Networked Mechatronic Prosthetic Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prosthetic and orthotic devices with independent control systems often fail to provide stable, coordinated movement, making it difficult for patients to achieve natural and comfortable movement, and existing systems lack efficient methods for configuration, synchronization, and software updates.
Innovation Solution
A system of mechatronic devices that communicate and synchronize with each other using a communication interface, processor, and actuator to generate control states and affect motion parameters, allowing for intuitive configuration and software updates, including a prosthetic knee and ankle system that simulates natural joint movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple prosthetic devices operate with independent control systems, then each device can function autonomously, but the devices fail to provide stable, coordinated movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent control systems into a unified networked system where devices communicate through a common data bus. Each device maintains its own processor and control logic, but they are combined through inter-device communication to achieve coordinated movement, resolving the contradiction between autonomous operation and coordinated stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple prosthetic devices are configured independently, then each device can be customized, but the configuration process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal configuration system where a single configuration command can be transmitted to multiple devices through the network. The master device or external system can configure multiple slave devices simultaneously using the same communication interface and data format, allowing customization to be applied across the entire system rather than configuring each device separately
3Device complexity
If control systems lack synchronization mechanisms, then devices can operate independently, but they fail to provide coordinated movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based synchronization mechanism where devices exchange state information through the communication network. Each device reports its operational state, and this feedback is used by other devices to adjust their control outputs, ensuring coordinated movement while maintaining relatively simple individual device architectures
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include a system for controlling motion of a human limb. The system may include a plurality of mechatronic devices, each of which may be in communication with at least one other of the plurality of mechatronic devices. Each of the mechatronic devices includes one or more of a processor, an actuator, or a sensor. One or more of the mechatronic devices may be configured to generate a control state for at least one other of the plurality of mechatronic devices based on the communicated data. In one embodiment, the communicated data is used to synchronize the mechatronic devices. In one embodiment, one or more of the mechatronic devices is configured to receive executable instructions for controlling an actuator via a communications interface.