, dampers, sensors, limit stops), enabling one device platform to serve multiple therapeutic purposes and individual user needs.
2Ease of operation
If orthosis joints use fixed functional elements integrated into the base body, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ease of customization and adaptation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
Functional elements are pre-configured with mounting features that correspond to the receiving elements on the base body. This preliminary preparation of both the base body and functional elements enables quick assembly and customization without complex manufacturing processes or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis joint transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Functional elements can be attached, detached, and replaced based on therapeutic progress and individual user needs, making the device adaptable over time while maintaining simple manufacturing of individual components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If orthosis joints have exchangeable receiving elements for functional elements, then the adaptability to individual requirements is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Functional elements are designed to nest within or attach to the receiving elements on the base body. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional elements to be integrated into a compact structure, reducing the overall complexity despite the modular and exchangeable nature of the components.
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 easy customization and adaptation of the orthosis joint to the user's specific needs by allowing exchangeable and modular functional elements, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
spring elements which act on the distal component
Implementation Method 2
functional element interacting with the distal component
Data Source
AI summary
An orthosis joint having a base body which comprises a receptacle for a proximal component, a bearing point for a distal component which is pivotally arranged on the base body, and for stops or spring elements which are acting on the distal component. The orthosis joint also includes at least one receiving element releasably fastened to the base body and in or on which a functional element that interacts with the distal component is arranged.